What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident?
Experiencing a bus accident can be a traumatic and disorienting event. Knowing what steps to take after a bus accident in New York is essential to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and seek compensation if you've been injured.
In this article, we take a look at the key steps you should take if you are in a bus accident.
Steps to Take If You Are in a Bus Accident
- Check yourself for injuries. Call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- If it is safe to do so, move to a safe location to avoid further harm.
- Call the police to report the accident, even if there are no injuries. A police report can be essential for documenting the accident.
- Collect contact and insurance information from the bus driver and other parties involved in the accident
- Gather information from witnesses, including their names and contact information.
- Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can document your condition.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses.
- Preserve all the evidence related to the accident. This may include retaining torn or bloodstained clothing, taking photos of your injuries, and keeping any items damaged in the accident.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with the basic details and let them know you will follow up with more information.
- Consult with a New York personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling bus accident claims. The sooner the better.
- Keep records of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Do not talk or give a statement to anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If they contact you, tell them to contact your lawyer.
Recovering Compensation after a Bus Accident
Following a bus accident, you can file a no-fault claim with your auto insurance provider and recover compensation for your injuries – up to your policy’s limit. If you don’t own a vehicle and no one in your house does, you can file a no-fault claim with the bus company. If your injuries meet the threshold for a serious injury under New York law, you can bring a tort claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages caused by the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in New York?
Whenever a bus driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting property damage and injuries. Having said that, depending on who the driver works for, you might also be able to hold the employer or the entity in charge liable for your injuries.
For example, if you are hit by a school bus, you might be able to hold the school district liable. If you are hit by an MTA bus, you might be able to hold the city transit authority liable. If you are hit by a private bus, such as a tour bus, you might be able to hold the bus company liable.
Apart from this, you might also be able to hold several other parties liable – depending on the circumstances. These include the company that manufactured the bus, the company or contractor responsible for bus repair and maintenance, other negligent drivers, and the municipal or government agency responsible for maintaining roads.
Talk to Our Award-Winning New York Bus Accident Lawyers Today!
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we know how devastating bus accidents can be. That is why we are committed to helping bus accident victims get the compensation and justice they deserve.
Our legal team has more than 150 years of combined legal experience and we have successfully resolved several complex bus accident claims over the years. We know what kind of arguments insurance companies make and what kind of strategies they use to deny liability for bus accidents, and we know how to counter them, push them back, and get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, we will build the strongest case possible against the at-fault parties and fight relentlessly to get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online for a free consultation with a New York bus accident attorney.