Being involved in a bus accident is a frightening experience. At Tulekyan Law, we proudly represent bus crash victims throughout California. We are committed to helping you maximize your compensation. Knowing what to do immediately can impact your recovery and the outcome of your case.
After a bus accident, you should take the appropriate precautions to preserve your rights and stay safe. At Tulekyan Law, we advocate for your needs. Our bus accident lawyers can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Learn more below. Then, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Your priority right after a bus crash is safety. Take deep breaths to calm down, which will help you think more clearly. Some of the steps you should follow after a bus accident include:
Ensure Your Safety
After a bus accident, your safety is the most important thing. Key tips to remember include:
- Check yourself and others for serious injuries and move to a safe spot.
- Try to get to a sidewalk or a less busy part of the road if the accident happened in a dangerous area.
- Avoid sudden movements if you suspect you might have a serious injury. Waiting for professional help is often the best course of action.
You need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. That starts by calling for emergency services.
Call Emergency Services
As soon as you're safe, call 911 to report the accident and stay calm. Inform the dispatcher about any injuries and your exact location. Emergency services will provide medical assistance and ensure the authorities properly document the bus accident.
Documenting the Crash Scene
It's important to get evidence for any future claims or legal actions, like the following:
Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence at the scene can strengthen your case. Photograph any visible injuries and damages to the bus and other vehicles.
Take clear photos or videos of the bus, your injuries, and any other vehicles involved, but be wary of incoming traffic. Capture the overall scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and visible damages.
Look for skid marks, broken glass, and other physical evidence of what happened. Make sure to note the time and date of the accident. These details can provide important context for your claim.
Exchanging Details with the Bus Driver
It's important to exchange information with the bus driver. Get their name, contact details, and insurance information. Note the bus number, the company it belongs to, or if it's a school bus.
Ask for the names and contact information of any other staff members who were present. This information will be essential when you file your report and claim.
What to Ask Other Passengers and Witnesses
When talking to other passengers and witnesses, ask for their contact details and if they would be willing to provide a statement. Inquire about what they saw before, during, and after the accident.
Ask if they noticed anything unusual about the bus or the driver's behavior. Their observations can help corroborate your account of the incident. Having multiple perspectives can strengthen your case. Their statements can be valuable later when speaking with a bus accident lawyer.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Care
Medical attention after the incident is extremely important, even if you don't feel injured. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away but can become serious later. It will help if you see a doctor as soon as possible so you know your recovery is on the right track.
Keep all medical records, bills, and vital information for your insurance claim. Getting medical care helps your recovery and supports your legal case.
Reporting the Accident
Reporting the accident is a crucial step. Start by filing a police report to have an official record of the incident. Provide the police with all the details you gathered at the scene. Be clear and accurate in your description of what happened. This report will be a key document in your case.
Filing a Police Report
To file a police report, you must start by calling 911 and asking for police to come to the scene. Law enforcement will draft an official report, which we can use to ensure the right party is held accountable. A few key points include:
- Make sure you provide an honest and thorough account of the incident.
- Please provide them with a detailed account of the incident, including time, location, and injuries sustained.
- Share the contact information of witnesses and any evidence you collected.
- Obtain a copy of the police report for your records. This document will be essential for insurance claims and legal actions.
Understanding Your Rights if You Are in a Bus Accident
As a bus accident victim, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, depending on your situation. Knowing what to expect can make the process more manageable.
Consult with a legal professional to get a clear understanding of your rights. Asserting your rights will allow you and your attorney to make better-informed decisions.
Liability in Bus Accidents in California
There is a certain time limit for considering legal action against the driver involved. Bus accident victims should check their nearest law offices to protect their best interests.
In California, you usually have two years to file a personal injury claim from the accident date. However, this time limit could be different if a government entity is held liable. You must contact us as soon as possible to meet the deadline.
A few factors that dictate liability in a bus crash include:
- Bus driver's negligence: If the bus driver was distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent, they might be held responsible for the accident. Witness statements and evidence from the scene can help establish this.
- Bus company responsibility: The bus company can be liable if it fails to maintain the bus properly or hires unqualified drivers. Bus companies' maintenance records and hiring practices should be investigated to prevent more accidents.
- Third-party drivers: Sometimes, another driver's actions may have caused the accident. That driver can be held accountable in such cases, and their insurance might cover your damages for personal injury claims.
- Manufacturer defects: The manufacturer could be liable if a defect in the bus or its parts caused the accident. Checking for defects means thoroughly examining the vehicle and obtaining expert testimony.
- Public entity liability: If the bus is owned by a public entity, different rules, and shorter deadlines for filing claims could apply. Understanding these specific requirements is essential.
Compensation for Damages
Compensation for bus accident claims can cover various damages. This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
A legal professional at Tulekyan Law can help you determine the full extent of your claim.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring an attorney at Tulekyan Law can greatly impact the outcome of your case. A bus accident attorney will offer to be responsible for your communication if you need time for recovery. Our expertise can help ensure you receive fair compensation from insurance.
Choosing a lawyer with experience in bus accident cases is important. Let us negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
When to Seek Legal Help
Personal injury attorneys can seek compensation on your behalf to make a bus accident claim. Some of the key issues we can help with include:
- Severe injuries: If you have a severe injury, a lawyer can help secure the necessary compensation for extensive medical treatments.
- Disputed liability: When there is a dispute over who is at fault, having a lawyer can help clarify the situation. They can gather evidence and build a strong case for you.
- Insurance issues: If you are being offered a low settlement offer by insurance or are simply denying your claim, Tulekyan Law will advocate for your rights. We know how to deal with insurance companies effectively.
- Complex cases: Cases involving multiple parties or public entities can be complex. A lawyer with experience in such cases can navigate these complexities.
- Legal deadlines: Please ensure your case is met with legal deadlines. A lawyer will ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
No matter the severity of your accident, reach out to us for a free case consultation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Gather all evidence related to the bus accident, such as contact and insurance information of all parties involved. Our legal team and law firm can help recover maximum compensation. Some of the ways we maximize the value of your case include:
- Gather documentation: We help you collect all relevant documents, including medical records, police reports, and evidence from the scene. This evidence is the backbone of your claim.
- Assess damages: We evaluate all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can assist you in determining the full extent of your claim.
- File the claim: We can submit the claim to the appropriate insurance providers. Confirm that all documents and forms are included.
- Negotiate settlement: We engage in negotiations with the insurance provider or opposing party. Your lawyer will handle this process to secure a fair settlement.
- Prepare for trial: If a settlement is not reached, we help you prepare for trial. Your attorney will represent and advocate your case to a judge or jury.
Settlement vs. Trial
Settlements often provide guaranteed compensation without the uncertainty of a trial outcome. However, trials can sometimes result in higher compensation if the jury rules in your favor. Each option has pros and cons; the best choice depends on your situation.
Consulting a Tulekyan law attorney can help you decide on the best action.
Get a Free Consultation with Tulekyan Law
At Tulekyan Law, we understand how overwhelming a bus accident can be. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. See a doctor if you have serious injuries after a bus accident. Then, let us help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.
