Buses are one of the most popular forms of public transportation and while they are generally safe thousands of fatal crashes happen each year. Bus accidents can be especially jarring and have the potential to be more complex than other motor vehicle accidents. There can be more victims involved and more responsible parties. The lack of airbags and seat belts can also lead to more serious injuries.
Challenges following a crash such as lost wages, medical bills and repair bills can be costly, but Brazil Sweeney Law Group is here to advocate for you. Protect your rights following a bus accident by knowing what to do if you are ever in one.
Steps To Take Immediately Following a Bus Accident
Whether you take a Metro Transit bus every day to work or are taking a one-time Greyhound trip, accidents happen and it’s better to be prepared. Here is what you should do if you are a passenger on a bus that is involved in a crash.
Stay Calm & Ensure Safety
Take a moment to assess yourself and others for injuries and do your best to remain calm. It will help you think clearly. If at all possible, get to a safe location away from traffic and further harm.
Call 911
If you are able, call 911 to report the bus accident. This will ensure emergency services arrive as quickly as possible to help anybody injured in the accident and secure the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Some bus accident injuries are severe and immediately apparent while others don’t show up until later. So even if you think you are alright, it’s important that you see a medical professional as soon as possible. In addition to catching injuries sooner before more damage can be done, having a medial record of your injuries will help in the event of an insurance claim.
Document the Scene
If you are able, start gathering information and evidence to document the scene. Take photos and videos, get names and contact information for the bus driver, other passengers and any eyewitnesses, record the bus number and write down anything you can remember about the accident and events leading up to it.
Avoid Making Statements
You don’t want to accidentally say something that could be used against you later, so avoid making any definitive statements about your injuries or fault even if you think you might be to blame. It’s best to consult with an experienced bus accident attorney before giving any statement to police, insurance representatives or anyone else.
Collect Evidence
Keep all your notes and medical records from the accident as well as any additional correspondence, bills and records organized. Contact the bus company and request a copy of their internal incident report as well as the police department for a copy of their report. You can also ask about any available CCTV footage from the bus or surrounding areas.
Follow Medical Advice
It’s important that you adhere strictly to your doctor’s orders. This will help you heal faster but missing appointments, self-discharging or going against medical advice can also be used against you in your bus injury claim.
Consult with an Attorney
Bus accident injury claims can be complex. Injuries from bus accidents can be severe and include long-term physical, mental, and financial consequences. Some accident victims may experience lost wages or may not be able to work at all following the accident and insurance companies will try to pay the least amount possible. You may want to contact a lawyer who has specialized experience when it comes to bus accident cases to help you better understand your rights and your options.
Dedicated Personal Injury Attorney for Bus Accidents
Brazil Sweeney Law Group has been serving clients throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul and Uptown for more than 20 years. We are passionate about being advocates for bus accident victims, putting our experience, diligence and cost-effective services to work for them. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, let the experienced and dedicated accident attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group seek the compensation you deserve. There’s no fee unless we win – let us work for you. Contact us for a free, no obligation case review.