Initial Steps in a San Antonio Bus Accident Claim
Anyone with injuries from a bus accident deserves compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Securing the maximum possible award often depends on the initial steps in a San Antonio bus accident claim filing. In the confusion following a collision, an injured person may overlook critical steps in gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, or contacting authorities. Knowing what to do before an accident happens can help a person preserve crucial information.
If you are involved in a bus accident, you should:
- Contact emergency services if injured
- Call local law enforcement
- Collect contact and insurance information
- Take pictures or video of the accident
- Gather witness statements
- File an accident report
- File a claim with your insurance carrier
- Consult a bus accident lawyer
Following these initial steps can help build a strong legal strategy for negotiating the best possible settlement.
Contact Emergency Services
Your first step after a bus accident in San Antonio should be contacting emergency services if anyone needs medical assistance. In most jurisdictions, the call will also notify law enforcement. You should be evaluated by a medical professional even if you believe you are unhurt. They can determine if you have suffered undetected injuries that should be addressed.
Collect Contact Information
Drivers should exchange contact and insurance information while at the scene if possible. If pedestrians or bicyclists are involved, their information should also be recorded. This data is essential for filing accident reports and insurance claims.
Take Pictures and Videos
Ask bystanders if they recorded all or part of the accident and see if they will send the recordings to your phone. Also, take pictures and videos, so you have a record of what the area looked like at the time of the accident. A visual record makes recalling details afterward and demonstrating actions easier.
Gather Witness Statements
Record witness statements and collect contact information. Resolving accident claims takes time. Witnesses may not recall events clearly or may have relocated. Without taking steps to collect contact information after a San Antonio bus collision, their testimony would be lost.
File an Accident Report
By law, you must file a bus crash accident report within ten days of the accident or face fines, license suspension, or criminal charges. A report does not need to be filed if the accident has less than $1,000 in property damage and no injuries. However, accident reports are an essential component of a crash investigation.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Notifying your insurance company of a bus accident begins the claims process. Before they start an investigation, insurance agents will ask if a police or accident report has been filed. The reports help substantiate your claim.
Consult a Bus Accident Attorney
You should contact an experienced bus accident attorney immediately following an accident in San Antonio. Bus accident claims can be complex as multiple parties may be at fault, and the statute of limitations can vary by jurisdiction if the bus is government-owned.
Statute of Limitations
If the bus is government-owned, you must file a claim within 90 days of the accident date. You have two years to file a claim if the bus is privately owned. Experienced attorneys can ensure the legal process is followed and documents are filed promptly.
Responsible Parties
Texas follows a comparative negligence model, where injured parties may still receive compensation if they are less than 50% at fault. Personal injury lawyers can advocate for a low percentage of fault for their clients and pursue other responsible parties, such as bus companies, bus drivers, and third-party servicers.
Settlement
Claims are settled based on evidence. That is why knowing the initial steps in a San Antonio bus accident claim is so significant. The more evidence collected at the time of the accident, the stronger the legal strategy can be.
Contact a San Antonio Attorney as an Initial Step After a Bus Crash
If you have been involved in a bus collision, you could secure compensation. Contact Felix Gonzalez Law to discuss your options. We can help you take the initial steps in a San Antonio bus accident claim.
