What to do After a Bus Accident and the Possible Injuries to Check

Vehicle transport in the United States economy is crucial, especially in California, considering that it recorded the highest number of bus registrations by the state in the year 2021. Unlike other vehicles, bus collisions cause significant damage due to their size. Unfortunately, such incidents account for a higher number of fatalities every year. If you or your loved one has sustained injuries, you need to consider working with a top bus accident attorney to help arrive at some sort of fair compensation. 

What You Must Be Aware of in a Bus Accident  

It is crucial to understand that injuries are inevitable after a bus crash. The more severe the injuries, the higher the compensation rate because the medical bills will also skyrocket. The priority is ensuring that you remain safe and in good health.

The information below will help you understand where you stand after incurring injuries as well as what to do after the accident.  

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident 

It is crucial for every victim to compose himself or herself, stay calm and take the following steps. 

Take refuge in a safe place

After a collision, it is important to first seek refuge in a safe place. This is because the impact of the collision has the possibility of getting worse. You must have heard of cases where a blast followed slightly after an accident on our roads. Therefore, safety must be your top priority to avoid causalities.

Take refuge somewhere close to the scene. The idea is to move away from any potential hazards. In the event your injuries are severe, it is recommended that you stay put and wait for the emergency medical response team. Making an attempt to move may result in worsening the situation. 

Obtain medical assistance

Whether you have minor or major injuries, medical attention after an incident is crucial. Never skip a medical checkup simply because you feel like you are in no pain. An accident can be traumatizing and overwhelming and in many instances, the brain may only register signs and symptoms days after the incident in which adrenaline levels will have gone down. 

Report the incident to law enforcers

A police report is crucial as it provides official documentation. In the event of compensation, insurance companies will request for a copy of the police report. If the police speak to you, only respond to what you are sure and certain about and avoid giving personal opinions. Also, avoid discussing the misfortune as well as avoid posting about it on social media. 

Gather relevant information/evidence

Before insurance companies agree to pay out accident compensation, they must have enough evidence providing proof of who was the cause. Increase your chances of compensation with more detailed evidence. If you are in the right state of mind, you can take photos as well as exchange contacts with other victims or witnesses. This evidence will come in handy if the insurance company requires communicating with witnesses to assist with your case. 

N/B: Keep a copy of all the documentation (vehicle company notices, medical receipts, pay stubs, as well as insurance company paperwork). 

Seek legal representation

Victims from a bus accident are advised to consult with a relevant attorney before applying for compensation. Legal representation ensures that you receive just and fair compensation. Keep in mind that insurance companies’ key objective is to save their companies from spending more than they need to. 

Overall Practical Advice 

• Obtain the services of a professional attorney 
• Always get checked by a medical practitioner immediately after an accident to ascertain the type of injury you may have incurred 
• Whether minor or severe, all types of injuries are crucial in determining the compensation amount. 
• In cases of severe injuries, do not move until emergency services are available to avoid worsening of the situation.  

The Different Types of Bus Accident Injuries 

Bus accident injuries can be placed in two major categories that include physical and emotional. Under the physical injuries, we have those that are minor or severe. Each type impacts your compensation differently. Let us look into each.  

Physical Injuries (Minor and Severe)

Physical injuries refer to harm that is caused to an individual’s body. The list below provides a compilation of injuries that can be sustained from an accident. 

Minor Injuries

Minor concerns require less medical attention but it is important to note that they still cause discomfort. They include: 

• Bruises 

Bruises are a type of tissue damage appearing as discolored skin patches. They mostly occur when passengers hit hard surfaces.  

• Sprains 

Sprains arise from sudden twists or a slight fall during an accident that affect the soft tissue. 

• Whiplash 

After a sudden stop or collision, passengers may experience neck injury that arises from sudden back-and-forth neck movement. 

• Fractures 

Fractures result from partial or total breakage of a bone. Partial breakage is minor but a complete break is considered a moderate injury. 

• Concussions 

Sudden stops or collisions also cause concussions, a traumatic brain injury from a blow.  

• Lacerations 

These are deep cuts in torn skin. In such an incident, lacerations are a result of cuts from sharp metal or broken glass. If not treated on time, they lead to infections. 

