What to Do if You’re in a Bus Accident in Massachusetts

Riding a bus can be a great way to commute to work, get downtown for a game, or run errands. For the most part, buses are relatively inexpensive, reliable, and safe, not to mention environmentally friendly and sustainable. If you’re a regular bus rider, the thought of being involved in an accident may never cross your mind. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that there are thousands of injury-causing bus accidents every year in our country. If you have been involved in a bus accident, here’s what you should know about liability for your injuries and steps to take to protect your right to damages—

Liability for a Bus Accident in Massachusetts

Bus accidents typically occur as a result of negligence, or the failure to exercise the proper degree of care. Examples of negligence that can lead to a bus accident include:

• Bus driver negligence, such as driving while distracted or impaired, failure to look, or operating the bus at an unsafe speed for conditions
• Owner negligence, such as the failure of the busing company to properly service or maintain buses
• Repair/maintenance negligence, including the failure of a repair or maintenance company to service a bus up to standard
• Busing company negligence, such as the failure of the busing company/transportation authority to properly screen or train drivers
• Third-party negligence, such as the failure of another driver to operate their vehicle responsibility or the failure of a municipality to maintain its roads in a safe condition, etc. 

When you work with an attorney, your attorney will investigate your case in order to make a determination about the cause of the accident and negligence. 

Steps to Take if You’re in a Bus Accident in Massachusetts

If you have been involved in a bus accident in Massachusetts, taking action to protect your legal rights is important. Steps to take when you’re involved in an accident include: 

• Call 911. You should always make sure that the accident is reported to the police. Having a record of the accident will be important for your legal claim. 
• Seek medical care. Even if you don’t think that your injuries are serious, seeking medical care within 24 hours of the accident is essential for establishing a connection between the accident and any damages you may claim. 
• Gather evidence and documentation. If you are able, collecting evidence and documenting as much as you can about the accident after the crash could be important for your claim. Talk to eyewitnesses, take pictures, and write down everything you can remember.
• Don’t accept an insurance offer. If you are offered a settlement by the insurance company, do not accept it until it has been reviewed by an attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot pursue further damages. 
• Call an attorney. It is always in your best interests to work with a legal professional. 

Call Tetzel Law for a Free Consultation Today 

At the office of Tetzel Law, our Massachusetts bus accident attorney has experience working on claims involving public transit. To learn more about your legal rights through a free consultation, call our office today at (617) 742-1700 or send us a message online.