It is rather unfortunate that bus accidents have become quite common over the years. However, being involved in a bus accident can be a frightening ordeal. These massive vehicles can cause substantial injuries, and the legal aspects surrounding bus accidents are also quite complex.
If you have been in a bus accident, here is a comprehensive guide that can help you handle the situation and protect your rights.
Focus on Safety and Secure the Scene
The first and most important step is ensuring the safety of yourself and others involved. If possible, move everyone away from any immediate dangers, like oncoming traffic or dangers like leaking fuel. Instantly call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical attention for anyone who is injured. The responding officers will file an accident report, which will serve as a vital piece of evidence.
Assess Your Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Once you are certain that the scene is safe, assess yourself and others for injuries. Look for signs of bleeding, dizziness, or pain. Even if you do not feel immediate pain, you must get medical attention from a doctor or emergency room. Remember, adrenaline tends to mask injuries, and some health problems, like a stroke, may not manifest for hours or even days, so getting checked is important. Also, getting a medical evaluation will create a documented record of your injuries and support any claim you may need to file.
Document the Scene
While waiting for help to arrive, if you are able to do so safely, collect evidence from the scene. This evidence can be vital in determining the cause of the accident and building your case. Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the damage to the bus and any other vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Capture road signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and anything else that may be relevant. Also, if there are witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Witness statements will prove to be helpful in reconstructing the events of the accident.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than law enforcement, medical professionals, and your lawyer. Do not sign any documents or give any information to the bus company or their insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer. They may try to get you to sign documents that might hinder your ability to receive compensation.
Consulting with an experienced bus accident lawyer is important at this stage. A lawyer can advise you regarding your legal rights, handle communication with the bus company and insurance companies, scrutinize the cause of the accident, and help you claim fair compensation for your injuries.
Prepare for the Legal Process
Following a bus accident, you will likely incur various expenses related to the crash. Keep all receipts and bills associated with medical treatment, vehicle repairs, if any, lost wages, and other accident-related costs. This detailed record-keeping will help you calculate the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer will likely conduct an investigation into the accident. This may include gathering witness statements, requesting maintenance records from the bus company, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Your lawyer may also handle negotiations for a fair settlement with the bus company and their insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation in court.
The Bottom Line
Bus accident claims can be tricky, as there can be multiple parties liable for the accident. Some common factors for accidents include bus driver negligence, bus company negligence, and third-party liability like another driver or a manufacturer of a defective bus part. Nevertheless, by following these steps, you can protect your rights and get your rightful compensation.