If you were involved in a bus accident, you’re likely scared and feeling overwhelmed by medical bills and injuries. Knowing what to do after a crash can help you move forward confidently, knowing your health and legal rights are protected.
From not seeing a doctor to waiting too long to contact a Florida bus accident lawyer, we’ll take you through common mistakes that injury victims make.
Not Getting Medical Attention After the Accident
After an accident, your health should always come first. Seeking medical care, whether from an emergency room or with your primary care physician, is vital. Injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding can all worsen over time.
In addition to ensuring a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, early medical intervention also creates a clear record for any future legal claim you have.
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Failing to Call the Police to the Crash Scene
Immediately after an accident, you should always call the police. Responding officers can help ensure the safety of everyone involved. They will also create a detailed report about the accident, which can be vital evidence for your insurance claim.
The police report may include details like:
- Witness statements and contact information
- The responding officer’s analysis of the events, including who was at fault
- Evidence that the officer collected
It’s important to note that many states require you to report an accident when there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage that exceeds a certain threshold.
Not Documenting the Accident Scene
In accident cases, evidence can disappear quickly. For example, eyewitness memories can become fuzzy, and skid marks can fade. Because of this, it is important to collect evidence as soon as possible.
When physically possible, you should document the accident by taking photos or video of:
- Vehicle damage
- Your visible injuries
- Skid marks, debris in the road, and other visual signs of the accident
- Weather conditions that may have contributed to the crash
In addition to taking photos, get contact information from any available witnesses and from the other driver.
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Admitting Fault for the Bus Crash
Even when an accident isn’t your fault, it can be easy to blame yourself or think about how you could have reacted differently. However, it’s important to avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” when talking to the other involved parties or insurance adjusters.
Even a simple apology can be taken as an admission of fault and used against you. Consider having your lawyer with you when talking to insurance companies. Our firm can protect your legal rights.
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Posting About the Bus Accident on Social Media
Social media is the place where many go to vent or share updates about their lives. Unfortunately, when you post publicly, those posts can be used against you in a legal claim.
If you choose to use social media after an accident, avoid posting about the accident until your claim has been resolved.
Waiting to Contact a Bus Accident Attorney
Your personal injury lawyer serves as your advocate. From investigating the accident to filing paperwork and negotiating with the insurance company, your attorney handles the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Additionally, your case is under a legal timeline. While the statute of limitations varies by state, failing to meet the deadline can mean you’ll be barred from recovering compensation.
For example, while in Massachusetts you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, in Florida you typically only have two years. For cases where a government entity is involved, such as the MBTA or Broward County Transit, there may be an even shorter deadline or additional steps to file.
Your attorney will ensure that your case is filed on time and that all other legal requirements are met.
Failing to Complete Medical Treatment for Accident Injuries
When you are diagnosed with an injury, your doctor may create a treatment plan for it—for example, attending physical therapy for a muscle injury or doing follow-up appointments every few months to monitor the progress of your healing.
Failing to follow this plan is a big mistake you should avoid after a bus accident. When you stop or delay treatment, an insurance company may use your medical records against you. They may claim that you delayed treatment because your injuries weren’t serious.
Settling With the Accident Insurance Company Too Quickly
After an injury, you’re likely under financial stress. You may be worried about medical bills and losing time at your job. However, it’s important to note that a first offer from the insurance company is often a low offer.
Insurers are hoping that you settle quickly, but it’s vital to consider the full scope of your losses before doing so. A serious injury may leave you with lifelong medical care needs or reduced earning capacity due to a permanent disability. Accounting for your future losses is just as essential as accounting for the immediate impacts of an accident.
A fair settlement includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as future medical expenses, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering.
Your lawyer can consult with medical and financial professionals to support your claim for the maximum compensation you are eligible for.
Contact the Bus Accident Lawyers at GED Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a bus accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath by yourself. Whether you encounter a driver who refuses to admit fault or an aggressive insurance company that undervalues your claim, a legal advocate can help you regain control of your life.
Our bus accident attorneys can be there for you through every step of the legal process. We also work on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay our fees if we recover compensation for you.
Since 1995, we’ve been helping injury victims and their families avoid these eight common mistakes after bus accidents. Check out our case results to learn more, and contact GED Lawyers today to get started with a free consultation.
