Can bus passengers claim from bus accidents?
The most likely injury you would suffer in a minor bus accident is whiplash alongside bumps and bruises. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury which occurs when the body jolts back and forth in a sudden motion which causes a quick extension of the muscles. The pain from a whiplash injury can occur straight away or a few days after accident.
How do I know if I have a claim?
There can be two different reasons that you may be eligible to make a claim. One reason is that the injury was caused by the bus driver's negligence, as all bus drivers have a duty of care to their passengers as soon as you step onto the bus. The driver can be negligent if they are driving recklessly, or that the driver is not fully concentrating on the road i.e. talking to other passengers on the bus. If this is the case you are eligible to seek compensation from the bus driver or the bus company.
The other reason for making a claim, is that another driver was driving without due care and causes the accident leading to your injury. If this is the case then you will need to seek compensation from the driver who caused the accident.
How do I go about making a claim?
If you where a passenger involved in an accident then you are in a strong position unless you in some way caused the accident. Before making a claim you will have to have some medical proof that you did in fact suffer some sort of injury because of the accident.
You will need to seek out a good no win no fee* lawyer who deals with whiplash claims. The lawyers can then help you to make a claim against the insurance company who represent the person considered to be responsible.
Steps to help make your claim easier
Try to take the names and addresses of any witnesses as well as gathering evidence from the location; taking photos etc. which will help your claim.
Keep a record of any losses incurred due to the injury as this will help your lawyer get a better idea of how much compensation you are entitled to.
Updated on 29/01/2009