Bus accident claims are not always straightforward because liability and insurance coverage can involve more than one party. Depending on the bus, you may be dealing with a public agency, a private company under contract, or both, along with different rules for obtaining reports and video footage.
In this guide, we offer practical guidance about what to do if you’re injured in a bus accident that can protect your health and strengthen your case. If you are unsure what applies to your situation, speaking with a Charlotte bus accident lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could negatively impact your claim.
Steps to Take if You’re Injured in a Bus Accident
Being unsure about what you should do if you’re hurt in a bus accident is normal. Bus accidents are often overwhelming and can leave you with a lot of questions. The steps below can help you protect yourself and help you build a stronger claim:
- Call 911 and ask for medical help: If you feel hurt, dizzy, or disoriented, let paramedics check you out. Keep in mind that some injuries are not obvious right away. Getting evaluated the same day helps document what you are experiencing, which can be important for your claim.
- Make sure the crash is officially reported: If the police respond, ask how to get the crash report and write down the report number and the name of the agency taking the report. If the police do not respond, ask the transit agency or bus company what incident report they created and how you can request a copy.
- Document the scene if it is safe to do so: Take photos of where the vehicles ended up, visible damage, skid marks or debris in the road, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you were a passenger, note where you were sitting or standing and what part of your body took the impact.
- Identify the bus and who was operating it: Write down the bus number, route number, and the name of the transit agency or company listed on the bus. This is important because the owner and the operator are not always the same, and it’s important to identify the right party for liability purposes.
Understandably, remembering to do all of these things in the moment can be difficult. If you need help building your claim so you can recover compensation, speak with a bus accident lawyer. They can take over the legal and insurance aspects of your case so you can focus on getting medical care and recovering from your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Another important thing to do if you’re hurt in a bus accident is to determine fault. Liability in these cases will depend on how the crash happened, and it’s common for more than one party to be involved. Another driver could have caused the collision, or the bus driver could be at fault. In some cases, the bus company, contractor, or even the maintenance provider could be liable.
If a public transit agency or other government entity is involved, additional rules may apply, including specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines in certain situations. These cases can also involve limits on how and when claims can be brought.
Even though North Carolina has strict rules governing negligence and liability under G.S. 1-139, it can still be challenging to prove fault in bus accident cases. This is why it can be helpful to get legal guidance when you are looking to file a claim for compensation.
What Damages Can a Bus Accident Claim Cover?
A bus accident claim can account for your financial losses and the ways your injuries affect your daily life, both physically and mentally. Depending on your individual situation, compensation could include medical bills and future treatment needs, lost income, and out-of-pocket costs related to care, among other things.
No matter what you are going through, keep as much documentation as possible related to the accident and your injuries, including work restrictions and any changes to your daily routine or activities.
The more evidence you have documenting what you’re going through, the more likely you are to recover a higher settlement that fully covers your losses and injuries.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today.
Still Unsure About What You Should Do After Being Injured in a Bus Accident? CR Legal Team Can Help.
At CR Legal Team, We Stand Up For You®. Our bus accident lawyers take the time to understand what you are dealing with. We’ll investigate what happened and handle insurance and transit communications so you are not left managing everything on your own.
Previously known as Crumley Roberts, we have been serving injured people for over 36 years and have helped more than 200,000 clients. If you have questions about your injuries or the legal process, we can explain your options and help you decide what makes sense.
Call today for a free consultation.
