Bus accidents are complicated yet luckily fairly uncommon types of vehicle accidents. It can be difficult to know what you should do in a bus accident. Bus accidents are typically complex because there is the possibility for many people to be involved. This unfortunately means that there can be extreme damage caused by bus accidents. However, there are several steps that you can take if an accident happens, no matter how you were involved in a bus accident.
Who Is Liable?
One of the most commonly asked questions about bus accidents is who is liable. It depends on who was in the wrong as far as who caused the collision, but if you were a passenger in the bus it is almost entirely impossible for you to be liable. In most cases the bus driver and the bus company will be at fault. There may also be times where the driver of the other vehicle is liable.
What To Do In The Event Of A Bus Accident
If you have been involved in a bus accident then there are steps you should take in order to protect yourself and your future. No matter who was at fault in the accident it is important to have an account and evidence as to what happened. The first step that you need to take in the event of a bus accident is to check that every person that has been injured gets proper medical care. If you have been injured, take photos of your injuries for the insurance companies.
Call The Police
If no one has called the police, take it upon yourself to call 911. It is important to get the police and medical personnel on the scene as quickly as possible in order to get a record of what is happening and to help those that are injured. Make sure that before you call the police, everyone is out of immediate danger.
Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, try to gather as much information as possible. Get the names and contact information of the bus driver, the passengers of the bus, the driver of the other vehicle and anyone else involved. Take photos of the scene including photos of any damage to the bus or the other vehicle and of any injuries that occur. When the police arrive, make sure to obtain the contact information of the officer who is documenting the scene. Obviously, if you have injuries, gathering information should not be your first priority.
See A Medical Professional
Even if you do not think that you have any serious injuries, you should still visit a doctor. A medical professional can ensure that you do not have any lasting injuries that were not immediately visible. It is also important to visit a doctor because Your medical expenses should be covered by the bus company whether or not you sue them. Sometimes spinal or head injuries will occur and will not manifest themselves for a time. Seeing a medical professional gives you the information that you would need to be able to make a claim, should you choose to do so.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
If you have been involved in a bus accident and were injured, you may be entitled to compensation. We at LeBaron and Jensen know that the aftermath of an accident, especially an accident of such magnitude, can be confusing and frightening. That is why we offer our services to help those who are in need of legal assistance. For more information or to schedule a case evaluation, reach out to us today.
