St. Louis bus accidents can have extreme consequences because there are many people who can potentially get hurt.
Taking a ride on a bus seems like an everyday thing to do. Many people in Missouri and St. Louis do it on a daily basis on their way to work. However, it is important to remember that every time you step on a bus you are also performing an act of trust.
You are trusting the bus driver and their abilities to perform their job without any issues. Bus accidents, when they do happen, can have extreme consequences because there are many people who can potentially get hurt.
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident and got hurt, you may want to know what your next steps are. Here’s everything you need to know about the subject.
Getting Medical Help
No matter how severe the crash is, or how fine you think you feel, it’s imperative to seek medical attention right after the incident took place. Sometimes, a bystander or the bus driver themselves will contact emergency response units, and you could get some medical attention on-site. If nobody does, you should make the call yourself if you are able to.
Injuries are not always visible right after the accident. Some, like whiplash, can begin to show signs only after a week or more. Medical professionals know how to look for these hidden injuries and can recommend treatment that would effectively prevent your condition from getting worse later on.
Evidence of immediate medical attention will also help your bus injury claim because you can start to build a case that links your injuries to the crash.
Getting Compensated
Buses that carry passengers are also regulated by state and federal laws. Bus operators are obligated to uphold certain safety standards, such as the driver needing to be medically cleared before they can get hired for the job.
These regulations can be quite complex and, as a result, bus accident claims are not always as simple as regular passenger vehicle claims. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you build a compelling case against the at-fault party, and help you navigate through the complexities of bus state and federal regulations.
The first step the lawyer will take is to help you understand who the at-fault party is. There are several possibilities:
- Bus driver;
- Bus manufacturer;
- Company that employs the bus driver;
- Passenger vehicle drivers.
The evidence will point out the at-fault party (or parties,) and you and your lawyer can start building a case to get compensation for your crash injuries. Your lawyer may also recommend other courses of action than insurance claims, depending on the case.
Speak With a St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyer
When it comes to insurance claims involving bus accident injuries, your best bet is to work with an experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney. At this time, you should be focusing on your recovery, and not trying to make sense of traffic laws or federal bus regulations.
Give us a call for a FREE consultation :: (314) 361-4242