Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of injuries and deaths worldwide. In 2020 alone, over 4,998 people died in accidents involving large trucks and buses, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The sad news is that anyone on the road is a potential victim, as accidents don’t discriminate or give warnings. As a result, it’s important to know what to do if such a fateful eventuality happens while traveling in a bus or driving your car.
Here are four steps to help you take charge of the situation if you ever find yourself in a bus accident.
- Check for Injuries and Seek Help
Your health should be your first priority when involved in a bus accident. Therefore, calling 911 should be your first step, especially if the crash is blocking traffic or if you or any has sustained serious injuries.
As you wait, remain calm and help anyone who needs assistance, especially if it is reasonably safe and you are well enough. If the bus or your vehicle is emitting smoke or flames or is in a dangerous position, try exiting as soon as possible and stand in a safe spot.
When medical help arrives, it is important to get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. The good thing about getting medical help at the scene is that it helps you catch any injury before it grows into a severe concern.
- Gather the Available Evidence
After ensuring your health and that of others, gathering as much information as possible should be the next step. In other words, take video footage or photos of the accident scene, including your injuries, bus license plates, vehicles involved, and the surrounding area.
You will also want to gather the driver’s name and phone number, as well as the names and contact information of other passengers and any witnesses who saw the accident. All these details may help your lawyer when proving your case later.
- Reach Out to the Appropriate Parties
The bus driver will likely be reporting the crash to their supervisors and the relevant authorities. But don’t simply assume they will. So, you will want to contact various parties to ensure you have a solid case, especially if you wish to pursue compensation.
For example, if the police don’t show up at the accident scene, you may want to report the accident to the nearest police station and ensure you get a copy of the police report. You may also want to contact the bus company to let them know what happened and ask for their insurance information.
- Contact a Local Attorney with Bus Accident Expertise
Having evidence and contacting the relevant authorities does not guarantee that you will automatically get compensation.
In most cases, the bus company or their insurer will make efforts to delay, deny, or your compensation. Additionally, you may not recoup compensation from any liable party you don’t identify, such as the bus manufacturer or government entity.
Therefore, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer with bus accident expertise to navigate the legal process on your behalf while you focus on healing. Ideally, you should hire a local law firm.
For example, if you were involved in a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus accident, a law firm with accomplished bus collision lawyers in Chicago would be the right fit for your case. Such lawyers are familiar with the local court and transportation systems and know what it takes to build a solid bus accident claim.
Conclusion
Taking these steps after an accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the rightful compensation. However, it is important to accept any support and guidance from family and friends to ensure you recover fast and move forward from this traumatizing experience.
