Buses are a reliable form of public transport with carriers ferrying thousands of commuters around California every day. However, while most trips make it from A to B without a hitch, some journeys do end in disaster. If you were hurt on the road, turn to our Carson bus accident attorneys to find out how you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. 

We have decades of collective experience overseeing wrongful death and personal injury cases in the state. Our team is available 24/7 to take your calls. To request a free case review, reach out to us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.  

Should I Still Seek Medical Treatment Even If My Injuries Are Not Serious? 

Bus accidents can often lead to serious injuries, and few victims survive unscathed. As such, even if you were able to walk away from the wreck, you should still schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible. 

Not only can visiting the doctor immediately after leaving the scene ensure you receive the treatment you need to start your recovery, but taking this crucial step could also help you avoid disputes during the claims process. Let’s take a look at a few more reasons you should always seek medical treatment after a bus wreck:  

• You Have a Responsibility to Mitigate Your Losses: While another party may be 100% at fault for causing the collision, you could still be held liable for a portion of your damages if opposing parties can show that you failed in your duty to mitigate damages. For example, if you did not seek treatment for weeks after the wreck, the claims adjuster might argue that this decision led to additional complications that could’ve been avoided had you scheduled a doctor’s appointment immediately. In such situations, you might be held liable for some—or all—of your medical expenses.  

• You Will Need Medical Records to Prove Your Damages: In order to recover a payout, you will need proof of your losses. Your medical records will not only help illustrate the severity of the injuries you suffered, but will also include detailed information about the healthcare interventions you will need or still require. The insurer will want to see your medical records before approving your claim. As such, if you did not visit the doctor, there’s a high likelihood that your claim will be denied. 

• You Need Proof to Tie Your Injuries to the Accident: If you take too long to seek treatment, it will be challenging for you or your attorney to connect your injuries to the bus wreck. In such situations, it’s likely that the insurer will dispute the cause of your injuries, potentially arguing that you were hurt in a separate incident as the date of your medical evaluation does not correspond with the date of the accident.  

Do I Have a Strong Bus Accident Case? 

While it may seem like another party is entirely responsible for causing the wreck, there’s a strong likelihood that the insurance company and other opposing parties might exploit weaknesses in your case to dispute liability and damages. Let’s take a look at a few signs that you might have a strong bus wreck claim: 

• You Gathered Evidence at the Scene: Whether you took photographs of your injuries, spoke to eyewitnesses, or obtained a copy of the official accident report, there are many types of proof from the scene that could help guide your lawyer’s investigation into the crash. 

• Someone Saw the Accident Take Place: If anyone observed the accident taking place, their deposition or testimony could help you prove fault. As such, if you notice anyone near the accident scene, you should take down their contact details so that your attorney can contact them at a later stage. 

• You Didn’t Post about the Wreck on Social Media: Whether you tweeted about the incident or uploaded pictures of the wreckage, anything you post online could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. Even seemingly unrelated posts could become ammunition in the hands of the insurer. For instance, if you “checked in” at the gym just a few days after the crash, the insurer could use this information as evidence to assert that you went against your doctor’s orders to rest or that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. As such, we recommend deactivating your social media accounts for the duration of proceedings.  

Discuss Your Case with a Bus Accident Attorney in Carson 

Were you hurt in a bus accident? The personal injury attorneys at HPIL may be able to assist with your claim. We provide tailored representation, giving each case the attention it deserves. From investigating the wreck and gathering evidence to representing you throughout proceedings, our attorneys are with you every step of the way.  

Our track record of success speaks for itself; we’ve recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Give us a call at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or switch to our Online Contact Form to lock in a free case assessment today.