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Passengers involved in bus accidents face uncertainties beyond injuries. Injuries may cause an interruption or delay to their working ability, which means financial repercussions may arise, along with health complications. Fortunately for those involved in bus accidents, working with a bus accident attorney can help you navigate steps and nuances to ensure your health and finances are not significantly affected.
Here, we'll review the steps to take if you're unluckily involved in a bus collision and how these types of accidents differ from car accidents.
Your Health and Safety Should Be Your #1 Priority
Check yourself for injuries immediately following a bus accident. Emergency medical care should be your top priority, but if you don’t need immediate care, you should:
- Get to a safe spot away from traffic.
- Check others you may be traveling with for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Limit movement. You don't want to move too much and make your injuries worse.
It's also wise to document the accident scene by taking pictures. Documenting the bus accident scene with photos can benefit you because a lawyer might use your photos as evidence later. Remember you should also take photographs of any injuries or signs of injuries you've sustained.
How Does Handling a Bus Accident Differ From a Car Accident?
Motor vehicle accidents can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and similar financial losses. Often, you may have the option of seeking compensation for such losses by filing an insurance claim.
However, seeking compensation after a bus accident is slightly different from filing a car accident claim for the following reasons:
The Scale of Injuries and Potential Liability
A bus is a large vehicle that can cause serious injuries. Additionally, a bus driver may not be the only liable party when a bus accident occurs. The bus company, designers, and manufacturers may be responsible. These nuances can make seeking compensation after a bus accident somewhat complex.
Commercial Regulations and Insurance Coverage
A bus is a commercial vehicle. As such, bus companies may need to comply with strict regulations. These regulations might not apply to private vehicle owners. The Federal Transit Administration offers a guide on applicable charter bus service regulations. States may also have their own laws bus companies must follow.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
A bus is a complex machine. Thus, investigating a bus accident may be more complicated than investigating an accident involving smaller vehicles. A lawyer can help with investigating and gathering evidence of the accident and help to work with the insurance companies on your behalf.
A Bus Accident Attorney Can Help
The above should encourage you to seek compensation after a bus accident with the help of a professional. Help is available after a bus accident. To learn more about how an attorney might help you, visit Accident.com to find a lawyer near you today.
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