Bus Crash

More than 230 buses were involved in fatal crashes in the United States in 2019, including 84 school buses. Non-fatal accidents are also devastating and can result in a concussion or spinal cord injuries. Following certain recommendations can help you overcome a serious accident like a bus crash. Here’s an overview of what steps to take.

Prioritize You Health and Safety

Your first priority after a bus accident should be your health. Avoid major movements unless it’s to exit the bus or your vehicle and are moving away from traffic. Otherwise, you may risk making a head or neck injury you have sustained worse.

Even if you do not think you are injured, you should be examined by a paramedic. Whiplash, internal bleeding, and muscle tears may not be immediately apparent. If you are not examined at the scene, ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s vital to get full medical attention for your injuries. A head or neck injury may require hospitalization, and an untreated injury can be fatal or disabling. 

After your body has recovered, you need to give time for your mind to recover, as well. Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder after bus crashes, especially ones that resulted in fatalities. Pay attention to yourself and get the proper therapeutic help if you are struggling with anxiety or irritability.

Document the Bus Crash

Calling 911 is one way you can document your experience, as when the police arrive, they will create a police report documenting the accident scene. In addition, take as many photographs of the scene as you can. Take photographs of the road conditions, other vehicles involved, and any witnesses on the sidewalk. 

Also, record a video of the scene, but be mindful of what is going on. People may get irritated if you point the camera at them and describe what is happening. You do not want to escalate already high tensions. In addition, take note of the type of bus that was involved, including the model. You may be able to file a case against the manufacturer if the bus design contributed to the accident in some way. 

Exchange your contact information with other involved parties, whether it’s the bus driver, passengers who were on the bus, or other vehicles that were involved in the bus crash. However, do not make conversation with anyone, as it can be used against you in a civil suit or insurance claim. Saying “I’m sorry” or “I’m okay” can be extremely damaging to your case.

Assess Your Legal Options

The police may determine that there is no criminal case to pursue. This does not mean that you have no legal options. You can pursue a civil case against the bus driver or another negligent party for reckless behavior or negligence. You can also pursue a case against your driver’s employer if they failed to train them or maintain the condition of the bus. 

Your insurer may give you compensation for your hospital treatment, but the money may not pay for everything. You may need to appeal or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance company to receive full support.

To start your legal case, hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in bus accidents. Schedule a consultation with them and explain what happened. Provide the evidence you collected and detail the symptoms you developed since the accident. 

File a Personal Injury Claim

You should start developing your case as soon as a lawyer agrees to take it. Each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long someone has to file a lawsuit against another party. Therefore, time is absolutely of the essence.

Get copies of your medical bills and descriptions of your treatment. Contact other witnesses and ask them to speak to your attorney. Your lawyer can depose them or take notes about what they saw. They may also have videos or photographs they can give to you, which you can use to prove your version of events.

The statute of limitations may last only two years in your jurisdiction. You should spend time doing your research and developing legal documents. But try to move fast so you can meet deadlines and get statements from witnesses while their memories are fresh.

Find Your Footing After a Bus Crash

Never let a bus crash derail your life. Focus on your health and well-being and get full medical attention. That includes getting psychiatric care for PTSD and anxiety. 

Document what happened with a phone call to 911, photographs of the scene, and a police report. Contact a lawyer and begin building your case.

Alpha Accident Lawyers specializes in motor vehicle accidents, including bus crashes. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, schedule a free consultation with us today.