Bus accidents can be overwhelming. These crashes often involve severe injuries, and the legal process of pursuing compensation can be challenging. If you or a loved one is injured in a bus accident in South Carolina, you should seek immediate medical attention, collect any available evidence, and reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Many additional steps can also be taken to help protect your legal claim and your health. Speaking with a knowledgeable South Carolina bus accident lawyer can help you better understand the specific steps you can take in your case to help put you in a position to secure a favorable outcome.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always be the top priority after a bus accident. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible. Bus accidents often cause severe injuries, and delayed treatment can lead to a longer recovery period while also hurting your legal case.
Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, especially adrenaline-related pain suppression. Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates medical documentation that can help with an injury claim.
If emergency responders arrive at the scene, allow them to evaluate you. If you decline treatment initially, see a doctor as soon as possible afterward.
Report the Bus Accident and Cooperate With Authorities
Bus accidents in South Carolina are typically investigated by law enforcement or, in some cases, additional agencies, depending on the type of bus involved. After a crash, you should ensure the accident is reported to the police. When giving a statement to law enforcement, provide accurate, factual information and avoid speculation or assigning blame.
The police report may later serve as a key piece of evidence in your case. If possible, request a copy of the accident report or note how to obtain it once it becomes available.
Gather Evidence if You Are Able
If your injuries allow and it is safe to do so, gathering evidence at the scene can help preserve details that can help prove liability and support your claim.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and road conditions.
- Visible injuries.
- The bus number or route number.
- Contact information for witnesses.
- The name of the bus company or government agency.
Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, and evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage, onboard cameras, and maintenance records may later be difficult to obtain without legal assistance.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
After a bus accident, you may be contacted by the insurance provider for the liable party. Insurance companies often request recorded statements early in the process. While these requests may seem routine, statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
Before giving any recorded statement or signing documents, it may be wise to consult a personal injury lawyer who understands South Carolina bus accident claims.
Determine Who Is Liable for Your Bus Accident
One of the most complicated aspects of a bus accident case is determining liability. Because of the many parties that are typically involved in these cases, there are often many parties that share the fault for an accident.
Potentially liable parties may include the following:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or private operator
- A school district or government agency
- A maintenance provider
- A third-party driver
If the bus is operated by a government entity, such as a city transit authority or school district, special rules may apply under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. These cases often involve shorter deadlines and damage caps, which means securing legal guidance quickly can help protect your claim.
Pay Attention to the Filing Deadlines in South Carolina
South Carolina law limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim after a bus accident. In general, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities may require notice much sooner.
Missing a deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. Speaking with a bus accident lawyer early can help ensure all procedural requirements are met. Additionally, early intervention puts your attorney in a better position to collect evidence before it is lost or corrupted and build a strong case supporting your claim.
Document Your Injuries and Losses
Strong documentation can make a significant difference in the outcome of a bus accident claim. To help support your claim, you should keep records of:
- Medical bills and treatment plans.
- Prescription costs.
- Lost wages and missed work.
- Pain levels and daily limitations.
- Transportation and out-of-pocket expenses.
Bus accident injuries often require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Tracking how the injury affects your life can help demonstrate the full impact of the accident.
Compensation You May Be Eligible to Pursue After a Bus Accident
Compensation in a South Carolina bus accident claim depends on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of injuries, and who is legally responsible.
You will need to identify all the compensatory damages available in your case if you hope to recover fair compensation for your losses. Potential damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
Get Help From an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer in South Carolina Today
Bus accident injuries can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping injured individuals understand their rights and options after serious accidents. We take the time to evaluate each case, explain the legal process in clear terms, and advocate for fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in South Carolina, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can be an important first step toward recovery. Our team has recovered over $100 million in damages for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
