A bus accident leads to more casualties, and victims sustain more grievous injuries. The main reason behind this is that bus passengers seldom wear seat belts and aren’t protected by the airbags in a car. The process of filing a claim is also more complicated, given the multiple parties involved. Today, we have developed a detailed guide that can help you take the best steps ahead in the unfortunate occurrence of a bus accident. Following these steps will help protect your well-being and increase your chances of receiving total compensation.
- Inform The Police
It’s obvious to feel flustered immediately after an accident. If you are in the state to place a call, you need to call 911 or ask others nearby to do so. The fire department, police, and EMS will visit the scene and conduct preliminary investigations before filing reports, which can help you file personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims.
- Get Medical Attention
Your next step would be to visit the hospital and get checked for injuries. Often, the injuries aren’t apparent, but there might be any internal damage that might become visible only after a few days from the incident. Delaying medical care will increase health risks and the insurance carrier’s chances of slowing the claim settlement.
- Collect Necessary Evidence
If your injury is minor, use your smartphone to capture videos and images of the accident scene. Focus on debris, wreckage, injuries, skid marks, and other vehicles involved in the accident. Getting eyewitness names and contact details can also be very helpful.
- Understanding The Parties at Fault
In most roadside accident claims, one driver is usually at fault. However, determining which driver is at fault can be complicated when multiple vehicles are involved.
- Seeking Legal Counsel
It’s not uncommon for people to represent themselves in the following legal situations. However, this isn’t recommended when going against a powerful government body. By seeking the legal advice of an attorney, you won’t have to worry about carrying out negotiations, as the law firm will do that on your behalf.
- File A Claim
Next, if the bus is a state-run vehicle, you must inform the local government about your intent to file a claim. You must include your request for compensation for property damage and injuries sustained. You will also have to describe the time and place of the accident alongside your legal name, contact details, and address.
- Store All Receipts & Bills
Following a bus accident, you might incur medical expenses. You might also have to repair your property, such as the vehicle you were riding in. This is why keeping track of all the expenses you will incur is imperative.
Conclusion
Accidents can be extremely life-threatening. The damage is enhanced further when it involves a large vehicle like a bus. However, government protections can make it very difficult when you are trying to file a claim against a bus driver. In such a case, you can seek out the expertise of professionals at Murphy Trial Law.
