8 Steps To Expedite a Bus Accident Claim

Getting into a bus accident is a stressful and often traumatic event. However, managing paperwork, medical expenses, and insurance companies can feel like additional punishment. If you're injured, the last thing you want is to wait months or years for compensation.

Fortunately, you can expedite the process. Here are ten steps to get your bus accident claim moving faster.

1. Seek Medical Help Immediately

Even if you feel fine, a doctor must check you. Adrenaline could fool you into thinking you've come out of a situation unscathed. However, some injuries don't manifest right away. Your sore neck might initially feel like nothing, but it could become severe.

Seeking medical attention helps you file and expedite your bus accident claim by providing medical records. When you see a doctor, keep all documentation about your injury. Include receipts, prescriptions, test results, and reports written by your healthcare provider. Don't forget records of missed workdays or lost wages due to your injury.

These documents will become critical later on. Bus accident lawyers need enough information to build and defend your case. So, once you get legal help for bus crash situations, give your attorney these reports to help them prove that your injuries are linked to the accident.

2. Report the Bus Accident Promptly

Don't always assume that someone else has already filed an accident report. One study showed that bystanders didn't offer help in 68% of traffic accidents. This likely includes not contacting emergency services to assist those involved. (1)

If the bus company hasn't been officially notified, your accident claim might not even start. Report the incident to them and the local police. If the bus is government-owned, such as city buses, you may also need to file a formal notice with government offices.

Note that these claims often have a short statute of limitations. In some places, you only have 30 days to file a notice of claim against government entities. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to fair compensation. So, act fast.

3. Gather Evidence Early and Thoroughly

While you're still at the scene, take as many photos as possible if you're able. Get shots of your injuries, the bus's position, and the accident scene. If you have a case of personal property damage, like a broken phone or glasses, document that, too. You could also obtain surveillance footage of the incident with help from law enforcement.

If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Short witness statements can strengthen your bus accident claim. Keep your bus ticket or payment receipt if you still have it. It'll prove that you were a passenger on that bus at the time of the accident.

4. Hire a Lawyer Experienced in Bus Accident Claims

Getting into an accident as a passenger on a bus is slightly different from being in a regular car. For one, public buses don't often have seatbelts. In dire accidents, passengers may be thrust about or thrown out of the vehicle. Besides negligence or poor judgment by the bus driver, mechanical failure could cause an accident, leading to injured passengers.

That's why you must hire a lawyer who handles bus accident claims. These professionals are slightly different from car accident or personal injury lawyers. They understand that these various factors may impact the accident. They'll also help in evidence collection to build your case.

5. Let Your Insurance Know

Your policy might help pay your medical bills upfront, depending on your location and insurance coverage. If so, notify your insurer quickly. Ask what documents they need and submit them promptly.

Be careful when dealing with insurance companies. Some insurance adjusters might get you on record saying something that could reduce your payout. Avoid giving recorded statements without your lawyer's presence or advice.

6. Keep Track of Everything

Organize all your records in one place. It can be in a physical folder or a digital copy in cloud storage. Document all financial impacts, police reports, and communication with your lawyer and insurance companies.

It's crucial to track your pain and suffering after the accident. Write down your symptoms, pain levels, loss of income, and how the injury is affecting your life. A journal containing your emotional distress and healing journey is a prime piece of evidence for your bus accident claim. It's also a therapeutic exercise to get you through this challenging time.

7. Don't Skip Treatments

Some people make the mistake of stopping treatment due to medical costs or once they feel a bit better. But if you stop too soon or miss your appointments, your insurance company might argue that your personal injury wasn't that severe. Stick to your treatment plan. Consistency matters, especially if it helps your bus accident claim.

As mentioned previously, some injuries don't appear until later. Ongoing treatment can help doctors observe you for other issues like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are common after road accidents. TBIs can be fatal; in 2021, there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths in the US. (2)

8. Consider Settling Early

Once you're stable and the facts are clear, your lawyer might suggest negotiating a settlement instead of going to court. It can save time and help you move on faster. In fact, only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go to trial. Your case might not need to go that far. (3)

Let your lawyer guide you. A smart one will advocate for fair compensation while considering the length of the process.

Wrapping Up

Filing and expediting a bus accident claim is similar to doing the same for car accidents. It involves acting wisely and quickly. Report the incident promptly and gather evidence. And whether or not you're hurt, receive medical care immediately.

Seek a reputable bus accident lawyer to help with your claim. They can assist you in getting the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering after a traumatic experience.

References