4 Mistakes to Avoid After a Bus Accident
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. After a bus accident, make sure to avoid these blunders to protect your best interests and your right to adequate and fair compensation.
Bus passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians are all at risk in the United States, especially in places like New York City, where transit buses transport commuters, residents, and tourists around the city 24 hours a day. If you've been in a bus accident in New York City, there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding what to do next. To protect your best interests and your rights to file a claim and receive adequate, fair compensation for your injuries, avoid making these four mistakes.
#1: Failing to Seek Medical Help Immediately
If you're seriously hurt in a bus accident, you'll almost certainly be taken to the hospital right away. Seeking medical help is also important for long-term injuries or illnesses. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, the shock and trauma can often mask injury symptoms. You are not only starting the physical road to recovery by seeking medical attention, but you are also creating documentation of your injuries, which will make it easier to prove your injuries if you file a claim.
#2: Waiting To Address Your Issues!
Waiting too long to speak with a legal expert and file a claim is a common mistake made by bus accident victims. If you want to file a claim or a lawsuit against a government entity in New York or New Jersey, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
If you were injured by or in a transit bus, for example, you must file a claim within 90 days of the accident. If you were in a bus accident involving a private company, such as a hotel shuttle or charter bus, the filing deadline may be different. It's in your best interest to speak with a NYC bus accident attorney as soon as possible to learn about your options and safeguard your rights.
#3: Signing Anything from an Insurance Company Without First Consulting a Bus Accident Attorney
You may receive a call from one or more insurance companies after an accident, asking for statements and offering you a settlement. If you were driving another vehicle that was hit by a bus, your insurance company may pressurize you into making a statement or providing information that could later be used against you. Insurance companies may also provide you with a financial settlement for your injuries. Do not sign anything from an insurance company without first consulting an attorney about your situation. You give up your right to file a claim and receive additional compensation once you sign and accept a settlement.
#4: Not Taking into Account All of Your Financial Losses
If you've been seriously injured in a bus accident, the loss of income combined with medical bills will have an impact on your finances, and you may not realize the full extent of your losses right away. Accepting a quick, initial offer and receiving a small payout from an insurance provider will almost certainly not be sufficient to fully compensate you for your losses or pain and suffering. If you were a passenger or pedestrian in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, ongoing medical care, lost wages in the past and future, and other damages by filing a personal injury claim.
