Ever wonder what to do if you are in a bus accident? If you are in a bus accident, take immediate action to secure your safety, request medical care, and help others who need assistance. Call 911 and move yourself out of further harm, and when possible, begin documenting the accident, injuries, and losses.
As soon as possible, seek medical care at a hospital or urgent care and report the incident to the police. You will need to take legal action to pursue compensation for any losses you have. An Arlington bus accident lawyer can help you do that.
Get Help at the Scene
As soon as possible, call 911 to request help from authorities if you are in a bus accident. Describe as much information as you can about the location of the accident, the number of people potentially hurt, and the types of injuries you have. When it is safe to do so, take these steps:
- Move yourself out of the way of further harm. If you can, move away from the bus.
- Help others whom you can to get off the bus and away from danger. Do not put yourself at risk, but administer first aid when you can.
- If you cannot move, make your presence known. Tell the dispatcher on the phone where you are on the bus. Scream for help.
- Wait for the police to arrive at the scene. Do not leave the accident scene even if you are able to move away from the area.
- Always get medical care, including treatment at the scene when medics arrive and transportation to the hospital for serious injuries.
By requesting help at the scene, medics work to protect your life while police begin documenting what occurred. This ensures they collect critical evidence in your case that could be used later to support your claims for compensation or to prove what went wrong. Speak with an Arlington personal injury lawyer now about your case.
Record What You Safely Can
In the event of a bus accident, it is very important to gather as much information as possible without putting yourself at risk. Remember, your priority is safety, but when you can do so, gather evidence that you see or experience that could further help you. This includes:
- Take photos of the space around you, including any debris, damage to the vehicle, or injuries you have.
- Record a video of the incident and scene when you can do so without hindering help.
- Capture the location of the accident if it is possible. This includes the roadway layout, showing any other vehicles involved.
- Get the name and contact information for anyone on the bus with you. This includes any information they experienced or observed before the accident, such as the driver’s actions or a car approaching.
- Get the name and contact information of any witnesses who stop to help you or others. Bystander or witness information substantiates claims later.
This information helps you later when you need to file a claim against someone at fault. It allows your bus accident attorney to go back to learn what happened, clarify any details from your claim, and dispute claims of fault against you later. Be as thorough as you can without putting yourself at risk.
What to Do if You Are in a Bus Accident: Get Medical Care Immediately
Go to the hospital even if you feel okay right after the bus accident. Medical care may be obvious if you are bleeding or have a broken bone. However, many injuries you may sustain in a serious bus crash could be hard to notice at first.
When you get to the hospital, inform the healthcare team that you were in a motor vehicle accident. This alerts them to the need to complete a series of scans and tests to determine the extent of your injuries. Conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, and some types of traumatic head injuries may not be obvious right after an accident.
Once you get medical care, keep up with it. Go to all the appointments you have and then seek out care from specialists recommended to you. Document your injuries and the impact they have on your day-to-day life and well-being. Make sure to document every appointment you have.
Minimize Risks when Speaking to Insurance Companies
In a bus accident, it may take only a few days for the insurance company to start calling you to settle a claim. They may even call while you are still in the hospital.
Avoid speaking to them until you hire an attorney and know the extent of your injuries. Make sure to file a police report if you have not done so.
Take Steps to Protect Your Rights
At this point, having a bus accident lawyer in Arlington to represent you is critical in protecting your future. From this point forward, the insurance company will try to settle your case quickly, and in cases involving many people, you may have to deal with media coverage and pressure for a statement.
During this process, let your lawyer handle as much as you can. You can protect your rights in several ways:
- Document your injuries, lost wages, and the way you feel each day. Document the physical limitations you have as well as the out-of-pocket costs you have due to the injury.
- Never admit to playing any role in the accident. Do not let the insurance company trick you in this way.
- Make sure you act within the state’s statute of limitations (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). For most personal injury claims in Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Your attorney becomes your advocate throughout this process. They will help you with police questioning, insurance company questions, and seeking a robust claim that includes all of your losses. Knowing what to do if you are in a bus accident becomes critical to protecting your rights.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Bus Accident Lawyer Now
The Texas Law Dog is ready to help you build your case if you are involved in a bus accident. Set up a free consultation with our bus accident lawyer, a lifelong Texas native. Our firm is here to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
