Bus accidents can result in complex injuries. In addition to causing harm to a passerby, these accidents can also result in fatalities for the passengers. If you are involved in a bus crash, which is the fault of a bus driver or a passer-by, a bus accident compensation claim can be submitted. This claim can cover the medical cost of your injury, as well as an amount that covers the loss of current and future income. 

If you are involved in a bus accident, consider the following guide.

Call an ambulance

If you suffer a bus-related injury, the first thing you need to do is call an ambulance. Even if you haven’t experienced any intense injuries, it is important to prioritise the safety of other passengers, as well as the driver. Once the ambulance arrives, get yourself tested thoroughly to ensure that there isn’t any further damage. 

Submit a police report

In the case of bus accident compensation claims, you are required to submit a police report. In case the injury prevents you from making a statement at the time of the accident, be sure to visit the station when you are feeling better. Without the police statement, your claim can be compromised. 

Collect evidence (take a photo or video) 

Tangible evidence can always strengthen your case. Therefore, if you or any other passenger, happens to have collected a video or photographic evidence of the accident, be sure to forward the copy to your solicitor. This way, the credibility of the case can be improved and your chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation would be increased. 

Find witnesses

Bus accidents tend to create havoc. When a bus accident occurs, there are always a few witnesses present to observe the incident that took place. Considering this, you must collect the personal information of every eye witness present on the scene. In case your injury prevented you from talking to people, your solicitor can review the CCTV footage of a camera, situated near the crash site, to find people who can give a statement. 

Ask for a medical report 

Similar to the police report, the medical report is another crucial element that can support your claim. It is essential to ask your doctors to provide you with a copy of all the test results, scans, as well as the prescribed medicine. This way, the total cost of treatment can be identified. In case your doctor schedules a follow-up appointment, make sure to mention it to your solicitor. This way, all factors can be considered to provide you with a maximum settlement amount. 

Hire a solicitor

Hiring a solicitor should be the next step. You can take the services of a personal injury solicitor, who works under the No Win No Fee agreement. This policy enables you to seek professional representation, without having to pay a large sum of money in the form of the legal fee. With the No Win No Fee policy, you do not have to pay your solicitor, until your claim is approved. This way, you can pursue the case without experiencing the fear of losing more money. 

Financial losses that a compensation claim can cover 

If your case is approved, the bus injury compensation claim can cover a plethora of financial losses. With an experienced solicitor by your side, you can be compensated in the following areas: 

• Medical bills
• Physical injuries
• Psychological trauma (provided that you submit a report from a certified mental health professional) 
• Childcare expenses
• Loss of income
• The potential loss of future income
• Expenses of hospital visits
• The damage to personal items of clothing

Types of bus accidents 

There are numerous types of bus accidents, including the following. You can pursue a bus accident claim if you have been victimised in the ensuing ways. 

• A pedestrian was hit by a bus
• A passenger suffered an injury due to another vehicle colliding into the bus. 
• A passenger was injured due to the bus driver driving into another vehicle/object
• The bus shifted off course due to the fault of another driver and colliding into another vehicle 
• A pedestrian is hit by a bus while waiting at the bus stop 
• The passenger experienced a slip and fall due to the wet floors inside the bus 
• The bus driver drove the bus before the passenger was seated
• The passenger experienced a slip and fall due to the wet floors inside the bus 
• The driver closed the doors while the passenger was getting off
•  The bus driver was driving under the influence 
• The bus driver was distracted while driving and causing collision 

Bus accidents can result in minor to severe injuries. If you have been a victim, it is essential to seek assistance from a professioanl solicitor, who can submit the claim to provide you with the maximum compensation.