Bus Accident Attorney in Gainesville
Riding on the bus comes with many advantages. Unfortunately, it also comes with a big risk — the risk of an accident. Bus accidents can have serious consequences and can change lives in an instant.
If you’re a victim of a bus accident, you don’t need to handle the situation alone. With the help of a bus accident attorney in Gainesville, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver. You could receive money for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and more. Abercrombie, P.A. can help.
The Causes of Bus Accidents
Much like car accidents, bus accidents can happen in many ways. In some situations, there is no one to blame. But more frequently, someone’s negligence caused the accident.
For instance, there are many distracted bus drivers on the road. Whether they’re talking to a passenger or are on the radio, they are being negligent. They need to place all of their attention on the road to keep their passengers safe.
Another common cause of bus accidents is substance abuse. Although bus drivers are held to higher standards, they don’t always adhere to those standards. Whether the substance is a prescription drug or alcohol, the driver’s behavior is reckless.
There could be someone else responsible for the accident. If a defective part contributed to the accident, the parts manufacturer could be to blame. Meanwhile, a lack of maintenance might be the fault of a government entity.
The cause of the accident is extremely important. You can only file a personal injury claim against the negligent party, and no one else.
Bus Accident Injuries
In one bus accident, many people can experience harm. One Gainesville bus accident left 13 people with injuries. Seven of them went to the emergency room.
The types of injuries vary greatly. However, there are a few injuries that are more common than others.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
This type of injury can have a long-term effect on your life. A traumatic brain injury could cause loss of memory, cognitive difficulties, and other issues. Typically, this occurs when a victim’s head hits a hard object, such as the bus seat or window.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can cause numbness, pain, and loss of bladder control. In extreme cases, a spinal cord injury can cause permanent paralysis.
Lacerations
Although a laceration might sound minor, it can be a serious injury. A laceration could require stitches. If it’s near a nerve, the injury could also cause permanent damage.
What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?
If you want to receive fair compensation for your accident, you need to follow the right steps. Failing to do so puts your chance at a personal injury claim in jeopardy. Follow these tips and you can improve your odds at a successful claim.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Before you do anything else, you should seek medical attention. Often, bus accidents involve significant injuries. Sometimes, those injuries aren’t apparent in the minutes after the collision. You should visit a doctor and get a full check-up.
After looking at your injuries, a medical professional will write a medical report. In that report, the doctor will go into full detail about your injuries. Later on, an attorney can use this report to prove your damage was caused by the accident.
2. Contact a Bus Accident Attorney in Gainesville
Once you see a doctor, you should contact an attorney. It’s possible that a neglectful individual caused the accident. If they did, you can file a personal injury claim against the liable party. An attorney can help you get started.
3. Track Everything
After your accident, be diligent about your records. Keep track of missed wages, medical bills, and other expenses. Additionally, record the symptoms of your injuries.
If possible, you should start your record-keeping immediately following the accident. Write down details about what happened, and take pictures of the bus, the intersection, and other details.
The Quest for Compensation
If you want compensation for your accident, you need to fight for it. For instance, you might be able to go through an insurance company. However, the insurance company doesn’t make the process easy. They may offer you a low settlement.
With an attorney by your side, you can fight for a more fair payout. But there’s also another option. You may be able to file a personal injury claim. This requires going through the civil court. In some cases, your case could result in a settlement. But other cases must go to trial. If the court rules in your favor, you receive money for your accident.
If you’re ready to start your journey towards compensation, contact us at Abercrombie, P.A. You can work towards holding the proper party responsible for their actions. Call us today.