College Park, MD Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents can involve multiple at-fault parties, including bus drivers, other motorists, bus companies, vehicle manufacturers, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Accordingly, determining liability in bus accident lawsuits often requires thorough investigations to identify all contributing factors.

If you suffered a bus accident in College Park, MD, then our legal professionals can help review your case and determine fault. Moreover, after identifying who is to blame, we can help file your case and fight for the payment you are owed.

Seek support and guidance from our bus accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by calling (410) 694-7291.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Bus Accident in College Park, MD

The aftermath of a bus accident can be very chaotic. Still, if you are able to keep your composure, there are certain actions you may take to expedite your recovery and enhance your chances of recovering damages from another party.

Remaining at the Scene and Calling 911

After suffering a bus accident, it is crucial to remain at the scene and immediately call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. Remaining at the scene allows for the proper documentation of the accident and ensures that injured parties receive prompt medical attention.

Exchanging Information with Other Parties

While at the scene of the accident, it is important to exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, including the bus driver and any other motorists or witnesses. This information will be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings related to the accident.

Documenting the Scene if Possible

If it is safe to do so, documenting the scene of the accident can be helpful for future legal purposes. This may include taking photographs or videos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries or property damage.

Seeking Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention after a bus accident is paramount, even if injuries seem minor or non-existent at first. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated.

Further, you must have a doctor document your injuries in order to recover payment in a bus accident lawsuit. If you wait for injuries to heal on their own, then obtaining this necessary documentation can be difficult.

Calling Our Lawyers

Finally, after seeking medical attention and ensuring everyone’s safety, it is advisable to contact our experienced bus accident lawyers. Our legal team can provide guidance and support throughout the process, including dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and negotiating for fair payment.

Proving Fault for a Bus Accident in College Park, MD

In order to acquire payment from another party in your bus accident lawsuit, you must provide evidence that shows your crash occurred because of their negligence. Fortunately, there are several forms of evidence that can be used.

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony from passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists who witnessed the bus accident can provide valuable insight into the events leading up to the collision. Their accounts may help establish key details such as the sequence of events, traffic violations, or the behavior of the bus driver or other parties involved.

Surveillance Footage

Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, or residences can capture the bus accident as it happens, providing visual evidence of the circumstances surrounding the collision. This footage may reveal factors such as driver negligence, reckless behavior by other motorists, or road hazards that contributed to the accident.

Vehicle Damage

The extent and location of damage to the vehicles involved in the bus accident can provide clues about the force and direction of the impact, helping reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Examining vehicle damage can also reveal potential mechanical failures or defects that may have contributed to the accident.

Skid Marks and Debris

Skid marks, debris, and other physical evidence left at the scene of the bus accident can help reconstruct the dynamics of the collision and determine factors such as vehicle speed, braking distances, and points of impact. Analyzing these pieces of evidence can provide valuable insights into the cause and severity of the accident.

Black Box Data

Many buses are equipped with event data recorders, commonly known as “black boxes,” that capture information about vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, and other critical data in the moments leading up to a crash. Retrieving and analyzing black box data can help establish factors such as driver behavior, compliance with traffic laws, and mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident.

Driver Statements

Statements from the bus driver and other parties involved in the accident can provide their perspectives on what happened and any factors that may have contributed to the collision. These statements can be used to corroborate other evidence and help establish fault for the bus accident.

Making Apologetic Statements After a Bus Accident in College Park, MD

It is important to refrain from making apologetic statements after suffering a bus accident because they may be misinterpreted as admissions of fault. Even if you feel sorry for the situation or want to express sympathy, apologizing can inadvertently imply responsibility for the accident.

Insurance companies and opposing parties may use these statements against you during the claims process or in a legal proceeding to argue that you acknowledged fault for the accident. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid making any statements that could potentially be construed as admissions of liability and instead focus on ensuring everyone’s safety and gathering necessary information at the scene of the accident.

Speaking with an Insurance Company After a Bus Accident in College Park, MD

You should refrain from speaking with an insurance company after a bus accident without our legal team present to protect your legal rights and interests. Insurance adjusters may use tactics to minimize the compensation you are entitled to by eliciting statements that could be used against you.

Our legal professionals have the expertise to navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations and ensure that you do not inadvertently say anything that could jeopardize your claim. By having us present during discussions with an insurer, you can ensure that your rights and interests are safeguarded.

Call Our Law Firm for Help with Your Bus Accident Lawsuit in College Park, MD

Get assistance from our experienced bus accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras today by dialing (410) 694-7291.