Majority of people living in the United States tend to rely on buses to meet their everyday transportation needs. Unfortunately, many studies in the field report that the number of bus accidents in the country is increasing every year. Unlike other road accidents, bus accidents often end up with catastrophic and traumatic fatalities. This is mainly because of the lack of safety measures, heavy weight of the bus, number of passengers, etc. While one cannot prevent a bus accident, especially if you are a passenger, you must definitely know about the potential steps to take if you get involved in a bus accident. Some of those important points that you must remember before going on board are listed below.
- If you are conscious, dial 911 and report the bus accident. This way, the police will be able to easily locate the accident spot and send immediate medical assistance. Some people may wait for the driver to make a move. This is a significant mistake since you never know; sometimes the driver will not be in a state to make a phone call.
- Rush to the nearest hospital and get yourselves checked out thoroughly. If the injuries are severe, you can wait for an ambulance. Some people may opt out of this, especially if the injuries are mild. This is one of the major mistakes that you must avoid at any cost. Note that some injuries will be internal and may show symptoms only after a couple of weeks or months after the accident. Plus, your medical history is significant if you intend to consult a bus accident attorney and file a lawsuit.
- It is recommended to share information with your co-passengers. Sometimes, you may become unconscious because of the impact of the accident. So, your co-passenger can contact your relatives and share the information. Plus, your bus accident lawyer can contact them and document their witness report. This will favor your bus accident claim to a great extent. If possible, collect information from the bus driver as well.
- Never talk to the bus driver or their insurance agents after the crash. Note that skilled insurance executives are likely to twist your words and use it to deny your claim. Even your politeness can become a villain in such circumstances. Note that some people may say sentences like ‘it is all right, I am fine ‘etc., out of politeness. However, such statements can be used against you. Hence, always seek guidance from your bus accident attorney before talking to the insurance agents of the opposite party.