A bus accident is just about the worst type of accident you can be involved in. Unless you drive a gargantuan SUV, there is a good chance you will get the worst of the damage if your vehicle makes contact with a bus. Whether you are struck head-on, sideswiped, rear-ended, or involved in an accident in any other way, our Tucson bus accident lawyers can help. Here is exactly what you should do after your bus accident.
How to Proceed Immediately After the Accident
Your personal safety matters more than anything else. If you are in pain or have injuries stemming from the accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Reach out to the police so they can formally document the accident. Do not admit fault even if you might have been slightly at fault. If the other party apologizes or admits guilt in any way, you can use that admission against him or her in court. Once you have ensured documentation of the accident and you have obtained medical treatment for your injuries, reach out to our Tucson bus accident lawyers.
The Legal Aspect of Bus Accidents
If you suffer injury in any way and another person, or institution’s, lack of due care (negligence) is provable as the cause of the accident, you have grounds to successfully present a claim or file a lawsuit. What matters most is whether your side can prove fault belongs to the other. You need a savvy attorney on your side to make a convincing case that the bus driver, or another party, was at fault. The driver as well as the bus owner may both have fault.
Pedestrians Hit by Buses
It is not only vehicle drivers and passengers who are at the mercy of massive buses. Pedestrians may end up in harm’s way as well. If a bus hits you while you are walking or riding your bike, you can pursue a case against the bus driver, the company that owns the bus, or any other party or entity whose wrongful conduct caused losses. Examples of possible defendants range from the bus operator to the owner of the bus company. Even a public entity that failed to properly design a crosswalk where the accident occurred may find liability fall on them.
The Importance of Documentation
If you are of sound mind following the accident, make every effort to document all aspects of the accident. As an example, flag down witnesses who might have observed the accident. If they saw all or part of the accident, write down their name and contact information. The testimony of these witnesses just might help you obtain the compensation you deserve following this unfortunate incident.
You should do your best to document every other aspect of the accident. From your medical prescriptions to physical therapy, medical documents, treatments, x-rays, lab services, visits with physicians for treatment and beyond. Everything related to the accident should get formal documentation, including the cost of care. Keep track of all the paperwork and costs so you can enhance the quest for reimbursement. It also makes sense to copy each of these documents for your records. Take the extra step of documenting your injuries by taking date-stamped photographs after the accident.
Do not Sign Anything Until Meeting With Your Attorney
It could be a mistake to sign anything following your bus accident unless you are absolutely certain of the course of action you would like to take. Do not sign your name on documents from opposing counsel, the bus company, the insurance company or anyone else. Meet with an attorney, obtain a full understanding of your rights, and trust in in their legal experience to guide you to justice.
Contact our Tucson Bus Accident Lawyers
Our Tucson bus accident lawyers are here to help you bounce back, return your life to normal and move on from this dark chapter. Let us handle the legal aspect of your bus accident so you can square your focus on rebuilding your body and attempting to get your life back on track. Reach out to Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys at 844-977-1900 to schedule a free consultation. Our regular office hours are 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, yet someone is always available 24/7 to answer your call. We also have a convenient LiveChat feature that’s always available. So, don’t delay. Contact Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys today!