Public bus transportation in Nashville is provided by the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority, more commonly known as “WeGo.” WeGo transports countless visitors and Nashville residents every day to where they need to go. However, just like with any method of transportation, bus accidents involving WeGo buses can happen, and when they do, many people are often injured due to the high passenger count. If you were recently injured in a Nashville public transit bus accident, you may be wondering what you need to do.
The most important thing right after a bus accident is to make sure that you are safe. However, once the preverbal dust has settled, you need to start talking to an attorney as soon as possible so that your case can be filed promptly and our lawyers have the most time possible to prepare your case.
To get a free case review from our Nashville bus accident lawyers, call Howe Law at the number (844) 876-4357.
What to Do Immediately after a Nashville Public Transit Accident
Before you even think about filing a lawsuit with our Tennessee bus accident lawyers, there are important things that need to be done right after an accident involving a public transit bus. These steps will help to make sure that you and anyone else involved are safe and get the medical help and attention they need. Additionally, some of these steps can help bolster any potential lawsuit you may want to file after the fact.
Call Emergency Services
The first thing that needs to be done after a WeGo bus accident is to notify emergency services of the situation. Generally, it is the bus driver’s job to call 911 or another emergency number. However, they may be injured, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to make the call. In those cases, you may want to call emergency services yourself or tell someone else to do so.
Get Medical Attention
The next thing that you need to worry about right after a public transit bus accident in Nashville is getting the medical attention you need. Let any first responders who arrive at the scene examine you and follow all of their instructions. If they determine that you need immediate medical care at a hospital, you are going to be transported there. However, if you are cleared to stay near the accident, you should proceed to try and get as much information as you can. If you are up to it, you may want to try and assist anyone else who is injured. However, when doing this, be careful that you know what you are doing and don’t accidentally make things worse. When in doubt, it is best to let the medical professionals handle things.
Collect Information
If you are able to stay near the bus accident, you should try and get as much information as you can. Talk to other passengers on the bus and make a note of their experiences as well as their name and contact information. They can be potential witnesses in a bus accident lawsuit. Additionally, you should take numerous photos and videos of the aftermath of the accident. This can also be used as potential evidence in your bus accident lawsuit.
Give a Statement to the Police
Another thing you should do if you are able to remain near the accident is give your statement to the police. Doing this can create a record of your recollection of the accident right after it happened. This can help your lawsuit, if not as evidence, in forming your version of events in the opening argument and statement of your case. Moreover, the defendant in your lawsuit may have a different version of events based on how they experienced the accident. Getting your statement right after the accident lends credence to your argument in court.
What to Do After the Initial Public Transit Accident in Nashville
After the chaotic flurry of events that is a response to a bus accident is over, there are further steps to take if you are looking to file a bus accident lawsuit in Tennessee. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it could take quite a while to take these steps since the most important thing to focus on is your recovery. However, you will still need to make an effort to bring your case to court with some sense of urgency after an accident.
Talk To Our Lawyers
The first thing you need to do when considering filing a public transit bus accident lawsuit is retain legal counsel. In an initial meeting with our lawyers, you will tell us about your case, and we can offer general legal advice. However, we cannot give you any counsel, guidance, or advice that is specific to your situation until you formally agree to have us represent you.
Retaining legal counsel quickly is important because it allows them to start working on your case earlier and build a stronger argument for if the case ultimately makes it to trial.
File Your Lawsuit Promptly
Another reason to get legal help as soon as possible is because there is a time limit on how long you have to file your lawsuit. There are laws called statutes of limitations that prevent plaintiffs from filing a lawsuit after a certain amount of time has passed. In Tennessee, the statutory period for most personal injury lawsuits is one year per T.C.A. § 28-3-104. This is a very short time within which to file a lawsuit, so it is best to start the process sooner rather than later.
Call Our Nashville Bus Accident Lawyers Today
Howe Law’s Knoxville bus accident lawyers can be reached at (844) 876-4357 to provide free case analyses.
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