Whether you’re heading to work, going to see friends and family, or running daily errands, millions of us rely on public transport to get us from A to B. While most journeys are seamless, there is always the risk of being in a crash. If you ride by bus and have found yourself in an accident, you must know what steps to take next. Here is a guide on what you should do in the immediate aftermath.
Take Photographs
If you have your smartphone with you, it’s critical that you take photographs of the accident scene. Whether the bus has been in a collision, or you have tripped because of someone else’s negligence and carelessness, the pictures you take can be used as evidence when filing a personal injury claim. Make sure that the area you are in is safe to take photos before doing this.
Gather Eyewitness Details
Once you have taken photos of the scene, your next step should be to gather eyewitness details which can also be used as evidence to support your claim. Eyewitness reports are very powerful in a personal injury claim and can be the difference between how much compensation you get. You should also get the bus driver’s contact details, the bus number, route, and operator details. Make sure that you keep hold of your bus pass or ticket, as this will prove that you were on the bus at the time of the accident.
Go to the Hospital
Your health and safety should come before anything else after a bus accident. Even if you believe you aren’t seriously injured, it’s better to be safe than sorry and go to the hospital. You will be seen by medical professionals who will examine you and look out for signs of shock, trauma, and internal bleeding. Your doctor will produce a treatment plan which will outline your injuries and can be used as evidence.
Find a Reputable Lawyer
To get the compensation you deserve for your bus accident, it’s vital that you find a reputable lawyer in your area. Bus accidents can occur when you least anticipate them. So, having a bus accident lawyer by your side will strengthen your claim and help you get the right settlement. To help you pick the best lawyer, they must have empathy for your situation, be excellent at time management, and know how to communicate effectively.
Collect Evidence
Once you arrive at your consultation with your bus accident lawyer, there are additional pieces of evidence that you need to obtain to strengthen your case. You can either retrieve your medical records yourself or leave it up to your lawyer. Keeping a journal of your experience is important, especially if you want to claim for special damages should you be out of work due to your injuries.
If you have been involved in a bus accident or had a slip and fall while on board, you should follow the guidelines above which will strengthen your claim and maximize the amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
Law & Legal Blog 