Your children rely on a bus to go to school. You may depend on this form of public transportation to get to work, go shopping, or visit friends and relatives. While buses are generally among the safest ways of getting around, serious accidents can occur with any motor vehicle. A bus accident can mean an extensive recovery period, time lost from work, or perhaps permanent impairment.
A Shreveport bus accident attorney at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers protects your rights and determines who is liable for your injuries. We fight for you so you can receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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Bus accident injuries
Many buses do not have seat belts or any other type of restraints. For this reason, passengers have a greater chance of suffering injuries, such as:
- Amputation
- Back and neck strains
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
When a bus hits a smaller vehicle or pedestrian, the results are often catastrophic or fatal. If a person dies from their injuries, their families may also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
What to do after a bus accident
After the shock of the accident, make sure to call 911. In most instances, bus personnel will contact emergency services, but always ensure this notification has been made.
Many bus accident victims are too severely injured to document the incident, but if possible, collect as much evidence as you can. That includes taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and writing down or recording what happened while your memory is fresh. If there were eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information. Later on, your lawyer can reach out to these individuals when investigating your case.
Seeking immediate medical attention after a bus accident is critical. Some people may not think they were badly hurt, so they decline going to the hospital and take a “wait and see” approach. That is a mistake. Some injuries may not become apparent for several days, and if you do not promptly visit a healthcare provider, the insurance company may deny your claim or allege the injuries are not that serious. In most instances, a bus company will pay for an examination after a crash, even if you do not file a lawsuit.
Your next step is obtaining legal counsel. The statute of limitations in Louisiana for filing a personal injury lawsuit is just one year, among the shortest such periods in the country. Many accidents involve vehicles owned and operated by government agencies, which means an even shorter period for filing– just six months.
Contact our team of Shreveport bus accident lawyers
A serious bus accident injury changes your life. If you or someone you know was hurt, you need the services of an experienced Bart Bernard bus accident lawyer. Time is of the essence. Call us today or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. While most cases are settled, we will take your case to trial when necessary.
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