Bus Accident Near Me

What to Do After a Bus Accident

Taking the bus may seem like an obvious, safe choice when commuting to work or going on a vacation, but buses are not immune to roadway collisions, and you may be left wondering what to do after being in a Houston bus accident. Buses are very large, heavy vehicles that require specific training to drive safely. Despite this, however, buses can be seen on the local roads speeding, running red lights, making dangerous lane changes, and turning without signaling – just like other drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck and Bus collected data, over the past decade, fatal bus crashes have increased by 48%. When you get into a car accident, you must protect yourself from the moment the accident happens to ensure your safety and work to get the correct information you and/or your attorney will need when seeking damages for the accident. Similar steps should be taken when in a bus accident with a few essential differences.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident

The first steps to take after any vehicle accident are always the same. Call the police and evaluate yourself and others for injuries. If you are seriously injured, do not move and wait for emergency medical personnel to help you. If able to call the police, report where the accident took place and let them know if there are others who are injured. It is very common for an injured passenger to be in shock and have adrenaline surging through their body, which prevents them from feeling the full extent of their injuries. Always get checked out by a medical professional after a vehicle accident even if you do not feel as though you are hurt. Pain can start presenting within the next 24 hours or so and you may actually have serious injuries.

If able to, after being in a bus accident, collect any evidence available, including your personal account of what happened. Take pictures and video of the inside and outside of the bus, of the seat you were sitting in, the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the accident, and any injuries you may have. Write down in a note taking app or on piece of paper everything that can be remembered from before and during the accident – or if you can’t write, make a voice memo on your smartphone. Was the bus speeding? Did the bus switch lanes and not see a car in its blind spot? Did the bus make an illegal turn or run a red light? Talk with other passengers who were in the bus with you to get their stories. Getting their contact information will be important for your attorney. If another vehicle was involved in the accident, write down its license plate and vehicle information (color, make, and model). Insurance companies typically make it difficult to collect damages sustained in a vehicle accident and will not attempt to prove who has liability. Providing the collected evidence to your attorney will be key to proving who was liable in the accident and who will pay for the damages caused in the accident.

It is best to avoid talking to anyone from the bus company about the wreck. Unfortunately, bus companies and their teams of lawyers do not have your best interests in mind. The bus’s insurance company will want to weaken the case against it and will attempt to get you to downplay the severity of the accident and/or your injuries. These insurance agents and lawyers know all sorts of tricks to deny you the fair amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Houston Area Bus Accident Attorneys

Bus accidents can be extraordinarily devastating to those involved. The heavy weight of a bus can cause serious damage, especially in the event the vehicle overturns. Seeking compensation after a traumatic event – such as a bus crash – can be difficult. The experienced Houston trial attorneys at Adame Garza have worked with hundreds of victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.

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