The moments after a bus accident can feel chaotic and overwhelming to victims. Your body hurts, your mind races, and you are not sure what to do next. Here are some mistakes to avoid after a Huntsville bus accident to help prepare you if this happens.
Our aggressive bus accident attorneys at Siniard Law, LLC, could assist you if you were in this type of crash. For more information, reach out to our team to learn about how we could help you with your case.
What Information Should You Document at the Scene?
If your injuries allow for it, take photos of everything you can see after a collision with a Huntsville bus. This can include the bus, any damage, the road conditions, and the weather, along with the injuries you sustained, no matter how minor or insignificant they might seem at the time.
These images may become key evidence later in your case. It is also important to write down the bus number, company name, and driver details while you are still at the scene.
Skipping Medical Care
Some people refuse ambulance rides after a Huntsville bus crash to save money, which is a mistake to avoid. Others go home and wait to see if the pain goes away, but both of these choices may hurt your claim badly. Insurance companies may argue that you were not really injured if you did not seek out immediate medical care. They may even say your injuries came from something else that happened after the accident, and a delay of a few days could give them support to deny your claim.
It is important to go to the emergency room or to see your doctor right away. Tell your medical provider about every pain, ache, and symptom you are experiencing after the crash. If something does not hurt today but starts hurting tomorrow, go back and document it.
Giving Recorded Statements
An insurance adjuster might call you quickly after the accident and sound friendly and helpful. The adjuster may say they need your side of the story, but this is false information. Adjusters use these calls to find inconsistencies in your account.
They ask leading questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial blame. These adjusters are building their defense with this information. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and have your lawyer handle all communications to prevent this type of error after a bus crash in Huntsville.
Posting on Social Media
That photo of you at your nephew’s birthday party may look innocent, but it is proof for an insurance company that you are not really injured. The company may twist any post or photo to try to undermine your case.
A single picture of you smiling becomes evidence that you are exaggerating your pain. A comment about going grocery shopping suggests your injuries are not limiting your activities. Insurance investigators search your social media profiles for exactly this type of content, so this is a mistake you want to avoid after a Huntsville bus accident.
Make your accounts private immediately, and stop posting anything about your activities, mood, or daily life until your case resolves. It is also a good idea to tell your family and friends to not tag you in their photos.
Accepting Quick Settlement Offers
Another mistake to avoid after a bus crash in Huntsville is taking the first low offer from the bus company. The company knows you may have mounting bills and could be desperate for cash right away, but early settlement offers rarely cover your full damages.
You might not know the extent of your injuries until some time later, as some conditions take weeks or months to fully develop. Once you accept and sign an offer, you cannot go back for more money when complications may arise.
Your medical treatment might also cost far more than you initially expected. In addition, your lost wages could add up quickly if you are unable to work, and your pain and suffering deserve compensation too.
Waiting Too Long To Take Action
The state gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, which sounds like plenty of time, but it is not. Evidence can disappear, witnesses often forget details, and surveillance footage may get deleted, creating issues for your Huntsville bus accident case.
Bus companies have their own investigators who start working on the case immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case for your claim, especially when critical evidence vanishes.
Contact a Lawyer To Learn the Mistakes To Avoid After a Bus Crash in Huntsville
Bus accident claims may involve complex liability issues and aggressive insurance companies. It can be a challenging fight if you do not have someone on your side who knows state law.
Our experienced lawyers at Siniard Law, LLC, know the mistakes to avoid after a Huntsville bus accident. We could handle the insurance companies, gather the evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
