6 Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can be devasting, causing severe damage to both your personal property and your overall well-being. No one expects to get in an accident, but you can prepare yourself should it happen to you. Below, we’ll discuss six steps you can take to help care for your immediate safety and set yourself up for any future legal action.
Actions Following a Bus Accident
Bus accidents are more common than you think. Statistically, a Chicago Transit Authority bus gets in an accident once every 36 hours. While that’s just one city, it demonstrates how frequently these accident types can occur. If you find yourself the victim of a bus crash, here’s what you should do.
1. Call Emergency Authorities
Take a moment to check in with yourself to assess how you are feeling. Once you have evaluated the extent of your damages, call 911 to get police and emergency personnel at the accident scene.
Be sure to tell the emergency dispatcher what happened, where you are, and whether you need an ambulance to arrive at the scene. If other cars, passengers, or pedestrians are involved, you can check in with them to assess their support needs.
2. Gather Evidence
As you wait for the police to arrive, you can begin to gather evidence. Take pictures of your car, the bus, the intersection, and any other environmental details that can help capture the accident scene. This will come in handy to support your version of the accident if you need to go to court for any personal injury claims.
Exchange name and insurance information with any of the other drivers. The bus driver should also have a work ID, so take a picture of their identification, including badge numbers. Additionally, get the contact information of any accident witnesses. Their eyewitness testimonials can be crucial, providing another unbiased perspective of how the accident occurred.
The more information you have, the better. You can turn it over to your insurance company and lawyer to ensure you are fairly compensated for the accident.
3. File a Police Report
Consult with the police when they arrive at the accident scene. Share your version of events, but do not admit fault. They will also consult with the bus driver, witnesses, and anyone involved in the accident. The police will take everything down and make an official accident report.
Ask for a copy of this report. You will need it for insurance, as many insurance companies require it to process your claim. It will help support your version of events and provide unbiased documentation that the accident occurred.
The report should include the responding officer's name and badge information if you need to contact them later.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine following the accident, seek medical attention. A bus accident can cause severe physical trauma, and some injuries may be delayed. You may be in shock, and you may not be able to tell that you are injured until a few days later.
It’s best to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any serious complications, including whiplash, organ damage, broken bones, slipped discs, and more. Obtain a copy of your medical records following medical treatment. Be sure to share what happened with the doctor so they can document what your injuries resulted from.
5. Contact a Lawyer
Following your bus accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal aftermath of your accident, including interfacing with insurance companies to get a fair settlement.
They can also help you recover damages for any personal injuries that you incurred, including medical expenses, emotional damages, pain and suffering, lost wages, damages to personal property, and more.
Almost half of bus accidents are estimated to result in an injury, which can lead to a significant financial burden. Your attorney will help ensure you don’t have to shoulder that burden alone and represent you in trial if needed.
6. File a Claim with Your Insurance
Once you engage with legal representation, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Under your counsel's supervision, you can share what happened, turn over evidence, and share police reports. They will investigate the bus accident and work with the other insurance company to obtain a settlement.
Lawyers can serve as intermediaries, making sure you get a fair settlement. The first offer may not be the best, and they advocate on your behalf until you get what you are entitled to.
Conclusion
Bus accidents can have devasting consequences, causing severe damage to yourself, mental health and well-being, and property. It can be overwhelming to navigate the aftermath, but knowing what to do in the case of an emergency can help you feel more prepared should the unthinkable happen.
Interlinking
Anchor: assess accidents and create reports https://www.exploratoryglory.com/lifestyle/how-to-determine-fault-in-a-car-accident?rq=police
Anchor: maintain detailed record https://www.exploratoryglory.com/lifestyle/take-these-steps-immediately-after-a-personal-injury-accident-to-strengthen-your-case?rq=medical%20attention
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