Bus accidents are all too common in the United States. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buses were involved in over 30,000 accidents in 2020. These accidents resulted in serious consequences including property damage, personal injury, and death.
Buses differ from passenger vehicles in many ways. For example, buses often carry multiple passengers, and most public transit vehicles of this kind are not equipped with safety restraints like seat belts. Not to mention, bussing companies, bus operators, and other divers could be involved, meaning multiple parties could be liable for each victim’s damages.
Compensation claims following bus accidents must be handled correctly with insurance agencies and filed through the proper legal channels. Here, we will discuss how to claim injury compensation after a bus accident in Colorado. If you have specific questions about a bus accident that you were involved in, we encourage you to call a skilled Colorado personal injury attorney at Matlin Injury Law.
Need Help Claiming Injury Compensation for a Bus Accident in Colorado? Call an Injury Lawyer at Matlin Injury Law Now
At Matlin Injury Law, our skilled team of bus accident lawyers is here to help injured victims navigate the claims process, file lawsuits, get compensated, and more. Together, we can create a game plan to help you recover maximum compensation after your Colorado bus accident. Click here to learn more about our law firm’s services or contact the team today by calling 303-487-8911.
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Can an injured victim file a lawsuit or a claim to get compensation after a bus accident?
Generally, yes. After a Colorado bus accident, most injured victims are liable for damages if the collision or incident was caused by someone else’s poor decisions or negligence. Injured victims can bring their claims forward to recover compensation, otherwise known as damages, for their losses. Before bringing a claim, there are a few things that you can do to improve the likelihood that your efforts will be successful.
What to do after a bus accident to increase the likelihood of gaining compensation?
First things first, if you were in a bus accident, get to safety, check for injuries and call 911 to get medical assistance. If it looks like there was property damage or people are injured, always call the police. This helps keep everyone safe and also creates an unambiguous record, showing that an accident took place.
From there, you can begin gathering evidence to support any future claims that you may bring forward.
Here are some things to do at the scene of the accident and later on.
- Get to safety.
- Call 911.
- Exchange contact information with the other people involved in the accident.
- Cooperate with any responding medical personnel or police officers.
- Get the employment information of the bus driver including their first and last name, phone number, and the name of their immediate supervisor.
- Record the year, make, model, and license plate information of any vehicles involved in a collision.
- Take pictures at the scene of the accident of any injuries, damaged property, or damaged vehicles.
- Get the contact information of any bystanders or Witnesses so that you or your attorney can get written record statements from them later.
- Speak with the responding police officer in charge and get their business care if possible. Then, ask them how to get a copy of the police report.
- Write down everything that you remember from the accident right away so that you will be able to accurately recall details later.
- Get medical treatment for any injuries that you suffered, and if an ambulance ride to the hospital is recommended, accept it.
- Ask for copies of all medical bills and other expenses and keep track of these documents.
- Get in contact with a personal injury attorney that can handle bus accident cases in the state where the accident occurred.
Common Bus Accident Injuries and Damages
Most claims following bus accidents are for injuries and property damage. Several bus collisions have also resulted in fatalities in recent years. Personal injuries and property damage claims can result from essentially any kind of bus accident, even when buses are traveling at lower speeds. However, buses traveling at higher speeds at the time of a collision often result in more catastrophic damages and larger claims.
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Unique Aspects of Filing Bus Accident Claims
Bringing your personal injury claims forward after a bus accident may involve some unique procedural steps. After all, bus accidents are not as common as passenger vehicle claims. If you are making a claim against a bus driver, busing company, or the owner of a bus, you will have to consider factors like:
- the city, township, or state where the claim should be brought forward
- any municipalities that the bus may operate in
- which agencies and departments to file claims with
- whether a public college, transportation agency, or school district will be involved
- the Public Transportation Authority in your area
- if you will be involved in a class action lawsuit with other passengers
- the role of insurance providers
- which parties to hold liable and how to file claims with each, respectively
Because bus accident claims can be complicated, hiring an attorney to help you file is one of the best things you can do to ensure your success.
If You Want to File a Bus Accident Claim, a Lawyer Can Help. Call Matlin Injury Law for a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney at 303-487-8911!
Bus accidents can take years to recover from. Matlin Injury Law is here to help you with your legal needs at every stage of the claims process. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to injured victims following bus accidents, public transit injuries, and more. Call Matlin Injury Law in Colorado for assistance now at 303-487-8911 or click here to fill out a client consult form for free online.
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