Living in a state like New Jersey, many people utilize public transit, including buses. With so many buses on the road throughout the state, bus accidents happen frequently. The question is: what do I do after a bus accident in NJ? There's a number of steps to take, which we will walk you through in this blog article.
If you've been injured in a bus accident, what you do after will impact what you receive or do not receive in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has helped thousands of clients with various types of personal injury cases over the years, including bus accidents. Call us today, let's discuss your case, and figure out what steps to take next.
Steps To Take Following an NJ Bus Accident
Regardless of their level of experience, bus drivers are still susceptible to being involved in an accident. Should there be an accident, you should know what to do, especially if someone is hurt. If you are aware of what to do and what not to do in the event of a NJ bus accident, it can have a huge impact on your injury claim afterward.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
The most important things to consider after any accident, but especially after a bus accident, are you hurt? You should seek medical care as soon as you can. Keep in mind that some injuries could not manifest right away, and that injury may take hours, days, or even weeks to manifest following an accident. Your doctor should be able to diagnose any internal injuries you may have, and you should request copies of your medical records so you have documentation to support your claim for compensation.
Get a Police Report
When a bus accident happens, you should definitely call the police as quickly as possible. Any accident needs to be reported to prevent legal problems later on and to gather proof for a bus accident claim. The bus driver is required to notify the authorities in the event of an accident. Be sure to give exact details to the responding officer while never admitting any responsibility.
Gather Any Evidence or Information
Following a bus accident, collect as much information as possible. This information can serve as evidence if you want to seek compensation. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage to help support your case. Obtain the contact information for every person involved, including any witnesses.
Do I Need To Retain an NJ Personal Injury Lawyer?
There is no law that requires you to hire a lawyer to file a claim or lawsuit, but it is strongly advised that you do to give you the best chance at fair compensation. Because there are a lot of rules and laws that you might not be familiar with or comprehend, a legal professional can be very beneficial. There are deadlines for filing as well that a lawyer will know, but you may not.
To avoid mistakes and to get the money you are entitled to, you should consult with a NJ accident attorney like Brandon J. Broderick.
Call us today for a free consultation.