If you are a seasoned traveler, you have probably used an airport shuttle bus at some point. Their services are convenient and reliable as they allow you to get to the airport on time. These trips are also safe as fatal crashes involving airport shuttle buses are very rare.
A common hazard for crashes when it comes to this type of transport is distracted driving. Some of the factors that distract drivers include:
- Improper management and defective bus equipment
- Monotonous driving on the same road for long
- Reckless passengers.
The worst scenario is when passengers are unbelted or standing. These factors combined may cause fatal accidents.
What to do if involved in an airport shuttle bus crash
When riding on a bus, you entrust your safety and wellbeing to the shuttle bus driver. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always end well. Even though they are rare, shuttle bus accidents are more complex and severe than smaller vehicle crashes.
There are multiple responsible parties and victims involved in a shuttle bus accident. Here are the steps to follow if you are a passenger involved in an airport shuttle bus crash:
1. Call the police
After an accident, the driver is responsible for calling emergency services. If the airport shuttle bus driver refuses to call for emergency services or is in a critical condition, call 911 immediately. The crash needs to be reported to law enforcement for official documentation.
2. Seek immediate medical attention
The next step is seeking medical attention right away, even if you feel like you have a minor injury. Inform the medics of every injury and the amount of pain it causes. Other injuries, particularly to the head or neck, take time to manifest.
Failure to seek immediate medical attention after the bus crash may be disadvantageous to the victim for legal reasons as well. For instance, if they decide to file an injury claim with the shuttle bus operator or an insurance carrier, they will lack the necessary evidence to prove they were severely injured in the accident, thus denying their claim.
3. Document the accident scene
Seeking medical attention is a priority after an airport shuttle bus crash. If you are not in critical condition, get the driver’s and other passengers’ contact info. Take photos and videos of the accident scene to have evidence of the accident. Document your injuries as well. You’ll never know when you may need those photos to prove a case.
4. Protect your legal rights
Next, contact an attorney with experience in handling shuttle bus accidents, such as the experts at this Ohio Personal Injury Law Firm, for legal advice and a thorough investigation of the accident.
However, the airport shuttle bus insurer and company would send investigators to the scene to identify potential causes of the crash. Airport shuttle buses are operated in conjunction with a public body, and a short-term claim notice may apply. Failure to notify the company of your claim immediately may lead to a loss in the right to compensation as a victim.
It’s vital as an accident survivor to have experienced legal personnel on your side to protect your rights. Bus accident lawyers are conversant with the law and regulations involved in airport shuttle bus crashes and can help you acquire fair compensation.
5. Make a shuttle bus accident claim
After seeking medical attention, you need to contact a legal team. They will schedule a free question and answer session to gather vital details about the accident and determine what services fit your claims. They use the accident information to gauge whether you have enough reasons to file a compensation claim and the next steps to follow. An attorney can also answer your questions about how long the claim may take and how much compensation you may receive from shuttle bus insurers.
Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.
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