How To Preserve Bus Accident Claims In California

When someone with a duty of care is negligent and causes an accident, they become legally responsible for compensating you for the physical, emotional, and financial injuries you incur. So, if you get sent to the hospital, suffer emotional distress, or lose income because of an accident, the negligent party needs to pay for all those.

Unfortunately, some liable parties or their insurance provider will refuse to pay or trivialize your damages’ value. Fortunately, California personal injury laws give you the chance to file claims and compel all responsible parties to compensate you.

That said, you can’t file successful claims without enough evidence to prove the actual value of your damages. So, you want to ensure you preserve all the evidence you have. And yes, the preservation process begins right after the accident happens, and any wrong move done from there on out can completely ruin your claim.

Here are a few tips to help you preserve your California bus accident claims lawsuit:

1. Seek Medical Attention ASAP

You need to see a medical professional right after the accident, even when you think you aren’t hurt. Many injuries, like mild TBIs, don’t always have symptoms, so it’s always best to seek medical help to ensure your safety.

Additionally, getting your injuries on medical records will also count as documentation of your injuries. Defendants will often try to trivialize your injuries, so having everything in a medical record is the best evidence you can present.

2. Talk To The Police

Stick around to make a police report, which you will be able to request copies of after some time. This will work the same way as your medical records, as police reports can be used as evidence of what happened on the day of the accident.

Even if you, the defendant, or the witnesses cannot clearly remember the scene of the accident, you at least have it in the police report.

3. Find Witnesses

Find nearby witnesses and list their names and contact information if you can. Their testimonies can be used as evidence should you pursue a California personal injury claim.

4. Take Photos Of The Scene

If you can, take photos of the damages, your injuries, and the scene. This could be used as further evidence, which can help supplement the evidence already documented in your medical records and the police reports.

5. Don’t Admit Fault

You shouldn’t admit fault after the accident, even if you’re trying to comfort someone or be polite. This can definitely be used against you, so you should avoid doing so when talking to witnesses or other people involved in the accident.

6. Avoid Altercations 

Emotions run high in accidents. However, you should avoid altercations if you can. If someone is being particularly hostile, just try to avoid further conversations and focus on getting medical attention and giving your side on a police report.

7. Don’t Talk About The Case To Friends Or Family

Discussing the case with friends, family, or social media could compromise your personal injury claim in California. You might say crucial aspects of the incident that could be used against you. The best thing to do is avoid discussing it until the lawsuit is over.