Unfortunately, bus accidents are extremely common. Victims of bus accidents may suffer physical and mental trauma due to negligence. Negligence is one of the leading causes of bus accidents. Bus drivers, bus companies, bus manufacturers, and municipalities may be liable for damages if they act negligently in providing safe conditions for occupants. If one or more of these parties acts negligently serious accidents and injuries could result. In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a bus accident due to negligence, contact a determined Santa Clara County Bus Accident Attorney who can help you recover fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What should I do after being injured in a bus accident?
The steps an individual takes after being injured in a bus accident are extremely important. They are important because in California victims must fulfill the burden of proof. The burden of proof requires individuals to prove their injuries were directly caused by negligence and could have otherwise been preventable. Individuals must prove the negligent party had a legal duty of care to uphold safe conditions for all passengers. They must prove the negligent party breached that standard duty of care which ultimately caused serious damages and harm. To fulfill the burden of proof in a bus accident lawsuit individuals should gather as much evidence as they can from the scene. After sustaining a bus accident injury, the injured party should:
- Call 911. Individuals should call the police after sustaining an injury in a bus accident. An ambulance will be dispatched and victims will be transported to a nearby hospital. Medical professionals will then assess and treat a victim’s injuries. Certain injuries are not visible, which causes individuals to believe they do not need medical attention. However, individuals must seek immediate medical attention as certain injuries like internal bleeding are not visible and some injuries have delayed effects.
- File a police report. For documentation of the accident, injured individuals should file a police report.
- Keep medical records. Additionally, injured individuals should keep any relevant medical records that prove the extent of their injuries. This type of documentation will also help prove these injuries were sustained in the bus accident.
- Gather evidence. Victims should take pictures and videos of the accident. Additionally, if a hazardous condition is evident individuals should capture proof that it was left unattended.
- Contact information. Unfortunately, when bus accidents happen more than one party suffers injuries. Victims should gather other injured individuals’ contact information as well as anyone who witnessed the accident. These individuals will be able to back up a victim’s claims.
- Avoid admitting fault. Typically, the negligent parties’ insurance company will approach victims before they’ve had a chance to seek legal advice to offer them an unfair settlement offer. Insurance companies are not on the victims’ side, even if they show sympathy. They will try to use a victim’s words against them and try to get them to admit fault. They are trying to save their clients and their company money. Individuals must refrain from accepting settlement offers without consulting an attorney first. Individuals should avoid speaking with them unless an attorney is present to avoid falling into their trap.
- Seek legal advice. Most importantly, after seeking medical attention, individuals should retain the legal services of a skilled Santa Clara County bus accident attorney. An attorney can help investigate the circumstances that led to the accident as well as gather critical evidence to back a victim’s claim.
If you have been injured due to negligence in a bus accident, reach out to one of our trusted and knowledgeable attorneys. With years of experience, our team can help you recover monetary compensation for your losses.
