Anyone involved in a public transit accident must take immediate action to ensure their safety and receive the right help in recovering complete compensation for their losses. However, things tend to get chaotic and confusing in the aftermath of a vehicular accident, making it hard for you to do what you must need to do.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the critical steps you should take following a public transit accident.
Call Emergency Services Right Away
Calling emergency services is a must; anyone can do it. Don’t wait for others to do it; if you can, and you have access to your phone, dial up the correct numbers for the local emergency services so they can arrive at the scene and aid everyone.
Medical assistance is critical in the aftermath of any accident. Even if you don’t see any apparent signs of injury or harm on your body, you should let a medical professional look at you. Take note that some injuries may take days or weeks to show up. These may include back and spine injuries, whiplash, and brain trauma. Also, your medical records will be beneficial when making a compensation claim.
Document The Accident
If you’re able, you should start collecting some information and evidence you can use once the situation escalates into a lawsuit.
Here are some actions you can take when documenting the accident:
- Take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident using your mobile phone.
- Get the name of persons involved in the accident as well as witnesses.
- Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, and other contact information.
- Make notes about what you recall before, during, and after the accident.
Again, this is only advisable if your injuries are not too severe and a medical professional has already treated you at the scene.
Don’t Talk To Anyone About The Accident
At the accident scene, you should refrain from talking to anyone other than the police and medical professionals. Saying something like, ‘I’m okay. I didn’t get hurt,’ can be used against you, so you don’t receive the compensation you deserve.
Also, be careful once the public transit vehicle’s insurance company starts calling you. They will probably try to contact you right after the accident, and their goal is to minimize their expenses as much as possible. As a result, they will offer you quick compensation that’s very low. No matter what happens, don’t accept what they’re offering. Please avoid talking to them without consulting a lawyer first.
Consult A Bus Accident Lawyer
Public transit accidents that include buses are sometimes complicated. The bus company and its insurance provider will attempt to oppose those involved in the accident when they ask for compensation. This is why it’s essential to hire a Florida bus accident lawyer who only looks after your best interests so you can receive the right amount of payment for your damages.
With an experience and trusted attorney on your side, you’ll have someone who can:
- Give you legal advice on what your next steps should be.
- Talk to the bus company, insurance company, police, and other parties involved in the accident on your behalf.
- Investigate and determine what caused the accident and who should be held responsible for it in court.
- Set the right amount of compensation you deserve based on the damages and losses you suffered due to the accident.
- Make negotiations for a fair settlement.
- Take your case to court if there are no other options left to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Having an attorney on your side can help you receive substantial financial compensation, which you can use to recover from your injuries, pay for your medical bills, and move on with your life. Don’t hesitate to call a lawyer from a reputable law firm with a proven track record representing bus crash victims. Remember, bus companies and insurers will also have their own legal representation to oppose you as much as possible. If you don’t have an attorney on your side, your chances of getting a fair amount of compensation will be very low, or worse; you won’t even get anything at all.
Final Thoughts
Buses, trains, and other public transit vehicles are very popular these days because they’re often cheap. However, accidents can also happen when you ride in a public transport vehicle. Hopefully, the tips above will prepare you should you get involved in an accident when riding a bus, train, taxi, or any form of public transport.
