Reno Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus Driver Injuries in Reno
Driving a bus in Nevada can be a very hazardous occupation. Fortunately, drivers who are injured while performing the duties of their job may be entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. If you are a bus driver who has been injured, workplace injury attorney, Raji Rai-Nielsen, and her team will help you determine the legal options that are available to you so you can recover damages like lost past and future wages, costs for medical treatment, loss of use or function, and other benefits depending upon the circumstances surrounding your accident.
Common Causes of Bus Driver Injuries
When most people consider bus driver injuries, they typically picture a serious motor vehicle accident. While motor vehicle accidents do account for approximately one third of bus driver workers’ compensation claims, there are a variety of other factors that can be responsible for bus driver injuries as well. Some of the more common causes of bus driver injuries include:
- Slips, Trips and Falls: According to OSHA, the most common type of workers’ compensation claim for bus driver injuries involves slips, trips and falls.
- Repetitive Actions: Lower back injuries are common complaints among bus drivers due to long periods of sitting, exposure to engine vibrations and heavy lifting when assisting passengers. Another type of repetitive motion that can result in bus driver injuries includes shifting and use of emergency brakes which can result in shoulder, wrist or elbow injuries.
- Violent Events: Violence caused by other individuals and animals account for an estimated 5 percent of all bus driver injuries that result in missed time from work.
Bus Driver Injury Prevention
Fortunately, many of the injuries that bus drivers experience can be prevented. According to the Federal Transit Administration, identifying and resolving hazards and potential accident conditions will help ensure that bus drivers experience the highest level of safety practical. Methods recommended to identify hazards include:
- Reviewing Data from Previous Injuries: By evaluating the events and conditions surrounding previous incidents, individuals will gain insight into what has happened in the past. While the hazards that are identified will be limited to those that have caused previous injuries, recurrences will be significantly reduced or prevented when effective resolution is applied.
- Recognizing “Near Misses:” Research on bus driver injuries reveals that there is typically a pattern or chain of events that leads up to most bus driver accidents. Slippery steps, a malfunctioning turn signal, or poor lighting conditions, for example, are hazards that can cause a “near miss.”
- Applying a Hazard Checklist: The application of a hazard checklist can help reduce bus driver injuries as well. Careful evaluation of environmental hazards, mechanical malfunctions and defects, maintenance hazards and human factors can help prepare drivers for potential dangers.
- Training Drivers in Injury Prevention: An estimated 85 percent of all bus driver injuries/ accidents are a result of human error. Training employees to practice proper lifting techniques, to be aware of hazardous conditions, and to effectively respond in dangerous situations can significantly reduce the chances of bus driver injuries.
While bus driver safety is the responsibility of all transit system employees, it is important to remember that injured bus drivers are eligible to receive financial compensation for on the job illnesses and injuries regardless of fault.
Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Other Types of Recovery
Like other workers in Nevada, bus drivers who become injured while performing their duties may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover lost wages and other damages. Many drivers are not aware, however, that they may qualify for benefits even if they were at fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Additionally, some circumstances that surround bus driver injuries are due to the negligence of a third party. If your injury was even partially caused by defective parts or equipment, the negligence or direct actions of another motor vehicle operator, or other third party involvement, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against anyone responsible. Since the laws surrounding bus driver accidents are so complex, we recommend you speak with our team before accepting any injury settlement.
Contact Raji Rai-Nielsen today for a free consultation about your case. Our firm will investigate every aspect surrounding your injury and pursue claims against all responsible parties to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your accident. Since we operate on a contingency basis, you never need to pay for our services unless we obtain a settlement in your favor.
