Recovery of compensation can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the claimant’s needs. Insurers typically investigate bus accidents for months following the crash. Independent FMCSA analysts and local police officers might also open investigations. Adjusters do not normally begin making reasonable settlement offers until they complete their liability investigations and receive all accident-related complaints.
During this period, our Duluth bus crash attorneys recommend claimants focus on recovering from their injuries and gathering the following evidence to support their injury claims:
- Medical records
- Expert witness reports
- Video footage and photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Statements from friends and loved ones about pain and suffering
- Receipts for co-pays, pharmacy expenses, and household services
- Pay stubs and disability paperwork from employers
- Police reports
- Certified disability statements and injury reports from treating doctors
- Evidence of past activates, such as gym attendance records, impacted by your injuries
Preparing evidence and calculating damages in advance might expedite the Duluth bus accident claims process. However, your settlement timeline still depends on commercial insurance adjusters, school districts, and other parties responsible for paying injury damages.
Sometimes, insurers complete their investigations and refuse to make claimants reasonable settlement offers. An experienced bus accident litigator may negotiate better payouts for claimants or, if necessary, litigate their cases. Suing negligent bus drivers and fleet owners often pressures insurers to settle claims, but it could result in lengthy lawsuits.
Cases involving city or school buses usually result in additional delays. Claims against public entities require claimants to undergo an administrative claims process. This additional step may add three to six months to your settlement timeline. Our knowledgeable Duluth bus accident lawyers understand that many claimants cannot wait years for needed injury compensation.
In such cases, our lawyers may work with adjusters to expedite the settlement process. Though it’s recommended you fight for the compensation you deserve, we understand how unexpected bus accidents place serious financial strains on Georgia families. Reputable bus accident lawyers should listen to your concerns and adjust their representation according to your specific needs.
