Traveling on a bus carries the risk of accidents and injuries, as does traveling on any sort of vehicle on the roads.
However, most of us don’t think about this and we happily hop onto the bus to go to work, school, or a social event without a second thought. We expect to arrive at our chosen destinations safely and without any injuries.
Unfortunately, road safety is something we all need to think about and even the most proficient bus drivers can still find themselves and their passengers in a road traffic collision. Buses are large, heavy, and hold a lot of people at once, making them a higher-risk vehicle on the roads.
Knowing the right course of action to take when you’ve been a victim in a bus accident can be complicated. That’s why we have covered the key steps to take following an injury in a bus accident below, including contacting authorities and hiring a lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
After sustaining an injury on the roads, your main consideration must always be your health. Untreated injuries can worsen, and open wounds can get infected. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, you may have internal bleeding or damage that needs to be addressed immediately.
Travel to the nearest hospital as soon as you can after a bus accident. When you arrive at the hospital, qualified healthcare professionals can assess your injuries and provide treatment as necessary.
Contact the Police
After your hospital visit, your next step should be to go to the police. You’ll need to inform them of what happened during the accident and the injuries or trauma you have experienced as a result of it.
Police reports are crucial pieces of evidence in the event of a compensation claim. The police may ask you a series of questions to recall the incident and gather important details that will strengthen your claim and ensure you are compensated appropriately.
Collect Evidence
Collecting evidence after a bus accident can be tough, but it’s important to do so if you want to file a claim. Evidence and documentation support your case and maximize your compensation payout.
Gather the names and contact details of the bus driver, other passengers, and eyewitnesses at the scene. Note down the bus company and the license plate of the bus itself. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the bus, your injuries, and property damage.
Contact an Attorney
Hiring one of the Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers in Phoenix or your local area is essential in claiming compensation after a bus accident. A personal injury lawyer will work closely with you to collect the details of your case, evidence, and documentation to support your claim.
Your lawyer can provide legal guidance and support throughout the claims process. They will also liaise with insurance companies, the police, and witnesses to assess liability.
