Although buses feel like a safe mode of transportation, when an accident occurs the repercussions can be intense. Because buses are not equipped with seat belts or air bags, serious injuries are common.
While many people know the steps to take after a car accident, it’s important to be prepared in case you are injured during a bus accident. Below, you’ll find out what to do if you experience a bus accident.
1. Get Medical Care
Your first concern after being injured in a bus accident should be to get the medical care you need. The bus driver will usually call for medical assistance, but if they are injured you might have to take the initiative and call 911.
A common mistake people make after a bus accident is waiting to see if their injuries appear later before seeking medical help. It’s best to visit a medical professional right away, because your doctor may be able to notice injuries that you can’t identify on your own. In some locations, there is even a requirement to report injuries with a specific timeframe.
At the doctor’s office or emergency room, request testing for spinal, head and back injuries. These injuries can take weeks to show up, and at that point it may be too late for you to gather sufficient evidence to successfully claim. The bus company may pay for your first doctor’s visit even if you don’t file a lawsuit, so don’t let the expense prevent you from taking action.
2. Document and Report the Accident
Reporting the accident to law enforcement is crucial. Police reports are key pieces of evidence in personal injury lawsuits because they describe the accident in detail. By notifying the police right away, you’ll ensure that a police report is filed.
While you wait for the police to arrive, get the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the other passengers and anyone who witnessed the accident. Get witness information first, since the bus company may not be able to give you contact information for passengers at a later time. Also write down the driver’s contact information.
Finally, document the scene by taking photographs of the accident. Focus on the most important details.
3. Seek Legal Help
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is key if you’ve been injured in a bus accident. This is because bus accident cases are complex – there are a high number of victims, often more than one responsible party, and bus companies often have unique insurance policies. In addition, laws can vary from place to place.
Sometimes when there are many victims, a bus company’s insurance will cover all passengers from a single pool of money, which can result in compensation that is less than you need to pay for your losses. A lawyer will ensure that your claim is properly filed so you can get the compensation you’re entitled to. Even if you decide not to file a lawsuit, consultations are typically free and will give you a clearer sense of your rights under the law.
Now that you’ve learned about what to do after a bus accident, find out more about personal injury law by downloading our free personal injury recovery kit or book a free consultation with a bus accident lawyer.
