Being involved in a bus accident—whether as a passenger or the occupant of another vehicle—is often a frightening experience. With dozens of passengers onboard and the sheer size and weight of buses, along with the lack of safety features, like seatbelts and air bags, these accidents tend to have catastrophic consequences. Those involved in bus accidents often find themselves left with immense physical pain, emotional trauma, and countless unanswered questions about what comes next.

The steps you take after a bus accident matter. In Louisiana, victims have certain rights, but they must take the appropriate measures to make sure those rights are protected. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or anywhere in Louisiana, knowing what to do in the hours, days, and weeks that follow can make a world of difference. Here, we’ve outlined the most important steps to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

After a bus accident, your immediate safety and future health are most important. Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, you could still be suffering from internal injuries that take time to show symptoms. The shock of the incident could be enough to mask the true severity of your injuries. For these reasons, it’s always important to seek medical care after a bus accident.

Whether it’s been several hours or a few days, here are some important steps to take:

Receive a medical evaluation from emergency personnel, either at the scene of the accident or at a nearby hospital/emergency room.
If you are not transported to the hospital, go to the hospital or an urgent care facility as soon as possible.
Keep an eye out for any symptoms, such as pain, severe bruising, or soreness, in the hours and days following the crash.
Follow all medical advice and attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your doctor.

There are two reasons for getting medical attention after a bus accident: First, it ensures that you receive necessary treatment for any obvious or hidden injuries. Second, it establishes proof of your injuries for any future legal claim.

For example, imagine you were riding the bus when it crashed into another vehicle. Thankfully, you walked away with just a few bumps and scratches. A few hours later, however, you start to notice some pain in your left shoulder. A couple of days go by and now the pain has worsened. Soon, you’re unable to lift your arm, which means you have to call out of work. After a week passes, the pain hasn’t gone away. You go to the doctor and find out you have a torn rotator cuff.

At this point, you can start receiving the treatment you need for your body to heal, but because you waited to see a doctor, the insurance company might argue that your injury isn’t related to the bus crash at all. Now, you face a new problem: proving to the insurance company that you were injured in the accident and, as a result, deserve financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In this way, having a clear, well-documented paper trail that proves you sought medical attention right away can greatly benefit your personal injury claim.

Report the Accident & Talk to Any Witnesses

Although the bus driver is typically required to report the crash, never assume that has been done. It's essential that you take steps to create an official record and gather support for your version of events.

Here's what you should do:

Call the police to ensure an official report is filed.
Ask for a copy of the police report when it becomes available.
Identify other passengers or bystanders who saw the crash.
Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses of witnesses.
Record witness statements on your phone, if possible and with permission.

These records and witness statements can be vital in proving fault and supporting your injury claim.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we recognize that it’s not always possible to talk to witnesses at the scene of the accident. If you had to be taken to the hospital or were otherwise unable to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened, don’t worry. Our New Orleans bus accident lawyers can help gather the necessary evidence, including copies of the accident report and witness statements, for your claim.

Obtain Evidence from the Scene

Photographs and documentation collected at the scene can be some of the strongest pieces of evidence in your case.

If you’re able to, take pictures of the following:

The position of the bus and other vehicles (if any) involved
Visible damage to the bus, cars, and surrounding property
The specific road conditions, weather, traffic signs, and signals
Any skid marks, debris, or broken glass present at the scene
Any visible injuries to yourself or others
The license plate and bus number

If you're unable to gather this information yourself, ask someone you trust to help or let your attorney know immediately. The more evidence you have, the better, but it’s not always possible to collect this evidence yourself. Our team can help put together a strong case on your behalf.

Keep All Medical Records

Every medical visit and treatment after the accident should be thoroughly documented. These records help prove the nature and severity of your injuries, which is critical for determining your damages.

When it comes to your medical care after a bus accident, keep track of:

Emergency room visits and hospital stays
Medical tests and imaging (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
Prescription medications and pharmacy receipts
Physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions
Out-of-pocket expenses, like medical devices or transportation
Notes or letters from your doctors regarding your condition

Keep a daily journal documenting your pain, symptoms, emotional distress, and how the injury affects your daily life and ability to work. Also, keep all your receipts for any medical expenses, including copays, prescription costs, and bills from your health insurance provider or medical facilities. The more detailed information you have about your medical care—and its costs—the better.

Contact a Louisiana Bus Accident Attorney

Bus accident cases can be far more complicated than standard car accident claims. Multiple parties may be liable, and legal procedures differ when public transportation or school buses are involved.

Some of the key differences between bus accident claims and car accident claims in Louisiana include:

The Severity of Victims’ Injuries: Buses often lack seat belts and other safety features, resulting in more severe injuries.
Multiple Victims: In a bus accident, several or even dozens of people may be hurt, complicating claims and compensation.
Liability Issues: Potential defendants include the driver, bus company, maintenance provider, and government entities.
Complex Insurance Policies: Commercial insurance policies may involve high coverage limits but more aggressive defense teams.
Shorter Deadlines: Claims involving city buses or other government-run buses may have strict filing timelines.

Because of these complexities, it’s essential to have an attorney who understands how to handle bus crash claims and who can protect your rights every step of the way.

Why Hiring a Bus Accident Attorney Matters

Bus accident cases are complex. You want an attorney by your side who not only has experience handling motor vehicle accident claims but also knows the unique intricacies involved in pursuing compensation after a bus accident. Whether you, your loved one, or your child was injured in an accident with a city bus, private bus, or school bus, Clayton, Frugé & Ward can help.

Why contacting a lawyer after a bus accident is crucial:

The deadline for filing your claim may be shorter.
Government entities require specific procedures.
The bus company may already be building a defense.
Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements.

Our experienced Louisiana bus accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather and preserve key evidence, and identify all responsible parties. We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement and, if necessary, are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Call us today at (225) 209-9943 for a free, no-obligation consultation.