The state and country highways are as busy as they have ever been. This means extra care has to be taken when traveling from place to place. Inevitably there are times when accidents happen, and during rush hour when waiting to get off a highway being rear ended by a bus is a distinct possibility.
Many drivers are impatient, and this includes bus drivers who have deadlines to meet. A rear ender can cause serious injuries, particularly if the bus rear ends a smaller vehicle.
If you have been injured when rear ended by a bus and you required medical treatment, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim from the bus driver’s insurer. This is an amount of money paid to you by the at-fault driver’s insurer to cover the cost of medical treatment and lost income. It sounds straightforward but in fact it can get quite complicated, so it is advisable to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Injuries from Being Rear-Ended by a Bus
One key thing about a rear ender is that both the driver who causes the accident and the occupants of the vehicle that is rear ended are taken by surprise. All of a sudden you are waiting for traffic to move and you are rear ended. There is no time to brace yourself for the impact, so when you are hit your body is thrown forwards uncontrollably, possibly causing devastating injuries to your back as you are thrown backwards and your stomach and chest as you are thrown forwards. This could cause irreparable damage to your spine and serious internal injuries that take a long time to heal.
If you file a PI compensation claim you can expect to receive the cost of all your medical treatment, including anything you have paid for already. You will also be paid a percentage of your earnings while you are unable to work.
The Process of Filing a PI Claim
Once you have decided you have sufficient evidence to prove you did not cause the rear ender by a bus, you can start the claim process. You will need the following evidence to show you didn’t contribute in some way to the accident:
- Eye witnesses’ reports
- A copy of the police report
- Photographs taken at the accident scene or from a video surveillance camera
In addition to that key evidence, it is useful to provide your doctor’s medical report containing the details of your accident and likely recovery time and receipts for medical treatment you have paid for already. One thing you must remember is to not delay submitting your PI claim as most states have a statute of limitations for personal injury claims which is typically 2 years, but not all states are the same. As soon as you are ready, you should contact a PI lawyer who will help you through the process.
Why You Need a PI Lawyer
You should to talk to a PI lawyer before you start the claim’s process. The insurers are never keen to let go of money for PI claims, and if they see you do not have a PI lawyer they will find whatever reason they can to deny your claim. A PI lawyer, on the other hand, will do as much as is possible to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Greyhound, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
