What should you do if you have been in a bus accident?
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In the UK, countless millions of bus journeys take place every year, and most of them are perfectly safe and pleasant. According to Transport for London, there are fewer than three injuries sustained on London’s buses per million journeys. This makes it far safer than a journey in a car.
However, a bus is a road vehicle like any other, which means that sometimes, accidents can occur. So, how do you react to them?
Immediate Steps at the Scene
To begin with, you’ll need to make sure that the scene is safe, and then attend to any injured people. Summoning medical help will create a record of the injury, which can be useful if a bus accident claim is to be made later on.
This is a good time to gather statements from witnesses, since the details of the accident will be fresh and easily recalled. The driver, along with other passengers, might be able to make a to-camera statement. Document the state of the vehicle, and any injuries.
Prioritising Your Health: Seeking Medical Attention
Not all injuries are as severe as they first appear to be. Sometimes, conversely, a seemingly minor injury can turn out to be severe. As such, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you feel relatively fine. This is particularly important if you’ve sustained a head injury. Some kinds of injury, like whiplash and internal trauma, can be symptom-free for several hours, or even longer.
Reporting the Incident to Authorities and Operators
Several parties might need to be made aware of the accident. The most obvious is the police, who may need to take further action to get the road cleared, or apprehend any guilty person. The bus company, and insurance providers, might also need to be notified. This is always the case if you’re the driver of a road vehicle that has collided with a bus.
Documenting Your Experience and Losses
The more detailed your records of the accident, the more easily you’ll be able to pursue compensation later on. This applies when you’re collecting evidence from the scene of the accident, but also later on, when you’re undergoing medical treatment. Keep hold of all prescription slips, correspondence from your doctor, and parking receipts from the hospital. Make sure also that you have paperwork to demonstrate any loss of earnings you’ve suffered.
All of this information might help to inform the amount of compensation you’re awarded, should you choose to pursue it.
Understanding Your Legal Options and Time Limits
You’ll have a limited time to pursue legal action. In the UK, personal injury claims can be started up to three years after you became aware that you’ve sustained an injury. If you’re under eighteen, however, this clock won’t start counting down until you turn eighteen.
