When Buses Strike Pedestrians: What Steps Should You Take

Unfortunately, innocent people are struck by buses every day in the United States. Charlotte, North Carolina, is no exception from these types of incidents. When pedestrians are hit by buses, they may suffer devastating injuries that result in the need for extensive Medical treatment and long-term care.

If you have been injured in a bus accident or your loved one has died because of a negligent bus driver, knowing your legal rights is crucial. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are here to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.

The most important step you can take is to pursue medical treatment as soon as possible after a bus accident. Suppose you call 911 and ask for an ambulance to the accident scene. If the paramedics recommend you go to the hospital, take their advice. Never refuse medical treatment when it is needed. You may be feeling shocked from the trauma of being involved in a bus accident, and the shock may be covering some of the pain you would otherwise be feeling.

You will benefit from taking photos of your injuries and writing down your symptoms and the activities you can no longer participate in because of the bus accident. This documentation is not just for your records, but it can also be a powerful tool in your legal case. Tell the doctor about your symptoms, and do not downplay them.

A thorough, accurate medical record of your treatment will help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Ensure you keep all the medical care records because these documents will be crucial to your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Pedestrians are always at risk of being struck by a vehicle, but when buses collide, they are at even greater risk of injury. There are countless ways buses can injure pedestrians in Charlotte. Still, most injuries happen when a bus strikes a pedestrian waiting at a bus stop, crossing an intersection, or even getting on and off the bus.

School buses, Charlotte City Transit buses, commuter buses, and tour buses can cause severe injuries. Many bus accidents happen when the bus driver misjudges their stopping distance, fails to see pedestrians in their blind spot, or swerves into innocent bystanders.

When a bus collides with a pedestrian, many different injuries can happen. Still, some of the most common involve head injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back, neck, and spine injuries, and broken bones and internal injuries. All these are serious medical conditions on their own. Still, they can also lead to further medical complications and a lifetime of medical care. If you have been struck by a bus, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial.

Under North Carolina laws, pedestrians involved in bus accidents can pursue two main types of damages — economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily quantifiable in dollar amounts and usually include past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages do not necessarily involve out-of-pocket expenses.

Still, they can include more subjective losses such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disability and disfigurement. For instance, emotional distress can cover the psychological impact of the accident. At the same time, loss of enjoyment of life can include the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.

If you lost your loved one in a pedestrian accident with a bus, you can pursue damages on their behalf through a wrongful death lawsuit. Although nothing can bring your loved one back, pursuing damages can help you hold the negligent driver or company accountable for causing your loved one's death and help you move forward financially.

If you are a pedestrian struck by a bus and suffered injuries, speaking to an attorney is the most important step after receiving medical attention. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are prepared to investigate your case carefully, determine which party or parties are at fault, and pursue the full compensation you need and deserve.

You have the right to seek justice; we are here to help you. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys in Charlotte.