Busses are a common form of transportation, whether we are going to school, work, or traveling. Luckily, bus accidents do not occur very often, but when they do, they can be serious. As a result, it is important to know what to do in the event that an accident occurs. Read on for more information.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Accidents can be caused by any number of factors. Some accidents are caused by inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, mechanical failure, and other drivers. But, the majority of bus accidents can be traced back to driver negligence. The most common forms of negligence include:
- Texting and driving
- Operating the bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Navigating directions while driving
- Failing to take large blind spots into account
- Negligently changing lanes
- Negligently discharging passengers
- Abrupt stops and starts
- Operating the bus while drowsy or fatigued
- Ignoring all other rules and regulations of the road
What do I do if I am in an Accident?
It is important to know what to do in the event that an accident occurs. The following steps can help make sure you and other passengers are safe and will be important when it comes to filing a personal injury claim:
- Call 911. Even if you do not feel like you have been seriously injured, you should go to the hospital anyway. It is possible to sustain an injury without realizing it or to have an injury that doesn’t develop symptoms immediately. Additionally, it is likely that other passengers are injured and require medical attention. At the hospital, ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
- Document the scene. One of the most important things you can do is take photos and videos of the scene of the accident.
- Swap contact information with other passengers. This will be useful when it comes to corroborating each other’s stories and versions of events.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney may be able to collect further evidence of negligence, including police reports and security footage.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to pursue legal action, you will need to make sure you file your claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years. If you fail to file within two years of the date of the accident, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. To avoid this, contact an experienced attorney.
If you have been involved in a bus accident in New Jersey, contact our firm today.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
