Thousands of bus passengers across the United States are injured due to roadway collisions annually. The Federal Motor Center Safety Administration reported that over 65,000 bus accidents happen every year, causing deaths and serious injuries.
However, rushing to settle a bus accident case under the personal injury law can cost you the fair compensation you rightfully deserve. It won’t be enough to sustain your bills in the long run.
Learn why you, at all costs, shouldn’t settle early on in a bus accident case and how bus accident lawyers can help you with your situation.
Why Some Accident Victims Rush to Settle
Many victims are overwhelmed by lost income, medical expenses, and the emotional toll of recovering from the accident. Insurance adjusters often contact them within days and offer a settlement that seems too good to be true.
Accepting an early settlement may be due to needing immediate money for paying rent and hospital bills, pressure from insurance companies to accept the money without questions, not realizing how much their injuries will really cost, or to avoid a lengthy court battle.
Why You Should Wait Before Settling Your Bus Accident Claims
After being constantly pressured, you may end up saying yes to an initial offer that you think might benefit you, but it doesn’t. You might regret not fighting back or resisting in the first place.
Here’s why you should give it some time and thought before settling for anything:
1. Your medical treatment may not be complete.
After the accident, you don’t actually know the full extent of your sustained injuries. Serious injuries, such as internal trauma, concussions, and spinal damage, take weeks or months to show up.
Settling early leads to losing the right to request additional compensation. Always wait for the doctor to declare you medically stable before signing any form.
2. Long-term costs are often underestimated.
The average settlement of a bus accident case depends on the amount of medical expenses, lost wages, and costs of ongoing rehabilitation. When you get an early offer, it rarely covers future surgeries, therapy, and assistive devices. You deserve more than just immediate costs.
3. Liability may involve multiple parties.
Bus accident lawsuits may have more liable parties than you can think of, and the complexity of your bus accident claims can thicken with investigation.
For example, a bus driver, bus company, or even government entities may be responsible for a single accident. Investigations take time, and rushing to settle may mean missing out on potential recovery or a larger compensation.
4. Evidence collection is a long process.
Bus accident lawsuits need extensive evidence to show the extent of damage and injuries. Your lawyer has to gather the following:
-
Driver logs
-
Bus maintenance records
-
GPS data
-
Onboard video
-
Eyewitness accounts
-
Police reports
-
Surveillance footage
Collecting evidence also takes time, as police and bus companies may have other matters to attend to. Accepting a quick offer can sign away your rights to better compensation before you’ve uncovered all the facts.
5. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts.
Insurance adjusters work for companies. They want to reduce compensation by downplaying your injuries or implying that you’re at fault. An expert bus accident lawyer from Sweet Law can study your case for its worth and protect you from these shady tactics.
6. Emotional recovery is long and hard.
A bus crash deeply affects your family, career, and emotional life. Lifestyle changes will have to be made after medical treatment ends, on top of the trauma and anxiety you had to deal with. A proper bus accident compensation should also include damages for your emotional distress.
7. Early settlements can affect future stability.
A premature settlement may feel relieving, but it could put your future financial health at risk. You can’t pursue additional claims after signing, even if your condition suddenly worsens.
Always think long-term when it comes to situations like being a victim of a bus accident. Think about your future medical expenses and your family’s life before agreeing on a settlement.
8. Legal representation strengthens the case.
Partnering with a personal injury attorney lets you focus on recovery while they:
-
Review your medical and employment records.
-
Negotiate for a fair settlement with insurers.
-
Count lost wages and damages for pain and suffering.
-
File a bus accident lawsuit when necessary.
Legal support shields you from people who want to take advantage of you while you’re vulnerable from the accident.
What’s the True Cost of a Bus Accident?
Bus accident cases usually involve multiple parties and higher stakes because of the number of bus passengers and potential serious injuries one may sustain. A bus crash can affect many people, like young children on school buses and working parents traveling downtown.
Courts and insurers consider the following factors for determining the total compensation:
-
Medical expenses and future care needs
-
Lost wages
-
Diminished earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Property damage
-
Emotional trauma
These elements should make you think twice about settling early without knowing the accident’s long-term impact.
Protecting Yourself After a Bus Accident
Safeguard your rights by following these tips after you or your loved one gets involved in a bus accident:
-
Call emergency services and seek medical help right away.
-
Gather evidence for future claims—take photos, keep all relevant bills, and record witness information.
-
Don’t give statements or sign documents without legal advice.
-
Talk to a seasoned bus accident attorney before accepting any offer.
Doing all these solidifies your bus accident claims and gives you a higher chance of getting fair compensation.
Final Words
Patience pays off when you’re dealing with bus accident lawsuits. Your case deserves to be thoroughly investigated and accurately evaluated. While quick settlements may sound good, you can get shortchanged
when you realize it isn’t enough to cover your needs expenses.
Never make the mistake of settling too early in a bus crash case. Speak with your attorney to determine the right and real value of your claims and help you fight for it.