Building a Bus Accident Claim? Avoid These Common Errors

If you were hurt in a bus crash and you’re planning to take action against the at-fault parties, it’s in your best interests to brush up on common mistakes other claimants have made in the same position. Even a minor error could bring your case crumbling down. 

While the actions you should take will be unique to your case, there are a few missteps you should almost always avoid in the aftermath of a bus accident. Let’s look at a few of these errors in closer detail: 

Providing a Recorded Statement 

Once the liable party’s insurance company is made aware of the wreck, they will likely reach out to request a recorded statement. While you might be certain about what happened, it’s still best to hold off on this “interview” as anything you say will be on record and could be used as evidence to dispute your case. Ultimately, until you’ve had a chance to thoroughly investigate the crash and assess your damages, it’s all too easy to say something untrue or inaccurate.  

Posting about the Wreck on Social Media 

As bus accidents are less common than most other kinds of road accidents, it’s possible that yours will garner attention from others. While you might be tempted to share the grisly details of the wreck with friends and family—or even the media—on social media, it’s unwise to discuss anything related to the accident online. 

The claims adjuster might monitor your online activity for any evidence that could be used to challenge your credibility. Even seemingly unrelated posts could be leveraged to dismantle your claim. If you aren’t able to deactivate your profiles, you should at least reconfigure your privacy settings to limit who can view your posts. 

Waiting Too Long to Seek Medical Treatment 

After a wreck, it’s important to visit the doctor as soon as possible. While you might think your injuries aren’t that serious, you cannot rule out the worst unless you’ve undergone a comprehensive medical assessment.  

Seeking prompt care won’t just ensure that you have records of the injuries you suffered, making it easier to tie your condition to the crash; but could also help you avoid disputes when you file your claim. For instance, if you didn’t seek medical treatment within a reasonable timeframe, the insurer might argue that you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries as you didn’t require urgent medical attention. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Bus Accident Attorney 

Buses may offer a convenient way to get from A to B, but even these reliable carriers are frequently involved in collisions. If you were injured while making use of public transport, you might benefit from discussing your case with a California bus accident attorney. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can provide you with the knowledge, resources, and experience you might need in your fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click through to our Contact Form to request a free case assessment.