What you do after a bus accident in Virginia can make all the difference in your safety and the validity of your case for compensation. The moments in the immediate aftermath are especially crucial. We encourage you to call 911, and if your injuries allow, render aid to those who are injured until EMTs arrive. If possible, you should also take pictures of the scene and swap contact information with other involved drivers and witnesses.
Otherwise, ensure your safety and accept medical help when the ambulance arrives. If you didn’t think you were seriously injured, you should still go to the hospital or your primary care doctor as soon as possible to ensure you’re in good health.
Next, you may want to consider hiring a Virginia bus accident lawyer from our team. They can help you seek compensation for your losses while you recover.
Call the Police to the Bus Accident Scene
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, your top priority should be your safety. If you were in another car hit by the bus, pull over to the side of the road, if possible, so you don’t block traffic.
From there, call 911 to summon the police and an ambulance to the scene. If the accident caused injuries, death, or extensive property damage, you must report the crash to law enforcement. The responding officer will fill out a report that documents all the details of the accident, such as the date, time, and location, the parties involved, and any injuries or damage.
This report should be available within a week or so of the incident. It’s important that you get a copy from your local police station, as it will serve as vital evidence in your case. If a Virginia bus accident attorney represents you, they can request a copy of the report on your behalf.
Document the Scene of Your Virginia Bus Accident
If it’s safe to do so, document the bus accident scene. Any photographic evidence will objectively capture the full extent of the effects of the crash, which may help bolster your bus accident claim. Snap pictures or take videos of the following:
- The bus and other vehicles involved
- Visible injuries
- The weather and road conditions
- The bus accident scene from different angles
If any bystanders witnessed the crash, such as people walking by on the sidewalk, ask them for their names and contact details. If possible, ask them to write down what they remember from the crash or record their account on your phone.
Their memories will fade over time, and that leaves room for them to misremember what happened. The sooner they record their testimonies, the clearer and more accurate they will be, which will be important during your personal injury attorney’s negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Also, ask for contact and insurance information for the bus driver and any other parties involved. Give them your name, phone number, and insurance information, too.
Accepting Medical Care Is Crucial After a Bus Accident in Virginia
Once the ambulance arrives at the accident scene, allow the paramedics to examine you. They can start treating your apparent injuries immediately. If they recommend you go to the hospital, please do so. The time between the crash and when you receive medical treatment is crucial.
Many injuries can worsen within a short timeframe, even more so when you delay care. For example, the Mayo Clinic affirms that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can take days to manifest. Waiting that long to see a doctor could result in long-term or even permanent damage. On the other hand, prompt medical treatment can shorten your recovery – or it may even save your life.
If you do not go to the hospital, you should visit your primary care physician’s office as soon as possible. The sooner you see a doctor after the accident, the better you protect yourself and your right to financial compensation.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Carefully
After you’ve seen a doctor, they may create a treatment plan for you. It’s imperative that you follow it exactly, as it will help ensure you are on the right road to recovery. Straying from it could impede your progress.
If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, not only could you potentially harm your health, but it could also tell the liable party’s insurance company that you’re not as hurt as you originally claimed. Therefore, they shouldn’t have to cover your medical bills. Alternatively, they may try to pin the blame on you for worsening your injuries.
Consider Reaching Out to Our Personal Injury Law Firm After a Bus Accident in Virginia
Being overwhelmed, stressed, and in pain after a bus accident doesn’t put you in a good place to seek compensation. Leave that to a Virginia personal injury lawyer from our firm. Our legal team at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, can provide these services:
- Collecting necessary evidence
- Identifying what caused the bus accident and the responsible party
- Engaging in settlement negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance company
- Filing your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit before the deadlines found in Va. Code § 8.01-243 or Va. Code § 8.01-244
- Handling all communication with involved parties on your behalf
- Arguing your case in court, if necessary
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC After a Bus Accident in Virginia
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, will handle your entire legal claim after a bus accident in Virginia. Our founder, Jim Parrish, previously represented insurance companies, so he can use the information he gained from inside the industry to protect your rights.
We handle bus accident cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. Working with us under this payment structure starts with a FREE claim review. Call us today to learn more.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form