It’s a scenario no one wants to imagine, but accidents involving public vehicles do happen. These accidents can be complicated due to the complexity of finding the liable party. Our car accident lawyers will the steps you must take after an accident and helps you understand what is expected when filing an insurance claim.
What to Do After a Public Transport Vehicle Hits Your Car
Your steps will be very similar to those of a vehicle collision. You must follow these steps to ensure that all your actions are within the law and to set yourself up for a strong claim.
- Ensure your safety and evaluate your injuries
- Call 911 to request emergency services and police
- Exchange information with the driver, including their name and phone number, insurance company and policy number, and the vehicle owner and company contact details
- Collect evidence, including photos, witness names and contacts, traffic and weather at the time of the accident, your exact location, and the circumstances of the accident
- Notify your insurance provider
- Get a complete medical check-up
- Hire a lawyer
Which Party Is Liable When a Public Transportation Vehicle Hits a Car?
In a car accident, only two parties are usually involved, each with their own insurance. However, several parties may be liable when it comes to public transportation vehicles. Your lawyer will be able to guide you and help you determine who is at fault and to whom you should make your claim.
- The vehicle’s driver may be held responsible if their negligence caused the accident. This carelessness can include speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic laws or signs.
- The company that owns the vehicle and employs the driver may be liable if their failure to adhere to maintenance schedules led to the accident. These include tires not being replaced, brakes not being checked, etc.
- The manufacturer can be held responsible if the vehicle had manufacturing defects that caused the accident. In this case, the seller and manufacturer may be liable for the accident.
- The area’s municipality may be responsible if the accident was caused by poorly maintained infrastructure, such as malfunctioning traffic lights, potholes, or faded road markings.
In some scenarios, multiple parties are liable, and the responsibility is shared between those whose negligence led to the collision. Determining liability is essential to the claims process and will significantly impact the outcome. Liability also depends on the laws in your state, as some use a no-fault system, while in others, the liable party must be identified before compensation can be granted.
How Insurance Claims Work
There are three main stages of insurance claims. The first stage is determining liability, which, as discussed above, can be complicated without legal support. This stage often includes evidence collection and thorough investigations to ensure the claim goes to the correct insurance provider.
Next, you will file your claim. The first insurance company to contact is your own to report the accident, which must be done as soon as possible, preferably on the same day as the accident. You must provide all the accident details, including time, location, parties involved, and all evidence you have collected, such as photos, videos, and the required claim documents.
The most arduous part of the process is dealing with the insurance adjusters. Their job is to consider all the evidence, assess the damage caused by the accident, and determine the amount the insurance providers owe you. Depending on the party at fault and your state’s laws, you may need to communicate with multiple adjusters.
It’s essential to be entirely honest and not withhold any information. You should also speak to your lawyer about your rights to avoid exploitation. Your lawyer may handle negotiations for you to prioritize your needs and protect you.
Insurance providers may offer you a settlement to avoid a trial, but getting your deserved settlement is vital. A skilled legal representative can expedite negotiations and secure a higher settlement.
Damages You Can Claim After an Accident With a Public Transportation Vehicle
Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. To determine this amount, you must consult a lawyer who will examine all the evidence and damages you have suffered to give you a compensation amount to claim.
Economic damages include vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and future earnings due to injuries caused by the accident. If you can’t work, lost employment benefits like medical and dental insurance are also monetary damages that should be considered.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, include pain and suffering, which encompasses any physical symptoms and emotional distress. Psychological impacts like developing PTSD, anxiety, or depression also fall under pain and suffering. Other non-economic damages include a reduced quality of life due to loss of independence from your injuries and disability caused by the accident, such as limb amputation.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After Colliding With a Public Transport Vehicle
Having a lawyer to help you navigate the post-accident legal process will remove most of the burden and make it easier for you to recover peacefully. A lawyer’s tasks include collecting evidence, contacting witnesses, filing letters of spoliation, calculating a reasonable settlement, negotiating that settlement with the liable parties, and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.
From Collision to Compensation
Being in an accident with a public vehicle can be daunting. The intricacies of filing claims, determining liability, and negotiating with insurance providers can quickly become overwhelming. Following the steps outlined above will give you a better idea of where to start and how to proceed.
With the help of an experienced attorney, you will be fully prepared to handle any outcome, knowing your rights are protected and your compensation prioritized. Your lawyer will negotiate your just reward if your case is quickly settled or proceeds to trial.
