Business Thrown Under the Bus? How to Recover from Accident Downtime and Protect Your Business
When it comes to transportation, buses play a critical role in moving people efficiently and effectively. Commercial and charter buses are vital for daily commutes, tourism, and special events. However, like any other vehicle on the road, these buses are at risk of accidents that can lead to significant downtime.
Accident-related downtime can have serious financial repercussions for bus operators, whether operating a public transit system or a private charter service. Understanding how to address these challenges and recover losses can substantially affect their bottom line.
The Cost of Accident-Related Downtime
When a bus is involved in an accident, the financial impact goes beyond repair costs. Operators also face:
- Lost Revenue: Commercial buses lose fare income, while charter buses miss out on pre-booked trips and potential future business.
- Replacement Costs: Operators may need to rent substitute vehicles, if even possible, or redirect fleet resources, which can be costly.
- Operational Disruptions: Cancellations or delays can harm reputations, leading to dissatisfied customers and potential loss of future contracts.
- Employee Idle Time: Drivers and other staff may still need to be paid even when their vehicles aren’t operational. Long periods of downtime could result in staff loss.
Recovering Losses from Accident-Related Downtime
Recovering financial losses from accident-related downtime requires a systematic approach. Here are the key steps:
- Document the Incident: Gather detailed evidence at the accident scene, including photos, police reports, and witness statements. This information will be critical for your claim.
- Assess Financial Impact: Calculate the full extent of your losses, including repair costs, lost revenue, diminished value, and any additional expenses incurred during the downtime.
- Pursue the At Fault Party: If another party is at fault, their insurance may cover your losses. Work with legal and insurance professionals to ensure you get fair compensation.
- File Timely and Accurate Claims: Be prompt when filing claims to avoid delays and time limits. You must prove the other party’s liability. Insurance adjusters require your damages to be in writing, preferably from third-party sources.
How Legal Experts Can Help
Navigating accident-related downtime claims can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex insurance policies and liability disputes. Attorneys specializing in downtime claims can:
- Accurately calculate the full cost of your downtime.
- Gather and present evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiate with insurers to secure fair compensation.
- Handle disputes or legal action if the at-fault party’s insurer denies or undervalues your claim.
Preparing for Potential Accidents
Bus operators should take proactive measures to minimize the impact of accidents on their operations. These include:
- Insurance Reviews: Ensure your policy includes provisions for downtime or lost revenue due to accidents. Also confirm your policy includes UMPD and UIMPD coverage in case of uninsured and underinsured drivers hitting your equipment.
- Accident Response Training: Train drivers and staff on how to handle accidents and collect necessary documentation. Keep step-by-step guides handy so no steps are forgotten.
- Legal Resources: Establish a relationship with legal professionals who focus primarily on transportation that you can call at a moment’s notice.
Don’t Get Thrown Under the Bus
Accidents are an unfortunate reality of operating commercial and charter bus businesses, but their financial impact doesn’t have to be debilitating. Bus operators can protect their businesses and minimize disruptions by understanding how to recover losses from accidents and working with legal experts.
At Eckert & Associates, we are dedicated to helping transportation professionals recover losses due to downtime from accidents. Whether you operate a single charter bus or manage a fleet of commercial buses, our team is here to guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
About Eckert & Associates
Eckert & Associates, P.A. is the largest law firm dedicated to helping commercial vehicle owner-operators, small fleets, and companies recover financial losses from downtime claims after non-fault accidents. We serve clients nationwide, representing truck drivers, service vehicle operators, limousine and recreational fleets, buses, and other businesses reliant on commercial vehicles. Our team protects clients’ rights and secures compensation for lost income and business disruptions. Known for our approachable team and efficient claim resolution, we maximize recoveries with minimal litigation. For more information, visit www.DowntimeClaims.com or call (904) 278-7688.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Bus Association (ABA).
