Many people choose to take buses as a convenient form of transportation in Massachusetts. While buses are considered to be relatively safe, bus crashes happen more frequently than you might expect. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were 65,000 accidents involving buses in 2018 alone, and the National Safety Council reports that there were 20 fatalities in bus crashes during that year. While you might not think about the potential of being involved in an accident while you’re riding on a bus as a passenger, it can happen. Scroll down to learn what to do if you are involved in a bus accident.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Bus Accident
Accidents involving public transit buses, school buses, charter buses, and interstate buses happen every year. Follow these steps if you are riding on a bus when an accident occurs:
Call 911
Immediately after a bus crash, you should call 911 to report the accident. Reporting a bus accident is critical so that anyone who might have been injured can get prompt medical care. Keep in mind that calling for help is important even if you do not immediately see anyone who has been injured. Someone might be injured that you did not see, and the police can help to determine the causes of the crash. Pedestrians may also be injured and require medical attention.
Get Medical Help
After any accident, including a bus crash, you should seek medical help and ask for an examination. Some bus accidents are very severe. People who are involved in collisions in which the buses tipped or rolled over might suffer severe injuries. Even if the crash was minor, being tossed about inside of a bus during an accident can leave you with injuries that necessitate medical attention. Some types of injuries might also not show symptoms for several days after an accident. Getting prompt medical care can help you to obtain a diagnosis and get the treatment that you need.
Document Everything
If you can, you should document everything that you can after your accident. Take photographs of the damage to the bus and any other involved vehicles. Take pictures of the accident scene, including relevant details such as traffic control devices, the weather conditions, speed limit signs, and other details that might be important. It is best to take as many photos as possible.
Try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the bus crash. You should also get the names and contact information of other bus passengers. As soon as you can, write down everything that you recall happening in the moments leading up to the accident. This can help you recall details that you might forget later.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to the Insurance Company
If you were injured in the bus collision, you will likely be contacted by the bus company’s insurance company and may be asked to give a recorded statement. You should not agree to provide a recorded statement or talk about your injuries with anyone until you have consulted with a lawyer. If you make statements, the bus company might use what you say against you in your claim.
Consult with a Bus Accident Attorney at Ellis & Associates
Bus companies have liability insurance to protect them from legal claims that may arise if people are injured during a collision. However, the insurance company will want to pay as little as possible to resolve the accident claims that may be filed by the injured victims. Retaining an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible is important for preserving your rights.
The experienced injury attorneys at Ellis & Associates have represented people in bus accidents and understand how to properly investigate these types of cases. If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving a bus, you may have legal rights. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.