Buses are a great, cost-effective, and often eco-friendly form of transport. But how safe are they? And if you should find yourself involved in a bus crash, what should you do? Let’s find out.
How Safe Are Buses?
According to bus.com, buses are the second safest form of transport in the United States, with air travel being the safest. Buses include a wide variety of types, from chartered coaches to yellow school buses and everything in between.
All kinds of buses account for only 10% of road accident fatalities in the U.S., which makes the mode of transport four times safer than rail travel and an incredible fifty times safer than car travel.
However, bus accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents to be involved in because buses are much larger than many other vehicles on the road and they carry multiple passengers. So, the chance of significant injuries increases.
What Should You Do After A Bus Accident?
The aftermath of an accident is sure to be a confusing time, whether you’re a passenger on a bus or a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist who is involved in a bus accident. Speaking of cycling, you could always ensure you stay safe by cycling indoors rather than on the road.
Regardless, you should try to remember what actions you need to take immediately after a bus crash to ensure you protect your health and your interests.
For instance, after you’re injured in a bus accident, you should consult an experienced bus accident lawyer who can help you gain the financial compensation for your injuries that you deserve.
But first things first. The initial thing you need to do after being in a bus accident is call 911. Then, if you’re not seriously injured and it is safe to do so, remain at the scene of the accident to help others.
If you see smoke or flames, or if the bus is in a hazardous position, exit the bus if you can. The next step is to gather evidence.
Gather Evidence
If you are in another vehicle rather than the bus itself, you should gather information from the other parties involved in the accident. You will need that for insurance purposes and in the event that you need to file a lawsuit to gain compensation.
And to help your insurance claim or win a compensation case, you need as much documentary evidence as possible. So, if you’re well enough to do so, start gathering evidence of the accident scene.
You should take photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident, the broader accident scene site, and any visible injuries that you sustain.
Also, you should get information about the bus driver and the emergency personnel that arrive on the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, it’s important that you seek medical attention after a bus crash.
You could have an injury that isn’t immediately apparent, such as a soft tissue injury or internal bleeding. Once you’ve seen a doctor, make sure you follow the treatment plan you’re given.
Keep Detailed Records
If you want to gain compensation, you should always keep all records pertaining to the accident, such as medical records and bills.
The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to prove things like the extent of your injuries and the financial cost of the accident.
Contact Your Insurer And Lawyer
Finally, if you were driving a vehicle involved in the bus crash, contact your insurance company. Then, regardless of whether you were a passenger in the bus or the driver of a car involved in the accident, contact a reputable attorney who can advise you on the courses of action you could take.
