Some victims of an accident in Denver involving a bus may suffer physical injuries from the incident. A Denver bus accident attorney provides legal counsel to help you navigate the claims process; they also answer questions about the case. Here are some guidelines on how to move through the legal process after a bus accident in Denver:
Check for Injuries
The first step in a bus accident is to check for any injuries. Even if you don’t show any obvious signs of injury, you may develop pain later. Whiplash is one example of delayed pain from a vehicle accident. When your head is thrown forward and back in a collision, it can strain the muscles in your neck and upper back. You should ask a medical professional to examine you. They determine if you have any broken bones or sprains, and they may order X-rays or other tests to check for brain injury or internal bleeding. The doctor also records any findings in your file, which helps strengthen your claim with the insurance company.
Record Details of the Accident
If you’re awake and aware after the accident, note details about the setting and the incident. It will help your Denver bus accident attorney build a stronger case. Here are some details you can record:
- Location: Pay attention to street signs.
- Vehicles involved: Notice how many vehicles were involved in the accident, if any.
- Witnesses: Check to see who is at the scene, even if you don’t get their names and contact information.
- Weather: Notice if it was raining or snowy or if fog impaired visibility.
- Photos: Instead of relying on your memory, take pictures of the bus and other vehicles and any relevant items in your surroundings.
If no one contacts emergency personnel, report the accident to the police. They will take statements from everyone involved, speak with witnesses, and take photos. They will file a report, and your attorney can review it for your case.
Consult a Denver Bus Accident Attorney
As soon as possible after the accident, contact a Denver attorney for a consultation. Take your photos and any other records for the attorney to review. They will ask questions about the incident, answer your questions, and provide the next steps for your case. At this point, you’re under no obligation to hire the attorney, but the consultation provides information to help you move forward.
File a Claim
If you hire an attorney, they may file a claim for your injuries. Some bus accidents involve multiple parties, so it is sometimes difficult to know who is responsible. The attorney will review the police report and contact the responsible insurance company. Once a claim is open, the attorney monitors the case, recording information that may affect your compensation, and completes any necessary paperwork. Examples of information they need include:
- Medical bills
- Records of lost wages
- Additional expenses related to your injury
- Necessary accommodations for your injury
- Future expenses for permanent injuries, such as modifying the home
- Medications
- Home health care
Negotiate Compensation
Your attorney negotiates compensation on your behalf. They confer with the insurance company; this helps them determine the amount you need for current and future expenses. The attorney may include pain and suffering in their compensation request if the accident and resulting injury impacted your quality of life.
If no compensation agreement is reached, the attorney will file a lawsuit and take the case to court. They build a case, and they sometimes call in medical experts to support the claim. At any time during the trial, the insurance provider may negotiate compensation terms.
Contact an Attorney for Legal Counsel
Navigating the claims process after a bus accident is complicated. A Denver attorney helps guide you through the process, complete complicated paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. Contact an attorney for a consultation; they will determine how they can help you get compensation for your injuries.
