Workers’ Compensation for Bus Driver Injury

Personal Injury Lawyer

Driving a bus is not a job to take lightly. Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in America, and as a bus driver, you are responsible for not only your life on the road but the lives of all your passengers. What if a tractor-trailer runs through a red light and crashes into your bus? Perhaps you had already dropped your passengers off, but you were injured in this crash. How can you receive compensation for this accident?

Are bus drivers eligible to receive workers’ compensation?

Unfortunately, your injuries have made it impossible for you to work, but you need a steady paycheck to keep paying your bills. What can you do in this situation? Because you were injured while performing duties for your job, you are entitled to claiming workers’ compensation. If you weren’t actively working, though (if you were off the clock and driving to or from your house when the accident occurred), you would likely not be eligible to receive compensation.

How to File for Workers’ Compensation

When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is imperative that you follow the steps below to ensure you are eligible.

1. Report Your Accident. You must report your injury to your employer after the accident occurs. Tell them what type of injury and where, the time and location the accident occurred, who was involved, and how the accident happened.
2. Seek Medical Treatment. Seeking medical treatment will not only ensure that your injuries are taken care of promptly and have a better chance of healing, but a medical professional can document your injuries and show how they are a direct result of the accident
3. Gather Your Information. When filing a claim, there is certain information that you might be asked. It is important that you know the precise location of where the accident happened, where you are injured, contact information for any witnesses, your employer information, your doctor’s name and the hospital or clinic they work at, and your employer information.  

After you Make Your Claim

While some believe that the process is complete once you file your paperwork, it does not always end here. It is important that you follow up on your claim and keep track of how your injury is affecting your everyday life. You also want to keep receipts of your expenses that are directly related to your injury.

What if my claim is denied?

There are some reasons that a workers’ compensation claim could be denied. If this is the case, you should consider hiring an attorney who works with workers’ compensation claims regularly to see what the best next steps are for you. It can add even more stress to your plate if you are forced to deal with complicated legal matters.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions about workers’ compensation claims after a bus accident or would like to set up an appointment with one of the top workers comp lawyers Long Island offers today to get your free consultation.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, PC for their insight into workers compensation and bus injuries.