We take the bus for the convenience that it allows – leaving all the hassles of driving to the professional driver behind the wheel. You don’t have to worry about navigating through heavy traffic, about finding your destination, or about parking, but if you’re injured in a bus accident, the damages you suffer can be immense. Fortunately, the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bus accidents may help you on your journey toward recovery. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced South Carolina bus accident attorney.
What makes bus accidents so dangerous?
There are a variety of important reasons why bus accidents are so dangerous, including:
- The difference in size between the vehicles we drive and the massive buses on our roads is so immense that the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the bus accident are at very serious risk of being very seriously injured.
- Bus drivers experience sweeping blind spots all around their buses, which can leave anyone who is driving within these blind spots at increased risk.
- Because buses are so large and heavy, they require longer stopping distances, which can leave forward vehicles at risk of being rear-ended when bus drivers fail to safely account for this risk factor. Inclement weather exacerbates the problem.
- Because bus drivers transport large numbers of passengers, bus accidents have the potential to seriously injure many people at one time.
What should I do if I’m injured in a bus accident?
If you are injured in a bus accident, there are some basic first steps you should take to help protect your health and your bus accident claim.
Seek the Medical Care that You Need
If you have been injured in a bus accident, the first order of business is seeking the medical care that you need. If emergency care is offered at the scene of the accident, accept it, and if it is not, obtain the medical attention you need as soon after the accident as possible.
Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Bus Accident
If you are able to do so, gathering evidence at the scene of the bus accident is well advised. This can mean all of the following (as applicable):
- Take photos and videos that depict where the accident happened, the damage caused, and anything else that may be relevant to your claim (including any extenuating circumstances, such as bad weather or decreased visibility).
- Jot down everything you remember about how the accident happened (these freshly preserved memories can prove important to your claim).
- Record the testimony of and gather contact information from eyewitnesses at the scene of the bus accident.
- Make sure that you have the bus’s license plate number and the bus driver’s identifying information.
- Don’t talk about the accident (unless an officer at the scene asks you questions directly, which you should answer as truthfully and briefly as possible). The insurance company involved is adept at twisting the comments of claimants like you into damaging statements, which means that the less you say, the better. Laying low on Facebook and other social media platforms is also a good idea.
- Consult with a dedicated South Carolina bus accident attorney as soon after the bus accident as you can.
What if I was driving another vehicle?
If a bus driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a bus accident that involves your vehicle, you will proceed with filing a bus accident claim (just as you would if you had been a passenger on the bus). Bus drivers are professional drivers who owe an important duty of care to everyone on the road, including their passengers and other motorists.
Who is responsible for the bus accident that caused me to be injured?
When it comes to bus accidents, there can be plenty of negligence to go around. Consider the following examples:
- If you are harmed as a passenger on the bus, fault may lie with the bus driver’s negligence, but negligence on the part of the bus company, the bus manufacturer, and/or the bus maintenance company may play a role. Further, another driver’s negligence may be responsible for the accident that leaves you injured.
- If you were harmed in another vehicle or as a pedestrian, you will need to demonstrate that the bus driver’s negligence (or negligence on the part of the bus company, the bus manufacturer, and/or the bus maintenance company) caused the accident that left you injured.
- In some cases, a public entity like Greenlink Transit may be liable for your injuries
What damages can I seek?
The damages (or losses) associated with bus accidents are often considerable.
Medical Costs
Your medical expenses can include all of the following:
- Emergency care
- Surgical care
- Hospital stays
- Follow-up care
- Medical treatments, tests, and procedures
- Medical care from doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Home health care
- Adaptive physical devices
Serious injuries often require extensive treatment and care that can be ongoing. If your injuries lead to secondary healthcare concerns, the matter is that much more complicated.
Lost Earnings
You will likely face a recovery period in which you are not able to work, and this often translates to significant lost earnings. If your earning potential is affected, the loss associated is that much more serious.
Pain and Suffering
Being injured is physically painful, but you may also endure emotional pain and suffering. Bus accidents tend to be violent, terrifying accidents, and the pain and suffering you experience can be overwhelming.
Seek the Legal Guidance You Need from an Experienced South Carolina Bus Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence in a bus accident, the formidable bus accident attorneys at McCravy Law in South Carolina are committed to skillfully advocating for your rights – in dedicated pursuit of your case’s optimal outcome. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 864-388-9100 today.
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