Steps That Should Be Taken After a Bus Accident
Buses are some of the largest vehicles on our roads in the U.S. In fact, they weigh between about 44,000 to 48,00 pounds. This is why, when a bus becomes involved in any type of accident with a smaller vehicle, it tends to lead to catastrophic results. In 2019, it was reported that approximately 5,237 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal accidents. On average, statistics show that approximately 63,000 buses are involved in accidents in the U.S. every year.
Though bus accidents can be prevented when precautions are taken, they still happen every week on our roads due to the reckless acts of others. If you have been involved in a bus-related collision, it can be a confusing time in your life that you are not prepared to face on your own. Buses are known as common carriers, which makes these claims complex at times. Understanding what steps to take after a bus crash can help you in many ways when it comes to moving forward with a claim.
Following a Bus Accident: Steps to Take
Rendering Aid: Safety should always be the first thing that you consider after an accident – your own and also the safety of those around you. As soon as an accident takes place, you should call 911 so that you can report the accident. Then, first responders will arrive at the scene so that they can help anybody who has sustained injuries in the accident. You want to ensure that you receive medical care for two reasons: To protect your health and well-being, as well as help you in the future when it comes to bringing a claim.
Gathering Evidence: From the moment your accident happens, you should try to gather as much evidence as you can to preserve your claim. There are several things that are most important, from taking photographs of the scene to getting the contact information of those who were involved or witnessed the accident.
Seeking Medical Attention: When a bus accident occurs, whether you are a passenger on the bus or an occupant of an involved vehicle, you should always try to seek immediate medical attention. The injuries that stem from a bus crash could take hours or even days to arrive. It is important that you document your injuries and protect your health at this time.
Keeping Records: There are many types of records that can benefit you when it comes to moving forward with a bus accident claim. These include medical bill receipts, notes on your injuries, receipts for your vehicle repairs, and more. If you think that the documents will benefit your claim later on down the road, they are probably important!
Contact an Attorney: After you have sought medical attention and gathered necessary evidence, speaking with an attorney is of utmost importance. It is never easy to face a bus accident claim, as they can be highly complex. There are many different parties who could be at fault for one of these accidents, from a bus driver to the bus company. An attorney will be able to help you protect your interests along the way.
Speaking with a Pennsylvania Bus Accident Attorney
If you have sustained harm in a bus accident, you should know that you have options moving forward. Speaking with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney is incredibly beneficial if you have been hurt in a bus crash. Our skilled attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson are here every step of the way during these difficult times. We will help you get back on your feet so that you can successfully move forward after an accident. Please contact a bus accident attorney in Pennsylvania at (215) 731-9900 to find out how we can help you.
