Many Atlanta commuters rely on bus companies and bus operators each day. This means that, unfortunately, one mistake could lead to several injuries. Although school buses, intercity buses, and public rail systems have numerous safety features and laws in place, accidents still occur.
If you are injured on public transportation, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. However, it’s important to note that public transportation and national bus companies have large insurance companies in place to protect their monetary interests. This means they’ll most likely offer you a low-ball settlement rather than compensation you can rely on to pay any expenses that arise.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm and losses because of the negligence of a bus company or driver, the team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., is ready to help you pursue justice.
Call 404-882-6810 today to discuss your case for free. No charge until you win!
Who’s At Fault In A Bus Accident
When there’s a bus crash that involves a public transit carrier, the state is the party responsible for injuries to bus riders. However, that’s not the case for private operators. Major private bus operators, like Greyhound, are legally required to carry liability insurance and have a team looking out for their best interests. If you are injured riding a bus in their fleet, we always recommend consulting with a personal injury attorney before making any agreements their insurance company.
If you are injured in a bus accident in Atlanta, you may be awarded financial compensation. But, you’ll need to prove that the bus driver or the bus company acted negligently. According to Georgia personal injury laws, negligence means that the bus driver or company failed to exercise the proper duty of care, and this resulted in your injury.
Common Carriers
Georgia law delineates a heightened standard of care for those classified as “common carriers.” A common carrier is anyone that offers transportation services to the public in exchange for compensation. This includes bus drivers that work for:
- The Atlanta public school system
- The city of Atlanta
- A charter bus company
Common carriers must drive in a manner that is considered extraordinarily diligent. This requires bus drivers to be extra vigilant while also giving them the responsibility of maintaining the working condition and safety of the bus.
Keep in mind that this would not include a driver that is operating a privately owned bus. If a bus operator is not considered a common carrier, the driver is held to the same standard as any other driver on the road.
What To Do if You’re In a Bus Accident in Atlanta
After your accident, the steps you take may limit or increase your chances of receiving compensation. In addition to speaking with a personal injury attorney, follow these tips:
Seek Medical Attention
Seeing a doctor when you’re involved in a bus accident is priority number one. Having supporting documentation about your injuries can help your legal team fight for your compensation.
Document The Bus Crash
Taking photos or videos of the scene can help your attorney get a better look at the accident. The details of the accident may get fuzzy as time passes, so write down your recollections of what happened as soon as you can. Additionally, your attorney can use witness testimony to build your claim, so gather the contact information of other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses at the scene.
Once it becomes available, obtain a copy of the police report.
Keep detailed reports of your damaged property valuation, medical visits, and lost income, as well as any expenses you incur due to the accident.
Report Your Accident
It can be a good idea to contact your insurance company if you were driving during the bus accident. You may be contacted and offered a settlement amount from the other party’s insurer.
But, it’s important to be careful not to admit fault when speaking with insurers. The statements you make can be used against you, so it’s often best to speak only with your trusted attorney until your case is settled.
Bus Accident Claim Limitations
Filing an accident claim can be difficult as there are important considerations to take into account when it comes to privately owned buses or government funded transit systems. Accidents involving public transit systems have a limited filing period of six months from the date of the incident. This statute of limitations is firm and must be respected. Missing the filing deadline means you forfeit the right pursue a lawsuit and receive compensation.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents in Atlanta
Due to their size and weight, all types of bus accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common reasons for bus accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Traffic violations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor weather conditions
- Reckless driving of the bus driver
The following types of accidents are often associated with buses:
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Impacts with pedestrians
- Single vehicle accidents
- Roll-over accidents
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Most buses, especially public ones, lack safety restraints. When combined with the size and weight of the vehicles, bus accidents can be very dangerous. Since buses are top-heavy vehicles, they also run a high risk of roll-overs.
Some of the most common bus accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Back sprains
- Neck strains
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord trauma
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Wrongful Death
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