What Happens if a City Bus Hits My Car?

What happens if a city bus hits my car? If a city bus hits your car, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses, but you will need to know what steps to take to protect your case. 

This includes seeking immediate medical care, reporting the incident, and taking any necessary actions required by law. Talk to a New Orleans bus accident lawyer today about your case.

Call 911 for Immediate Help

Do not wait to contact the police if you have any injuries if a city bus hits your car. However, even if you do not have obvious, significant injuries, call 911 to request both medical attention and law enforcement. The police will help you document what occurred, helping you to build your legal claim.

Stay at the scene while waiting for help to arrive. If you are at risk for further injury, move your vehicle out of the way, and if possible, check on the other parties involved. Make sure you remain safe in all situations and avoid any confrontations with others.

When police arrive, calmly explain what happened before the incident and during it. Do not speculate on what caused the driver to strike you, but only provide clear facts about what happened. This will ensure that only accurate details are included and the police investigate fully. 

Gather All Available Evidence at the Scene

It is critical that you seek evidence, if you can do so, that demonstrates what took place. This works to preserve critical evidence that is essential in proving your right to fair compensation. The more information you have, the better. Focus on these areas:

• Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the bus, and any structures in the area. Be sure to photograph debris, road conditions, and any other factors that contributed to the accident.
• Get the name and contact information for the bus driver and any others involved. Take a photo of the bus driver’s license and license plate.
• Ask witnesses to provide their contact information to you. This may include your passengers, passengers on the bus, and anyone who saw what took place before or after the accident.

With this information, you are able to preserve any details that could be critical to your case. It is also a good idea to use a few minutes, when you feel safe to do so, to record yourself explaining what happened so that you do not forget critical details later if a city bus hits your car.

Get Medical Care and Document Your Losses

As soon as possible, get the medical care you need after the accident involving a city bus, as that will be critical in demonstrating what your injuries are and how they relate directly to the accident. Explain to those who care for you at the emergency room what happened so they can run all necessary tests to pinpoint any type of injuries you have, including hidden injuries you may not know you have.

Medical care is a critical step in preserving your health and your case. Follow through with all follow-up appointments and get the recommended supportive care. Stay in the hospital if they recommend that you do, and be clear about what you are really feeling from a physical and emotional standpoint.

As you leave the hospital, start documenting what you are experiencing. Create a journal that allows you to write down missed hours at work, out-of-pocket costs, and activities you cannot participate in. Describe your pain and emotional health throughout this process as well. All of this is valuable evidence.

Report the Incident to the City or Bus Owner

Depending on the ownership of the bus, you will need to alert the at-fault party of your injuries and losses. A city-owned bus, like the RTAs in New Orleans, is different from privately owned vehicles. Keep in mind that this is typically necessary to do within 30 days of the accident, but best to do so as soon as you are able to leave the hospital. This is not the same timeline that applies in a traditional personal injury case.

If the bus is a city-owned vehicle, the government agency is likely to have very specific steps you must follow to recover damages. This often means alerting them to your need to file a claim, submitting the claim to the city within a short period of time, and then waiting for a response.

Even if you are denied your claim immediately, it is worth consulting an attorney to discuss your case. In doing so, you preserve your right to seek fair compensation and hold the city accountable for what happened. You may need to file a lawsuit against the city or the organization operating the bus system for your losses. Watch our video testimonials today.

Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer Who Can Ensure the Steps Are Followed

There are numerous steps involved. If you do need to file a lawsuit against the city, the process requires numerous steps and may lead to a variety of complications. Having an attorney by your side who has experience in this area can prove to be vital. Your lawyer will handle:

• Gathering evidence to determine the cause of the accident
• Building your claim to include all losses you have, including medical costs, lost wages, and expenses related to pain and suffering
• Negotiate a fair compensation with the city
• Answer the city’s questions
• If denied, pursue legal action in a court of law

Your attorney has the responsibility to meet all legal requirements that your city sets. These can differ from one area to the next. With your lawyer’s help, you will know what the city’s responsibilities to you are after their bus driver causes your injuries and financial losses. With legal help, you can have confidence.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Attorney

No matter where you are in this process, setting up a free consultation with a New Orleans bus accident lawyer makes the most sense. 

There is no reason not to get legal insight into what your rights are before you agree to a settlement. Call Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers today.