While there are not as many accidents involving buses each year as cars, trucks, and/or motorcycles, this relatively safe form of transportation still comes with some risks. That’s why, in case of an accident, you should know your options and rights. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call qualified bus accident lawyers today for a consultation.
If You Were Riding a Bus When an Accident Occurred
As with all other kinds of automotive accidents, bus accidents happen for a number of reasons. The bus driver may have been negligent and/or distracted at the time of the accident. A passenger may have interfered with the bus driver, causing the accident. Another driver on the road may have caused the accident by striking the bus or causing the bus to strike them.
In any of these cases, you should immediately discuss your case with bus accident lawyers if you were riding on the bus at the time of the accident. Your lawyers will most likely insist that you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have not done so already. This is because common injuries associated with vehicular accidents – such as whiplash – can sometimes take days or even weeks to manifest in a way that’s obvious to you. By that time, it may be too late to prove that the injury was associated with the bus accident.
Your bus accident lawyers will likely also want all of the information available that pertains to the accident. They will want to know where you were sitting on the bus, how full the bus was, who was driving the bus, whether the driver was cited for the accident, and so on. You can obtain the police report from the accident by visiting the local police precinct, or some attorneys will have a private investigator perform this duty at minimal cost to you.
Whatever else you do at this point, do not hesitate to call bus accident lawyers. An attorney who is familiar with commercial vehicle law and common carrier law will know what to do and how to present your case to the bus company’s insurance adjuster.
If Your Vehicle is Struck by a Bus
Likewise, if you are driving your car, truck, or motorcycle, and you are struck by a bus through no fault of your own, you should speak with a qualified attorney immediately. Bring all of the information you have on the accident, including the police report and all records of medical treatment, with you when you meet with your bus accident attorneys. They will be able to use this information to determine how much compensation you are entitled to.
Once you’ve agreed upon the best means to move forward, your attorney will propose a settlement price to the insurance company. The insurance company will almost definitely attempt to whittle this number down by trying to prove that your injuries did not occur due to the accident or that the bus driver was not at fault.
With the help of bus accident lawyers, you will be more likely to get the compensation you deserve than if you attempt to fight a large insurance company on your own. Unfortunately, insurance companies make their profits by paying as little out on their claims as possible. If you want the best chances for receiving compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, damage to your car, and/or pain and suffering, talk with a qualified attorney today.
If You Are a Bus Driver
Finally, if you were driving the bus at the time of the accident, you should most definitely enlist the aid of bus accident lawyers. If the accident was not your fault and/or was due to faulty maintenance or repairs that are the responsibility of your employers, you may not be at fault. Furthermore, you may even be eligible for compensation. Talk with bus accident lawyers today.
