When you step on board a bus – whether it be a Greyhound, a Mega Bus, a school bus, or a bus that takes you in and around the Washington, DC region (like Metrobus) – you expect to get from Point A to Point B safe and sound. But what if that doesn’t happen?
That’s exactly what victims and their families have been dealing with in the DC region this year. And because these incidents involved multiple injuries, they should contact personal injury attorneys, such as those at The Lapidus Law Firm, to help with their personal injury claims.
Bus Crash on I-95
Imagine this – you’re on a Greyhound bus, and it crashes. Then you realize… another Greyhound bus crashed as well!
That’s what happened in mid-June, according to DC News Now. The story says, “The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a crash involving two coach buses on Interstate 295 on Friday. MPD told DC News Now that the crash happened on I-295 near Eastern Avenue NE and Kenilworth Avenue NE.”
The right lane of 295 was blocked while the investigation and cleanup were underway. Reports say six people were taken to the hospital; three refused transportation, and according to DC News Now, they refused treatment.
While every accident victim has the right to refuse treatment, we advise seeking medical treatment after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. That ER visit could uncover a much larger injury that may seem small at the moment – like a hairline fracture or a slowly developing brain injury.
A ride to the hospital via ambulance is always helpful for three important reasons: Medically, it is important to be “checked out” for medical problems that may initially not be apparent to the injured person, as discussed above. If you arrive by ambulance, you will receive priority attention from the medical providers. Secondly, the ambulance ride and the ER visit will serve as documentation of your injuries that would be helpful legally to everyone involved in resolving your claim. Thirdly, if an ambulance takes you to the ER, the police will write a report that, more likely than not, will lead to a faster resolution and quicker processing of your claim by automobile insurers than will otherwise occur.
Metrobus Accident Injures Three
This incident occurred in DC’s Shaw neighborhood when an SUV reportedly struck a bus, and the bus ended up in part of a Balkin restaurant – that thankfully was closed at the time of the crash.
WUSA9 says, “DC Fire and EMS crews were first called to the area of 7th and Q Streets Northwest for a report of a vehicle into a building around 7:30 a.m.”
According to the story, three women suffered minor injuries. Unlike the victims in the incident above, these women were taken to the hospital for treatment. The SUV driver was cited for the accident. If those victims contacted a personal injury lawyer, their attorney will work with the at-fault driver’s insurer to obtain a settlement to cover the costs of their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Bus Accident In The DC Area
Bus accidents can be overwhelming, especially when you’re left coping with injuries, medical bills, and questions about who is responsible. Whether you’re a passenger on a Metrobus, a charter bus, a school bus, or another commercial bus, there are a few important steps you should take after an accident:
- Don’t downplay how you might be feeling immediately after the accident. Seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting a settlement before consulting an attorney.
Bus accident cases are often more complicated than standard car accident claims because they can involve multiple parties, including bus companies, government agencies, commercial insurers, and other negligent drivers. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate through all the legalities, while you focus on your health, well-being, and healing.
Injured in a Bus Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident anywhere in the Washington, DC area, The Lapidus Law Firm is here to help. Our legal team understands the difficulties of these cases and will work tirelessly to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact The Lapidus Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options so you can focus on your recovery while we protect your rights.
Call us at (202) 785-5111 for a free, no-obligation consultation. And remember, We Will Fight To Make Things Right!