Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before taking any action.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
After a bus accident, get prompt medical care—even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days to appear. Your health records will also document the link between the crash and your injuries.
Step 2: Document the Accident Scene
Gather as much evidence as possible:
- Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, your injuries and any visible hazards.
- Collect witness names and contact details.
- Obtain the police report number and responding officer’s name.
Step 3: Identify the Responsible Parties
A bus operator may be a private company, a municipal transit agency or the State of New Hampshire. Identifying all potential defendants helps preserve your right to recover damages.
Step 4: Review Key Deadlines
Under New Hampshire law, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (RSA 508:4). If a state or municipal bus caused your injury, you must also comply with the notice requirements in RSA 507-B. Those rules often require written notice within 60 days of the crash and a suit filed within one year.
Step 5: Prepare and Send a Demand Letter
Before filing a lawsuit, send a written demand to the insurance company or government risk pool. Include:
- A clear description of the accident.
- Medical records and bills.
- Evidence of lost wages.
- A specific settlement amount.
Step 6: File Your Complaint in Superior Court
If negotiations fail, file a civil complaint in the New Hampshire Superior Court of the county where the crash occurred. The complaint must name each defendant and state your factual and legal claims.
Step 7: Engage in Discovery and Pretrial
After filing, each side exchanges documents and takes depositions. You may also attend mediation or settlement conferences. This process lets you evaluate the strength of your case.
Step 8: Negotiate or Proceed to Trial
Most personal injury claims settle before trial. Your attorney can negotiate for the best possible outcome. If negotiations stall, a jury or judge will decide based on the evidence.
Helpful Hints
- Track all medical appointments, treatments and expenses.
- Keep a daily pain and symptom journal.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers without legal counsel.
- Preserve evidence: save clothing and damaged property.
- Act quickly on notice deadlines if a government entity is involved.
- Consult an attorney experienced in New Hampshire bus accident claims.