Buses of all types transport people around cities and rural areas across the state of Florida and across the country. From tour buses to city buses, school buses, and chartered buses, buses are an economical and usually safe way to travel. However, buses are sometimes in accidents. Accidents involving buses can be pedestrian accidents, car accidents or bus-bus collisions. In every case, serious personal injury or even fatalities can occur.
If you have been in a bus accident, it is important that you visit a doctor or emergency room right away. Even if you are lucky and seem to be fine, keep in mind that some injuries are not immediately apparent. Some fatal brain injuries, for example, do not show symptoms for an hour or more. It is better to be safe. A visit to a medical professional can save you from serious complications.
In addition to seeing a doctor, you should begin to gather as much information as you can. If possible, write down the bus driver’s name, the bus vehicle or license plate number, insurance information for the bus, contact information for witnesses, and anything else you can think of. Take pictures if you can and be sure to get copies of any medical reports. All this information can help you make a claim. Even if you are rushed to the hospital and cannot take any information from the scene, get copies of the police report and medical reports and start to keep a journal of your injuries.
After a bus accident, it is important that you exercise caution when talking about the accident or signing any papers. Hire a qualified Florida personal injury attorney soon after the accident. A good lawyer will ensure that your rights and claims are safeguarded. Try not to discuss the accident or sign legal papers unless your attorney is present.
Bus drivers and owners have a duty to keep their buses safe. If you have been injured in a bus accident, one of the inevitable questions will be whether a bus company or driver has done everything possible to provide a safe form of transportation. Your attorney may wish to launch an investigation into the road conditions, weather, and bus maintenance or bus condition at the time of the accident. This can help determine whether negligence or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.