What To Do If You are In A Bus Accident

Buses are a common means of public transport in California as compared to other states. As of the year 2021, California recorded the highest number of bus registrations in the United States. In turn, bus accidents have been recorded with quite a number involving casualties and loss of property. 

Buses ferry more people as compared to other vehicles and as such, their collisions can be catastrophic. Considering that they are also larger in size, it is more likely that involved persons may face fatal injuries. A collision may involve other cars, a cyclist, a motorist, or a pedestrian. Whichever way it occurs, being involved in such an unfortunate incident is overwhelming and frustrating. It is important to highlight that, though you are in this devastating situation, you need to protect your health and interests by consulting a reliable bus accident attorney. Read on to identify what every individual who is involved in a bus accident needs to do.

A bus accident can be disastrous and without the right knowledge, you may not be able to help yourself. In cases where an accident is fatal and casualties are recorded, it is important to understand what to do to salvage what is left of the situation. The priority is making sure that you remain safe and in good health. In addition, you need to seek fair and just compensation to help you recover damages and cater for medical bills and lost wages.  

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident 

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

If you are in a sound state, consider helping those who may have had injuries. 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 have no injuries or 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. Immediate attention from a doctor protects your health by increasing the chances of discovering bruises. In addition, it will help with your case in proving that the wounds were as a result of the incident. 

• 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 and 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 for fair compensation 
• Avoid social media especially before full recovery or before the end of the case (if any). 
• Your health is a priority and as such always undergo medical services even when you do not see any physical injuries
• In cases of fatal injuries, do not move until emergency services are available to avoid worsening the situation.  

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: Are lawyers in this field costly? 

A: The cost of these attorneys is dependent on the intensity of the case. However, it is important to note that, a bus accident attorney handling such cases will not provide a fee unless they win your case. This makes it a win-win situation for both the victim and the lawyer. 

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

A: It is highly recommended that you seek legal representation as soon as possible after the unfortunate incident. 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 an collision incident, collect evidence which will include pictures, videos, contact information from witnesses, bus driver contact information, as well as medical reports. 

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 the impact, it is important to include legal advice from a qualified attorney in the field. 

References 

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). Risk factors associated with bus accident severity in the United States: A generalized logit model. Journal of safety research. 43. 171-80. 10.1016/j.jsr.2012.05.003.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230848100_Risk_factors_associated_with_bus_accident_severity_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/