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There are more than 100,000 buses in California, giving residents access to an expansive public transport network covering most of the state. However, with this many buses on the road, accidents involving these vehicles aren’t uncommon.  

If you were injured in a collision involving a bus, you may be confused about what to do next. Ultimately, if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, you will need to consider your actions carefully as any mistakes could give the insurance company ammunition to dispute your case. 

Let’s take a look at a few steps you should take in the aftermath of a wreck:  

Document the Accident Scene

Much of the evidence needed to prove a personal injury claim can be time-sensitive. As such, you may need to act quickly before important proof is destroyed, altered, or becomes unavailable for any other reason. One of the best ways to ensure that this evidence is preserved is to document the accident scene thoroughly.  

For example, you should use your smartphone to take pictures of the vehicles involved, your injuries, street signs, road markings, and other elements that could help you prove liability and damages. If there were any other passengers on the bus, you should take down their names and contact details to share with your attorney. Additionally, if someone captured footage of the accident on their dashcam or a surveillance camera, getting your hands on these recordings could help strengthen your case.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injuries don’t appear to be very severe, it’s important that you visit the doctor as soon as possible. Some serious conditions might not manifest symptoms until days after the wreck, so a prompt diagnosis could prevent you from developing life-threatening health complications.  

However, undergoing a medical assessment isn’t just important to your well-being; taking this step could also help prevent disputes during the claims process. For instance, if you didn’t seek treatment until weeks after the accident, the insurer may argue that you suffered your injuries in a separate incident, or that you failed in your duty to take sufficient steps to mitigate damages.

Report the Accident

In California, you are required to report any traffic accident that results in a death, injury, or property damage exceeding more than $1,000 within 10 days after the wreck. Failure to comply with these laws could lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. You should also report the collision to your insurer within a reasonable timeframe.

Gather and Compile Important Documentation 

From estimates for home modifications to invoices for repairs, you should make copies of any documents associated with your accident-related losses. Additionally, if you were unable to work because of your injuries, you should gather evidence of the resulting lost wages such as letters from your employer, paystubs, and tax returns. 

Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in California 

Were you hurt in a traffic accident? Turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers to find out whether you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.   

Our bus accident attorneys have decades of combined experience representing injury victims in the state, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to prevail in even the most complex cases. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our Contact Page to lock in a free case review.