What to Do if You Are in a Bus Accident
One of the great things about East Tennessee is the availability of public transport. If you need a ride somewhere, most of the time there is a transit bus system that can help get you where you need to go. The only issue with this is it can be difficult to get the help you need if you are ever in an accident because you are not the one driving. The following are a list of steps you need to take if you are involved in a bus accident:
1. Check for Injuries
Whether yourself or another passenger has been injured in the bus riding accident, you will want to make sure to seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, be sure to either notify the driver of the bus or call an ambulance. Even if you do not think your injuries are severe, it is always better to get checked out for safety purposes. Once the paramedics have arrived, be sure to tell them in full detail of any injuries that were sustained during the accident. Certain injuries, including head and neck pain, may not become apparent until days after the accident, so be sure to stay on top of your symptoms.
2. Call the Police
In most cases, the bus driver will be the one responsible for checking on the passengers and making the call to emergency services. However, if you see someone is seriously injured, be sure to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Also, if the driver of the bus either refuses to notify the authorities of the accident or is unable to call, be sure someone is getting in touch with the local police. The accident will need to be reported so that the officer can write up a report of the crash for insurance purposes.
3. Document the Scene
This is an important part of the process of dealing with a bus accident that many people do not consider. When you are in a wreck in your own vehicle, one of the first things drivers do is take pictures of the damage. Well, you need to do the same thing if you are involved in an accident on a bus. There is a good chance you will be contacted and be asked questions about how the wreck occurred, and having pictures can help you in describing what happened. You may also want to get the contact information for the driver of the bus the same as you would when you are involved in a crash with another vehicle. It is better to always be prepared with the proper documentation you may need down the road.
4. Contact an Attorney
When there is an accident that involves a bus, it can become complicated when it comes to getting the police report done. The reason for this is because there are multiple witnesses, which can lead to contradicting information. Also, there are a variety of insurance companies that get involved because each passenger on the bus has their own coverage. That is why it is best to get in touch with a bus accident attorney to help make sure your interests are taken care of the way they should be.
Have you or someone you know recently been involved in a bus accident? Be sure to give us a call today so we can help you with all your legal needs.
