What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Bus Accident

Whether you were riding as a passenger on the LA Metro, driving your own car or motorcycle, biking around Los Angeles, or a pedestrian at the time of your bus accident, you have legal rights. It is critical to take the right steps in the aftermath of a bus accident so that you can ensure your protection financially, physically, and legally with help from a top-rated injury lawyer in Los Angeles.

Check for Injuries

Don’t panic; try to remain calm, although the scene of the accident is likely to be chaotic. Start by checking yourself for signs of injury. Look for swelling or bleeding, and consider whether you feel any pain, numbness, tingling or mental confusion. Keep in mind that your adrenaline from the bus accident could mask pain initially.

Get Medical Treatment

Get professional medical care at the closest hospital or emergency department. Even if you feel fine, you could have hidden injuries or delayed symptoms. Get a full checkup to diagnose potential injuries such as a concussion, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or internal organ damage. Keep copies of your medical records.

Notify the Police

It is the bus driver’s responsibility to notify the police that an accident has taken place, but you can call 911 to report the crash yourself if no one else does. If you were outside of the bus and not a bus passenger, ask for your own copy of the police report at the scene. You can also request a copy later by contacting the Los Angeles Police Department.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you can, remain at the scene long enough to gather information and evidence. If you can do so safely, collect the following:

• Pictures of the crash scene, including vehicle damage and the surrounding roadway
• Footage from nearby traffic or surveillance cameras
• The name and contact information of the bus driver
• The name of the bus company or the city bus number
• Eyewitness names and contact information (including bus passengers)

Continue documenting the bus accident after you leave the scene. Keep copies of relevant records and documents, including your ongoing medical care, missed work and lost wages, how you are feeling day-to-day, and receipts for related expenses.

Determine Who Can Be Held Liable

Once you have seen a doctor and had the chance to understand how the bus crash injured you and will continue to affect your life, it’s time to consider your legal options. You may have grounds to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against one or more parties, including the City of Los Angeles for an LA Metro accident, a private bus company, a school, a bus manufacturer or a combination of parties.

Consult With a Bus Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

When you contact a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you can benefit from a free case evaluation, where a knowledgeable attorney will help you understand who is at fault and may be held financially accountable. If an attorney offers to take your case, he or she can handle claims filing for you and negotiate a fair settlement. 

If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can also take your case to trial in LA County. Don’t wait too long, as California has a statute of limitations of two years to file a claim against a private bus company – or just six months if your case is against the city government. If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a bus accident in Southern California, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP, for a free consultation. We will guide you through the steps to take next.