Bus accident lawsuits require a large amount of evidence to be successfully resolved. Though the process of determining liability can be relatively straightforward in some cases, other incidents are a bit more complex.
For instance, more evidence may be necessary to prove fault if a mechanical issue occurred, as opposed to less information needed to demonstrate a drowsy bus driver’s liability in your accident. Your case’s details influence the documentation necessary to file a lawsuit for your bus accident. For the best possible outcome, it is essential to provide multiple crucial forms of evidence for your bus accident case.
Collecting Evidence for Bus Accident Lawsuits
After the accident, you must act quickly to begin forming the foundation of proof that will support your legal claim. Follow the steps below to begin securing critical evidence for your lawsuit:
- Document all details of the crash. Write down every observable detail of the crash scene. Note the location where the collision took place, what was impacted by the bus, and the environmental conditions. Take photos and record videos of the area as well, highlighting all damages incurred.
- Note: This step may differ if you were a passenger on the bus versus a motorist struck by the vehicle. A driver, for example, additional details should be recorded, such as damage to your vehicle.
- Exchange personal information with the relevant parties. This primarily includes the bus driver and any other drivers who were struck or otherwise involved in the accident, as well as witnesses. Their testimonies will be essential to the success of your lawsuit.
- Call the police. A police report is a critical piece of evidence needed in your bus accident lawsuit. The officer will record everything about the crash and include their perspective on liability.
- Get evaluated by a physician. This must be done as soon as possible. Your safety is essential, and the only way to ensure that no further harm will befall you is by visiting a medical professional immediately after the incident and treating your wounds. Make sure to collect the medical documents provided to you by the hospital. These are extremely important pieces of evidence for your case.
These steps will ensure that you can collect all the core evidence with which you will develop your lawsuit. However, with a lawyer’s help, there is more information you can gather to further strengthen your case.
Additional Pieces of Evidence for Your Bus Accident Case
Bus accidents can be highly complex. Though all require the basic evidence listed above, additional details may be needed to effectively prove liability and secure compensation. For instance, you might need to collect the following information, depending on your case
‘s details:
- If mechanical problems caused the accident, you would need:
- EOBR (Electronic Onboard Recording device) data. Each bus is equipped with this device, which tracks all vehicle systems. With this data, you can identify what malfunction occurred and when, and use these details in court.
- Bus maintenance records
- On the other hand, accidents caused by negligent bus drivers will require:
- Driver logbook (this holds records of driver schedules and routes)
- The bus driver’s records and employment history
Your bus accident lawyer will be well-equipped to recover all the necessary evidence to build your case and will know precisely what details are needed to form a substantial lawsuit. Get in touch with a lawyer today to begin developing your case.
