Getting caught up in the moment is easy when you’re involved in a bus accident. You might be worried about money or just trying to process what happened. But it’s important to take action immediately to preserve your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Here are ten things you should do after being involved in a bus accident.
Immediately Report the Accident to the Police
The bus driver may already have 911, but if you don’t report it yourself, they might not find out about it until later. Be sure to give all relevant details, such as who was involved and how many people were hurt or killed.
Hire an Attorney
You will want to hire experienced bus accident lawyers, such as those from Diamond Injury Law in the Bronx, NY. Public transportation in prevalent in New York, so the advocates at Diamond Injury Law are extremely experienced in bus accident law.
They can help you with various legal aspects such as:
- Consult you about the legal procedure: Your attorney will be able to walk you through the legal process, including how much time it will take and what your options are.
- File a lawsuit: If you want compensation for your injuries or other losses, your attorney will file a formal complaint against the bus driver and the bus company that employs them. They will be able to represent you in court if it comes to that.
- Provide expert testimony: If necessary, your attorney can also provide expert testimony about your injuries and damages. This can help increase your compensation from insurance companies by showing that their negligence caused significant harm.
- Keep you posted about the proceedings: Personal injury attorneys will keep you posted about the proceedings and let you know what’s going on. They’ll also keep an eye out for any changes in your case, such as if a settlement offer is made or trial date has been set.
- Negotiate a settlement: If there’s no lawsuit filed yet, your attorney can negotiate with the bus company to get some compensation for your injuries—even if it isn’t full compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if it seems like nothing serious happened at first glance, it’s always best to be safe than sorry when something bad could happen later down the line (like brain injury).
Also, assess your body for these injuries after the accident:
- Any cuts or bruises you may have sustained: Remember that you may not realize the severity of your injuries until later on. The best thing to do is get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible so they can document any cuts and bruises you have.
- Aches, pains, and soreness in your body could signify muscle damage or internal bleeding: If you feel achy, sore, or stiff after the accident, you must get checked out by a doctor.
- Pain or stiffness in your neck and back: Your back or neck may feel stiff or pain due to movements such as bending over or lifting. This can indicate that you have a spinal injury, which can be very serious if left untreated.
- Headaches: If you feel like your head is pounding after the accident, this could be another sign of internal bleeding or concussion.
Take Pictures of Any Damage
This will help when filing an insurance claim later on. Make sure all vehicles have license plates visible, so there is no confusion later on when filing claims.
Also, be sure to get pictures of any injuries you may have suffered. Moreover, keep don’t forget these tips:
- Try to capture videos: This will help you later on when you have to show your injuries or the extent of damage to your property.
- If possible, get statements from witnesses: These can be very helpful if the other party tries to deny responsibility for their actions.
- Take photos with the victims near the vehicles: Make sure the number plates are visible and if possible, hold a paper with the date written on it. This will help you later when filing claims and proving that you have evidence of the incident.
Don’t forget to upload the photos to the cloud to ensure you have a backup in case anything happens to your phone.
Collect Information from Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident happen, collect their name and contact information so you can follow up with them later on. They may be able to provide valuable testimony if the case goes to court. It would also help if you asked for their address to reach out to them if needed. Also, don’t argue with any witness or a bystander at the scene, as this could be used against you later on.
Get the Bus Driver’s Information
This includes their name, contact information, and insurance information. It’s also important to get the license plate number of the bus. If possible, take a snap of the driver.
Do Not Give a Statement to the Bus Company’s Insurance Adjuster
They will likely try to get you to say something that could be used against you later. Just give them your name and contact information and let them know an attorney will represent you.
Keep All Documents Related to the Accident in One Place
This includes medical bills, police reports, witness information, and anything related to the accident. This will make it easier for your attorney to build your case.
Do Not Post about the Accident on Social Media
Insurance companies will be looking for any reason not to pay out on a claim, and if they see your post about the accident on social media, they could use that against you.
Be Patient
The legal process can be long, and it’s important not to get too frustrated during it. Trust that your attorney is working hard on your case and try to focus on healing from the accident.
Final Word
Being involved in a bus accident can be a traumatic experience, but it’s important to take action immediately to preserve your rights. Following these tips can increase your chances of winning the compensation claim.
Have any questions? Ask us in the comments!
