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Buses might be one of the safest forms of transportation in the state, but even these reliable vehicles are frequently involved in wrecks. For the passengers onboard, these collisions can be devastating with victims suffering catastrophic injuries with life-changing implications. 

If you were hurt in a bus wreck, you are probably eager to find out how long it might take to resolve your personal injury claim. The truth is, however, the length of time it may take to get your hands on a payout can vary depending on several different factors.  

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the factors that might affect the timeline of your case: 

The Severity of Your Injuries 

The extent of your injuries can have a major impact on the timeline of your case. Ultimately, you will want to wait until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement before proceeding with your claim.  

This is the point of your recovery where your condition is not expected to improve with further treatment, making it the ideal point in time to take stock of your damages as it’s unlikely that you will be ambushed with additional costs.  

Accepting a settlement offer before this point could lead to financial issues if, for example, you have to undergo an unanticipated procedure for your injuries or make further modifications to your home to accommodate limitations stemming from your condition. 

The Strength of Your Evidence 

Just like building a home on a strong foundation will ensure it stands the test of time, constructing your claim on a bedrock of compelling evidence will help it survive the insurer’s intense scrutiny. However, if you’re missing important proof, you will probably face disputes from the insurance company. If such disagreements cannot be resolved during negotiations, you may need to file a lawsuit which can significantly extend the timeline of your case. 

Your Personal Degree of Liability 

While, as a passenger, it’s unlikely you played a role in causing the bus wreck, there are many other reasons you might be held liable for some of your damages. If it emerges that your own negligence contributed to your losses in any way, you can expect the insurer to use such evidence to minimize their own liability. For example, if you ignored your doctor’s orders, the claims adjuster might assert that your behavior aggravated your injuries. Such disputes could add days, weeks, or even months to your claim’s timeline. 

Your Social Media Activity 

When filing a claim, you will need to be careful what you post online. Any comments, pictures, reviews, and even “check ins” could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility, leading to delays as your attorney works to counter such disputes.  

For instance, if you shared a firsthand account of the wreck wherein you made false claims or some of the information was inaccurate, the insurer could use your comments against you. In most situations, it’s best to deactivate your social media profiles until your claim has been resolved. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Bus Accident Attorney Today 

If you were hurt in a bus wreck, the payout from a personal injury claim could give you the funds you need to get your life back on track in the wake of this traumatic event. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team can help you navigate proceedings, providing tenacious representation and round-the-clock support from your first phone call until the final verdict. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or jump to our Contact Page to request a free case assessment with a California bus accident attorney.