Collisions involving school buses were responsible for more than 100 traffic fatalities in 2019. Because of its sheer size, a bus can cause immense devastation when it collides with a passenger vehicle. In addition to school buses, this is true for city buses, charter buses, and shuttle buses.
Fortunately, if you were seriously hurt in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you were traveling in the bus, driving your own car, or crossing the street at the time, you might have grounds for legal action.
Putting together a strong personal injury claim is a lot of work, though, so it’s imperative that you start as soon as possible. Here are some of the most important steps to take right away, so your case can get off the ground:
1. Visit a Doctor Immediately Following the Accident
Considering just how much there is to do in the wake of a wreck, it’s probably easy to put off seeking care. Even if you’re feeling relatively fine, though, you should undergo a comprehensive exam as soon as possible.
You may have sustained impact injuries that have latent symptoms but still demand prompt treatment. What’s more, you want to show the insurance adjuster that you took reasonable measures to mitigate damages, and that starts with prioritizing your health.
2. Save Documentation from the Scene
Were you able to photograph the wreckage? Did you get the names, contact details, and insurance information of each motorist who was involved? And what about eyewitnesses? Did any of them provide statements?
If you were able to gather any such evidence before leaving the scene, make copies to ensure redundancy, and then store everything in a safe place where you can access it as needed.
3. Record Injury-Related Expenses
You’re going to have to prove that you actually incurred the losses for which you’re seeking compensation, so make sure to save all associated documentation. This might include pharmacy receipts, hospital bills, health insurance statements, and paystubs logging any missed work.
If you end up needing help with things like meal preparation, errand running, and housekeeping, save the invoices for those services, as well. As long as such services are reasonable and necessary, their cost should be recoverable.
4. Start a Daily Journal
In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, California recognizes non-economic damages, which are intangible losses like pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and mental anguish.
Journal entries are one of the most widely accepted ways to demonstrate such damages, so it’s wise to start a daily log of sorts as soon as possible after the accident. Write about the ways in which your injuries are hurting your quality of life and making it hard to handle even simple tasks.
5. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Calling an attorney right away will give your legal team the chance to gather time-sensitive evidence before it’s altered or destroyed. It will also allow you to focus on your recovery while your claim proceeds in good hands. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, compile evidence of liability, track damages, and handle all correspondence with the opposing party.
Discuss Your Case with a Bus Accident Attorney in Long Beach
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
Was your life forever changed by a bus accident? For help holding the liable parties accountable, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. A top-rated trial attorney, Michael has secured numerous six- and seven-figure payouts on behalf of his valued clients. Submit the Contact Form on our website or call (562) 206-1939 to schedule a free initial consultation with a bus accident lawyer in Long Beach.
Download Our Car Accident .PDF
If you’re ever involved in another accident, you’ll be glad to have our Car Accident Emergency Response .pdf on hand. Store a copy in your glovebox, and you’ll be equipped to record the scene of a wreck thoroughly. Download it HERE for free.