Are you one of the many Edmontonians that take public transportation daily? With the cost of gas remaining high and many businesses choosing to return to an in-office work dynamic, ETS’ ridership has slowly started to return to normal rates alongside more commuters on the road. As we navigate a particularly frigid winter season this year, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself and get the care you deserve should you ever be injured while riding the bus. Injuries caused by bus collisions tend to be less thought about, but the pain and suffering caused by such an event are no less important than injuries caused by any other traumatic event.

Knowing what to do after a bus or LRT-involved collision can be confusing, and obtaining experienced legal representation is one of the best ways to give yourself peace of mind and ensure you can secure a settlement that puts you on an easier path to recovery. If you or someone you love has been injured while riding public transport, below we’ll cover a few important details to keep in mind, as well as the benefits of partnering with James H. Brown and Associates when it comes to fighting for the results you deserve. Read on to learn more!

Who is At Fault?

A key component that influences the eventual settlement of personal injury cases is determining who is at fault. This can be difficult when it comes to transportation, as there are more variables in play than typical collisions. Oftentimes, the fault can be split by both the bus driver, as well as the driver of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Determining who bears responsibility is essential for moving forward, as is knowing what to do once the fault is established.

If the bus driver is determined to be at fault, your injury lawsuit will be targeted at the City of Edmonton since ETS is considered a municipal operation. If there is another responsible party involved (another driver, for example), your claim will also include the other party’s insurer. If your collision involves an uninsured driver or one that flees the scene, your claim will be filed against the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Act (MVAC), which is designed to protect injured persons against such occurrences.

How is Fault (Legally) Determined?

As we’ve mentioned above, determining fault can be tricky with bus and LRT collisions. Accident victims will need evidence to prove that the incident in question definitively caused their injuries. The two most common forms of objective evidence include witnesses (other passengers, other drivers on the road, pedestrians, etc.), and CCTV (cameras). Most public transit vehicles in Edmonton are now equipped with internal and external cameras. Your personal injury legal team can obtain footage via a FOIP request sent to the City.

Dealing with the Aftermath of a Bus Collision

Bus accidents can be overwhelming, especially for car-free commuters facing the additional stress of missing work and wondering how to get proper medical care without regular access to a vehicle. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your primary concern should be your health and wellness, as well as taking the appropriate steps to secure a fair settlement for future medical care. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, your next steps should be to:

Seek Medical Help Immediately

Accidents are stressful, and it’s easy to get flustered and forget to put yourself first. No matter how “minor” you may think your initial injuries are, you should always see a doctor as soon as possible. Whiplash injuries can take days or even weeks to appear. Knowing the early signs can be essential to reducing your pain and ensuring you can get the help you need in the long term.

Document

As with any accident, it’s crucial to document as much as possible and not just about the accident itself. Keep a detailed account of any obvious injuries, your overall experience, and any changes you may encounter as time goes on. Major injuries often aren’t apparent right after an accident, but having a detailed record will make it easier for your lawyers to go to bat for you and pursue the settlement you deserve.

Get Legal Advice As Soon As Possible

To protect yourself following a bus collision, contact a vetted team of injury lawyers as soon as possible. At James H. Brown and Associates, we have extensive experience representing Edmontonians and Albertans across the province with personal injury claims. With over 30 years of award-winning experience, we offer our clients access to a full range of support services, including:

• A proven team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success.
• Dedicated accident investigation services, including accident reconstruction, evidence preservation, analysis, and more.
• Access to medical professionals and rehabilitative specialists to properly diagnose and address your injuries.
• Strong relationships with community organizations dedicated to rehabilitation and recovery.
• And much more!

Are You Injured?

Help is waiting! Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers.