Bus Accidents
Travelling by bus is usually a very safe mode of transport. Unfortunately however, as with any other type of road use, accidents can happen. If you have been injured as a driver, passenger or pedestrian in a bus accident, you may be in a position to make a personal injury claim if the accident occurred due to the negligence of someone else.
Injuries sustained in bus accidents range from more minor injuries, such as bruising and muscle strains, to very serious injuries or even fatalities.
If you sustain an injury in a bus accident, you should obtain medical attention and advice from a specialist personal injury lawyer at the earliest opportunity. It is also important to record as much detail as possible, as this could be of assistance in any claim you decide to pursue. For example this may include:
- Details of the bus such as the number of the bus, the time of the accident, a note of the bus route and the precise location of where the accident occurred and details of any other vehicles involved
- The badge number of the bus driver
- The name, station and badge number of all investigating police officers.
- Retaining your ticket (if you are a passenger)
- Witness information (i.e. the names and addresses of other passengers, drivers, passers by)
- Photographs of the scene and/or your injuries
If you are injured on the bus when there is no collision, you must report the occurrence to the bus driver as soon as possible and ensure that a written record is made . You may wish to report the incident to the bus company as well, so that they have a record that you were involved in the accident and suffered injuries. If you need to attend a hospital or your GP, you must properly describe the accident circumstances so that a clear record is kept at that source.
It is not uncommon for bus companies and drivers to indicate that they have no knowledge of the occurrence of any accident or incident where full reporting has not taken place and proof may then be required of the happening of the event.
If you believe that you may be entitled to claim compensation in respect of injuries you sustained in a bus, coach or minibus accident, you should first seek specialist advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor. They can advise you on the best way to pursue your claim, collect all the relevant evidence and calculate the losses you have suffered.
More often than not, when a claim is put forward, the insurers for the other party will negotiate a reasonable settlement figure with your solicitor to bring the claim to a conclusion.
Sometimes however the insurers will try to deny that their client was at fault, refuse to negotiate or delay the matter. In these instances your lawyer should pursue the case through court proceedings, so long as they feel that the case has a good chance of success.
Contact ECS, or complete a claim enquiry form online, for personal advice on whether your particular circumstances could allow you or your family to claim compensation.
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