Taking public transportation is generally one of the safest modes of transportation. Every day millions of people take buses and trains without incident. However, accidents can happen anyway and you may get unlucky by being in a bus accident. Since it is such a rare thing, you may not even know what happens after you’ve been in a bus accident.
It’s important to know what to do if you find yourself in that situation. Besides the injury you may have, certain legal matters will arise. A personal injury lawyer like attorney Marc Lamber can help you, but you should still know the process. In this article, we will cover what you need to know when you’re in a bus accident.
1 – Gather evidence
The most important thing that will help your claim is to have plenty of evidence to support you. This means that you should take great pains to document everything related to the bus accident. It all starts with the accident itself. If you are physically able, take as many photographs as possible from the scene.
These pictures will tell the story of the accident and can help when reviewed by a court or insurance claims adjuster. The next thing to do is talk to as many witnesses as possible. Get their testimony and contact information so you can use it when the claim is processed.
You should also keep all the paperwork from doctors about your injury so it is clear what happened to you. This information will get you the settlement you deserve when the time comes.
2 – Understanding what you’re entitled to
What confuses things the most in a bus accident injury claim is figuring out who is liable. Was the driver negligent when driving the bus and caused the accident? Was there faulty equipment making the bus owner liable? Or, was there another driver that caused the accident?
Who was liable is going to impact your compensation. The first step is determining who is liable so you can start the claims process. Each case is unique, so the types and amounts of compensation can vary widely.
Once you’ve determined the liability, you will need to make a case for your amount of damages. Have a number figure for your medical expenses and lost wages to start.
3 – Talk to your insurance company
Dealing with insurance companies is tricky so make sure to report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. This helps because everything is fresh in your mind. Clear communication is key to helping them get an idea of how to proceed.
Describe what happened, where and when it occurred, and any injuries or damages. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or guessing about anything you’re not sure of. It’s not your job to admit fault or make conclusions about who was responsible. Let the insurance adjusters and investigators handle those aspects. If you have documentation then hand copies over to them at this time.