Severe Injuries 

Fatal injuries are catastrophic and they require on-going medical attention. In worse scenarios, they cause disabilities or death. 

• Spine/Back Injuries

Simply put, these arise from a blow that severely impacts the spinal cord. Depending on the intensity of the blow, it may lead to partial or total paralysis.  

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

TBIs may cause unconsciousness or even amnesia after a hard blow to the head. An individual can also suffer long-term complications or death in cases of severe TBI. 

• Burns

In the event a fire breaks out, passengers may suffer from burns and scarring. Third-degree burns are severe because they burn and damage all skin layers. 

• Amputations

Amputations refer to intense injuries that result in the loss or removal of a limb (hand, foot, arm, or hand). 

Emotional Injuries

Victims also suffer from emotional and psychological effects. Although they are not visible, they have a negative impact on your day-to-day life. They include: 

• Anxiety

These accidents can be traumatic and as such, individuals may suffer anxiety as well as fall into depression. Anxiety arises from fear, nausea, insomnia and/or persistent sadness. 

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD refers to a mental condition that arises from experiencing a traumatic situation. After fatal accidents, survivors who experience near-death incidents tend to manifest this disorder. The victims may experience nightmares or flashbacks. 

1. Internal Injuries 

Individuals may not suffer visible physical injuries but may suffer internal damages that can cause internal bleeding or damage to your organs. Many a time, if left undetected, they result to loss of life. These include: 

• Internal bleeding 
• Kidney rapture 
• Punctured lungs 
• Spleen rapture 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is responsible for paying for the injuries?

A: The compensation is paid out by the insurance company that represents the at-fault individual. Vehicle companies in California take up insurance policies that cover injury payments for passengers after the misfortune.  

Q: What is the importance of seeking medical attention?

A: It is important that you see a doctor immediately after a vehicle collision regardless of whether you have any pains for two major reasons: 

• To avoid the possibility of latent injuries 
• It gives a positive impact on following on legal claims and compensation. 

Q: What type of injuries may bring about latent injuries?

A: Latent injuries take time before they can manifest or before their impact is felt. They can take hours or up to weeks before an individual can register their impact. Misfortunes such as internal bleeding or concussions can cause latent injuries.  

Q: At what stage is it ideal to involve an attorney?

A: It is highly recommended that you seek legal representation soon as the unfortunate incident occurs. The idea is to ensure that you get the injury compensation you deserve. You also stand a fair chance of trial against insurance companies in the event it gets to that point. 

Q: What evidence should I collect at the accident scene?

A:  Immediately after a collision incident, collect evidence which will include pictures, videos, contact information from witnesses, bus driver contact information, as well as medical reports. 

Q: Can all types of injuries be compensated?

A: Yes they can. However, it is important to note that different types of injuries call for varying compensation. A minor bruise case will end soon, with the victim seeking to have their medical bill cleared. However, a severe injury will call for hefty compensation to not only clear a medical bill but also to compensate lost wages. 

Conclusion

Any individual involved in a bus collision needs to know what to do after the incident. Not only do you need to secure your health but you also need to know your legal rights as a victim. Considering that these misfortunes differ in how they occur and in their impact, it is important to include legal advice from a qualified attorney in the field.

References 

Al-Kazily Joan. Application of California Bus Accident Data in the Study of Intercity Bus Passenger Safety. https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1989/1229/1229-012.pdf 

John Wihbey. (2013). Bus Crashes in the United States: What does the Research Say? The Journalists Resource. 

https://journalistsresource.org/economics/bus-crashes-united-states-what-does-research-say/ 

Kaplan Sigal & Prato Carlo. (2012). Journal of Safety Research- Risk Factors Associated with Bus Accident Severity in the United States: A Generalized Legit Model. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230848100_Risk_factors_associated_with_bus_accident_sehttps://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1989/1229/1229-012.pdfverity_in_the_United_States_A_generalized_logit_model

Statista. (2024). Total Number of Bus Registrations in the United States by State in 2021. 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/196342/total-number-of-registered-buses-in-the-united-states-by-state/