We tend to feel safe when we are on a big bus – after all, they are being driven by a professional driver, and they are pretty hard to miss by other drivers in traffic. Bus accidents are less common than car accidents, but that doesn’t mean they never happen. If you are in an accident while riding on a bus, there are some things you should know about what steps to take next.
The bus accident aftermath
The most important thing to do as soon as the accident happens is to call 911, so that anyone who is injured can be taken care of right away. Police should also be there so that a complete and thorough report can be created of the incident. Because buses are owned by cities or companies, there may be a representative of the owner or the city on the scene – no matter what they say, don’t sign any documents until you receive medical attention and talk to a lawyer. Even if you don’t appear to be injured, seeing a doctor is a good idea, as some injuries don’t become apparent for hours or even days after a traumatic event.
Once you have taken care of yourself, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. Bus accident cases can be complex – it must be determined who was at fault and what exactly happened. It could be that even more than one party was at fault. Bus companies have an obligation to hire qualified drivers and to maintain their buses properly, and often it takes an attorney to investigate if they have met these obligations or if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Taking on a bus company to hold them liable after an accident can be a daunting task. An attorney can help to make sure the case is handled properly and your rights are protected – make sure you consult an attorney before accepting any offers. Laurie Robbins has handled many bus accident cases, and she can provide the compassion and expertise you need after a bus accident. Call the Atlanta office for a free consultation, at 404-252-8117.