Public vs. Private School Buses: How Liability Differs in Accident Cases

Every day, thousands of children rely on school buses to travel safely to and from school in Las Vegas. However, accidents involving school buses can and do happen, often resulting in serious injuries. When a school bus crash occurs, one of the most critical questions is: who is liable for the damages? The answer depends on whether the bus is publicly or privately owned, as liability laws differ significantly between the two. Understanding these differences with our Las Vegas School Bus Accident Lawyers at Mainor Ellis can help injured victims and their families pursue the compensation they deserve.

Key Differences Between Public and Private School Buses

Public School Buses: Government-Owned Vehicles

Public school buses are owned and operated by school districts or government agencies. When an accident involves a public school bus, filing a claim becomes more complicated due to government immunity laws and stricter filing requirements.

• Government Immunity & Limited Liability
  Nevada law grants certain protections to government entities, including school districts. While it is possible to sue a public school district for negligence, sovereign immunity laws limit how much compensation a victim can recover.
• Strict Filing Deadlines
  If you need to file a claim against a public school district, you must follow Nevada’s notice of claim rules. Victims typically have a shorter deadline to notify the school district of their intent to sue compared to personal injury lawsuits against private entities.
• Who Can Be Liable?
  Liability in public school bus accidents can fall on multiple parties, including:
  • The school district (if the driver was negligent or the bus was not properly maintained)
  • The bus driver (if reckless driving, DUI, or distracted driving contributed to the crash)
  • The Nevada Department of Transportation (if unsafe road conditions played a role)
  • Another third-party driver who caused the accident

Private School Buses: Company-Owned & Operated Vehicles

Private school buses are owned by independent companies or private schools that contract their transportation services. Since these buses are not operated by government agencies, victims face fewer legal hurdles when filing a claim.

• Private Companies Can Be Sued Like Any Other Business
  Unlike public school districts, private transportation companies and schools do not have government immunity. This means victims can pursue full compensation without legal caps on damages.
• Higher Insurance Coverage
  Many private school bus operators carry commercial liability insurance, which may provide more extensive coverage than a public school district’s insurance policy.
• Who Can Be Liable?
  In a private school bus accident, liability may fall on:
  • The private school or transportation company
  • The bus driver (if negligence caused the accident)
  • A third-party driver (if another motorist was responsible)
  • The bus manufacturer (if a defective part contributed to the crash)

Filing a Claim After a School Bus Accident

Whether the accident involved a public or private school bus, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death (if a fatality occurred)

If the accident involved a public school bus, filing a claim against the school district requires quick legal action due to strict deadlines. If a private school bus was involved, victims may have more time and greater legal flexibility when seeking damages.

Contact a Las Vegas School Bus Accident Attorney

If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident in Las Vegas, the experienced attorneys at Mainor Ellis can help. We understand the complexities of public vs. private school bus liability and will fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Source:

law.cornell.edu/wex/governmental_immunity