Despite it being a car-centric country, bus accidents are still extremely common in the United States. According to a recent study, there are more than 63,000 buses involved in accidents of some sort every single year! Bus accidents are especially jarring and traumatic since as a passenger on a bus, you implicitly trust that the bus is going to be safely and professionally driven. No matter if it was a school bus, charter bus, or Greyhound bus, there’s the expectation that when you get on a bus it will safely deliver you to your destination. After all, the driver is supposed to be a trained professional whose job is to keep you safe. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and if you were a passenger on a bus during a bus accident, you should know what steps to take next. 

Steps To Take After A Bus Accident

If you were riding as a passenger during a bus accident, here are some steps you should take immediately following the accident:

1. Call the police: The first thing you should do after a bus accident is to call 911. Immediately reporting an accident is critical to help anybody who was injured during the accident. This is essential even if you don’t know if anybody is injured, since it is difficult to gauge an exact situation in situations like this and you may not be aware of the full scope of injuries.
2. Immediately seek medical attention: Certain bus accidents may result in severe injuries, and emergency medical responders may be forced to take you to the hospital directly. However, even if you can walk away from the accident, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is totally fine. Certain types of injuries don’t show up immediately, or may pop up days later. Moreover, having a medical record of your injuries will make insurance claims much easier in the future.
3. Document everything: Just like after a car crash, try to document the scene as best as you are able. If you’re physically able to, take photos and write down what you remember. Gather the names and phone numbers of witnesses, addresses, information on the bus driver and bus company, and any additional information about the accident.
4. Avoid statements on your injuries: Even if you feel fine following an accident, you shouldn't make any definitive statements about previous accidents or that you feel fine. Certain types of injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or even days, and making any statements on your injuries may come back to bite you in the future with insurance payments. Always consult with an experienced bus accident attorney before giving any statements on your injuries to police officers, insurance officials, or anyone who could record it. 
5. Consult with an attorney: Major bus companies all have solid insurance to protect them against a range of problems that may occur. Unfortunately, insurance companies are for-profit corporations that are always looking out for their own bottom line. This means that they will try to pay the least amount of money they can get away with following an accident. Speaking with an experienced attorney is critical to protect your legal rights and to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Us Today

If you have been in a bus accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Office of Ball & Yorke to schedule a consultation today.