If you are a regular commuter in Seattle, Washington, you may have used the ST Express bus service to travel between different cities in the Puget Sound region. While riding the ST Express bus can be convenient and affordable, it can also pose some risks, like bus accidents.
These accidents can occur for various reasons, like bus driver negligence, other driver negligence, bus mechanical failure, road hazards, weather conditions, etc. If you are injured in a bus accident, you will likely suffer physical, emotional and financial damages. And, if that happens to you, what are your options?
First, report the bus accident
First, call 9-1-1 to report the bus accident. You want the police to file a report and an ambulance to check everyone involved. The police report will detail the bus accident information, like when and where it took place, those involved and witness information.
The report will also get license plate numbers, as well as insurance information for the vehicles involved, in addition to whether any citations were issued. The police report should also note the road conditions, detail injuries and damages and assign fault. Though, that assignment of fault may not be dispositive.
Next, seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine, get medical attention immediately. Low-speed injuries can include soft tissue damage and traumatic brain injuries that may not present symptoms for days. Other common injuries include whiplash, concussions, fractures, etc.
Plus, in addition to getting you back on the path to health, getting immediate medical attention begins the process of documenting your damages for your subsequent legal claim.
File your claim
Of course, you can contact an attorney about your legal claim, but you can also file your claim directly with Sound Transit. This can be done by contacting their customer service line at 1-888-889-6368 or on the Sound Transit claim website.
They will need your information, the bus route information, the bus accident information, a description of what happened and a copy of your medical bills and any related bills that are part of your claim. Keep a copy of any correspondence you have with Sound Transit.