What to Do After Being Injured in a Bus Accident in Texas

Being injured in a bus accident in Texas can be overwhelming. This guide outlines the steps to protect your health, gather evidence, and ensure your legal rights are safeguarded. Learn how to get the compensation you deserve with the right actions after a bus accident.

Being injured in a bus accident can be an incredibly overwhelming experience, leaving you not only with physical injuries but also with emotional distress and confusion about what to do next. Understanding the steps to take after a bus accident is essential to safeguard both your health and your legal rights

In Texas, the complexities surrounding bus accidents often arise from the involvement of multiple parties, such as the bus driver, the bus company, and potentially other drivers or entities. Each of these parties may have different responsibilities and liabilities, making it essential to navigate the situation carefully.

Knowing the right actions to take after the accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and any potential legal claims. This guide will provide you with straightforward steps to follow if you find yourself injured in a bus accident, ensuring you’re well-prepared to address the challenges ahead.

#1 Get Medical Help Immediately

If you’re injured in a bus accident, your first step should always be to get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor ensures your injuries are documented, which will be important later if you need to file a claim for compensation.

Workers' compensation diagram highlighting medical treatments, disability benefits, rehabilitation, and funeral services coverage in Texas

Always remember, that medical care not only ensures your well-being but strengthens your case by documenting your injuries properly.

Here are three key reasons why getting medical help is vital:

Preventing Worsening Conditions: Some injuries, like whiplash, back injuries, or internal trauma, may seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Immediate medical care can help catch these issues early and prevent long-term complications.
Documenting Your Injuries: Medical records are essential if you plan to seek compensation for your injuries. A doctor’s report will serve as solid evidence of your physical condition after the accident, proving the link between the crash and your injuries.
Establishing a Treatment Plan: After a thorough examination, your doctor can create a treatment plan for your recovery, which may include medication, physical therapy, or even surgery. Following this plan not only improves your health but also strengthens your legal case by showing that you’re taking the necessary steps to recover.

#2 Report the Accident

Make sure the bus driver reports the accident. If the police come to the scene, they will create an official report. This document is critical because it includes details about the accident, statements from witnesses, and who might be at fault. Be sure to get a copy for your records.

Close-up of a person filling out a workplace injury claim form, illustrating the importance of filing workers' compensation claims promptly

Tell the Bus Driver and Call the Police: Ensure the driver reports the accident to their company. If the accident is serious, call 911 so the police can create an official report.
Get a Copy of the Police Report: The police report will include details like witness statements and possible causes of the accident. Be sure to request a copy for your records.
Take Your Own Notes: Write down important details such as the bus number, driver’s name, and the accident location. This can be helpful when filing a claim later.

#3 Gather Evidence

If you can, collect evidence while still at the accident scene. Take pictures of the bus, any other vehicles involved, your injuries, and the overall scene. Get the bus number, the driver’s information, and contact details from any witnesses. This information will help build your case if you need to make a legal claim.

Take Photos: Use your phone to capture pictures of the accident scene, including the bus, any other vehicles involved, your injuries, and road conditions. These images will help show the extent of the damage and can be crucial in proving fault.
Record Important Information: Write down the bus number, the driver’s name, and the company operating the bus. This information is vital when filing a claim or pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Get Witness Contact Details: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can strengthen your case by providing an unbiased account of what happened during the accident.

A woman in a neck brace and arm sling discussing her workplace injury claim with a legal representative in Texas

#4 Identify Who is Responsible

Figuring out who is responsible for a bus accident can be complicated. Multiple parties may be involved, so it’s important to determine liability. Here are three steps to take:

Consider the Bus Driver’s Actions: The bus driver may be at fault if they were distracted, speeding, or violated traffic laws. If the driver was negligent, they could be held responsible for the accident and your injuries.
Look at the Bus Company’s Role: The company that owns or operates the bus might be liable if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, didn’t follow safety regulations, or hired unqualified drivers. Bus companies are often responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for passengers and other drivers.
Evaluate the Role of Other Drivers: Sometimes, another vehicle involved in the accident could be responsible. If another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior caused the bus to crash, they could be held liable for the accident and any resulting injuries.

An attorney can help you sort through these details and identify the party (or parties) responsible for your injuries.

#5 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Working with a personal injury lawyer is one of the best steps you can take after a bus accident. They will explain your rights, gather evidence, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. A lawyer will also ensure you file your claim within Texas’ two-year deadline, and they’ll help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Smiling Attorney Roxell Richards, seated at a desk while shaking hands with client, ready to assist clients in need of justice

Know Your Rights: A lawyer will explain your legal options and make sure you file your claim within Texas’ two-year deadline.
Handle Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will deal with the insurance companies, ensuring they don’t push you into a quick, unfair settlement.
Get Full Compensation: A lawyer will help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any long-term effects, such as ongoing care or pain and suffering.

#6 File Your Claim

If the bus involved in the accident is part of a government-owned transportation service, you may need to follow specific procedures to file a claim. Texas has strict deadlines and rules for suing government agencies, and there are limits to how much you can recover. Your lawyer will guide you through this process and ensure all necessary steps are taken.

Know the Rules: Claims against government agencies have different procedures. It’s important to understand these rules so that you can file them correctly.
Watch the Deadlines: Texas has strict time limits for filing claims against government entities, often shorter than for private cases. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from getting compensation.
Get Legal Guidance: A lawyer will help you complete all necessary steps and submit required notices to ensure your claim is strong and compliant with the law.

#7 Avoid Settling Too Soon

Insurance companies might offer a quick settlement, but these offers are often lower than what you deserve. Don’t settle without talking to your lawyer. They will review the settlement offer and make sure you’re fully compensated for both your immediate and future medical needs, as well as other damages.

Understand the Full Value of Your Claim

Insurance companies often offer low settlements to save money. Before accepting any offer, it’s crucial to evaluate all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs.

Consult Your Lawyer

Always discuss any settlement offer with your lawyer. They can help you determine if the offer is fair and advise you on whether to negotiate for a higher amount based on your situation.

Consider Long-Term Costs

Quick settlements may not account for future expenses related to your injuries, such as ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation. Your lawyer will ensure that all potential costs are considered before you agree to any settlement.

Ensure Your Rights and Recovery After a Bus Accident in Texas

Getting injured in a bus accident in Texas can leave you with medical bills and other challenges. Knowing what steps to take, like seeking medical care, gathering evidence, and getting legal advice, can help protect your rights. Working with a lawyer ensures you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

For help with your bus accident case, contact our team at Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm today at (713) 974-0388. We’re here to fight for you and make sure you get the justice you deserve.