Did you know over 70,000 bus accident occur every year?
Being in a bus crash is a frightening experience. People around you are probably injured, and the bus driver might be unconscious. It’s hard to decide what to do next.
Don’t panic! Keep reading for a step-by-step walkthrough of what you should do after experiencing a bus accident.
Call 911
The driver will probably take care of this for you. If he or she is unable, you should call. If you think someone called but you’re not sure, go ahead and dial 911 anyways.
Many people hesitate to call 911 during an emergency because they are worried someone else has already done it. This is known as the bystander effect.
It’s okay if the accident gets reported multiple times. This happens often, and the call center is used to it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Calling 911 will bring emergency medical help. The police will also come to make a detailed police report. This police report is crucial because it will help you to get bus accident compensation later.
Stay Calm
If you are severely injured, medical personnel will soon be on the scene to take care of you. The important thing is to stay calm.
Bethany Hamilton survived the infamous shark attack in 2007 by talking calmly to herself all the way to the ER. This kept her blood pressure low enough that her blood loss was miraculously minimal. If she had panicked, she probably would not have survived.
Document the Scene
If you are physically and emotionally able, take pictures of the bus collision scene from multiple angles. Get contact info from the other passengers who are well enough to share with you. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses will all be helpful later on.
Get the bus driver’s name or business card, if possible. Take a picture of their ID document, which is usually posted above the driver’s seat.
Get Medical Help
After a road traffic accident, you should seek medical help. Do this even if your injuries seem minimal. A faint twinge that you ignore could turn into major issue days or even weeks from now.
Many states have deadlines for this. If you don’t go to a doctor within a certain period of time, your claims for compensation could get barred.
Get Legal Help
If you are injured you should seek representation from a personal injury lawyer. Your injury could be physical, emotional, or psychological. If you do not send the bus company notice of your claim within a certain period, you could lose your right to bus accident compensation.
Bus accident lawyers will help make sure the bus company compensates you and pays your medical bills. They know how to handle the bus company’s insurance. They’ll help you stand up for your legal rights.
Handling a Bus Accident
Being in a bus accident is scary. You could be hurt physically or psychologically. After calling 911 and receiving medical help, it is important to find a personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
And if this article helped, make sure to check out more of our articles on business and healthcare.