Bus accidents are not uncommon. In 2020 alone, a total of 10,104 crashes involving buses were reported in the US, causing 9,018 injuries and 207 deaths, not to mention property damage.
Based on these statistics, it is easy to tell that anyone can get injured in a bus accident as long as they rely on public transportation to get from one place to another. But what should you do if you ever get injured in a bus accident? and if you’re wondering about how many school bus accidents per year, you can find relevant statistics at We Win’s website, which provides insightful information about school bus accident statistics.
Five steps to take if you are injured in a bus
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Seek medical help
After a bus accident, one thing you must do is seek medical attention. Even when you do not have visible injuries, seeing a doctor will help you rule out the possibility of any hidden injuries.
Besides ensuring your health, seeking medical attention helps you get the necessary medical records to prove your insurance claim.
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Hire a personal injury lawyer
When injured in a bus accident, especially due to someone else’s negligence, you will want to pursue compensation for your injuries.
While it is okay to represent yourself in a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you need to hire a skilled lawyer to increase the odds of winning. A good lawyer should be professional, willing to work on a contingency basis and have an in-depth understanding of local personal injury laws on bus accidents.
If, for instance, you have suffered injuries in a New York bus accident, experienced Manhattan personal injury attorneys will be a good fit. Such lawyers will help you file a claim with the insurance company, handle settlement negotiations, or even represent you in court just to ensure you recover what you rightfully deserve.
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Gather and preserve evidence from the accident
Whenever possible, it is important to collect evidence at the injury scene for safekeeping.
If you are not in a position to do so due to severe injuries, you may ask witnesses, passers-by, or anyone else around to collect the evidence for you. Having all the necessary evidence will help you support your personal injury claim or lawsuit when pursuing compensation.
Usually, evidence after a bus injury can include:
- Photos.
- Video footage of the accident scene.
- Recorded witness statements or contact details.
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File a police report
With so much happening after a bus accident, it is easy to forget to call the police, especially if there are no serious injuries or property damage. Sometimes, the at-fault party may convince you that you don’t have to involve the police.
Although the police will almost always show up after any traffic accident, you should take the initiative to call them if they do not arrive within a few minutes. Doing this will ensure that you get an official piece of evidence you can lean on when filing a personal injury claim or facing off the at-fault party in court.
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Document all your bills
When pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the insurance company, the judge, or the jury will not believe everything you say, even with bandages and crutches. You will have to show receipts and bills to prove your case and quantify the amount of compensation you deserve.
Therefore, keep receipts of all accident-related expenses you incur. These should include diagnostic testing, medication, therapy, doctor’s visits, and everything else relating to the bus injury.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to get injured in a bus accident. Unfortunately, people still suffer injuries or even die in such crashes due to different reasons. The good thing is that prioritizing your health and preparing to pursue compensation immediately after the accident can ease your recovery journey.
