If you are a victim of a bus accident, you must be wondering whether you can file for compensation. Unfortunately, bus accidents are not any different from other incidents, and it is vital to understand your options as far as filing a claim is concerned.
Contacting a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options after a bus accident. The lawyer will explain the time limits for filing a claim and the type of damages available for compensation.
Measures to take after a bus accident
If you are a bus accident victim, you must take specific measures to protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do after a bus accident.
Call emergency services
Whether you are injured or not, you should call 911 to ensure the police document is at the accident. An official record of the incident will go a long way to back up your case.
Seek urgent medical attention
Like any other incident, bus accidents can result in physical injuries. Whether you feel injured or not, ensure you seek urgent medical attention right away to avoid complications in the future.
Collect evidence
Ensure you gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. You can take pictures, record videos, or even write statements from witnesses. But, collecting proof might only be possible if you do not have severe injuries.
Wait to speak to bus insurer
Ensure you engage a personal injury attorney before speaking to the bus service insurance company. The insurer may attempt to lure you into accepting a lower compensation or making statements that could harm your lawsuit.
Track your expenses
A bus accident might result in numerous unplanned expenses. First, ensure you track all your medical bills, travel costs, and miscellaneous expenditures associated with the bus accident. Then, if you get a fair hearing, the court will include these expenses in your compensation.
Adhere to medical advice
Never ignore the doctor’s advice. Even if your healthcare provider tells you to take time off work, always follow the orders of your medical practitioner to safeguard your overall health and wellbeing.
Enlist a personal injury attorney
Having an experienced personal injury attorney can go a long way to help you know your legal options after a bus accident. In addition, the lawyer will guide you through the entire process of filing for compensation.
When to contact a personal injury attorney after a bus accident
You cannot file a personal injury lawsuit at your convenience. Various timelines define when to initiate a court case after a bus accident. For instance, Florida gives you about four years from the date of the bus accident to file a lawsuit.
A personal injury attorney can help you understand the various timelines within your state.
Timeline for settling a bus accident lawsuit
The majority of bus accident settlements usually end out of court. Your compensation may arrive anywhere between a few months to two years, depending on your injuries, treatment period, and the number of injured passengers. A personal injury attorney can help expedite the process, ensuring you get your rightful compensation within no time.
