Many Atlanta commuters rely on bus companies and bus operators each day because many Americans choose public transit as their preferred mode of road transportation. Unfortunately, one mistake could lead to several bus accident injuries. Although school buses, intercity buses, and public rail systems have numerous safety features and laws that pertain to bus lanes, accidents still occur, which lawyers in Atlanta are needed for.
If you are injured on public transportation such as a bus, Light Rail, subway, or School Bus, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. Public transportation and national bus companies have large insurance companies 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.
Dealing with a bus accident case in Atlanta is never easy, which is why an Atlanta bus accident attorney near me is prepared to discuss your case whenever you are. This is especially true when it leads to hospitalizations, medical bills, and missed wages. If you or your loved one has suffered harm and losses because of the negligence of a bus company or bus driver, the team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., is ready to help you pursue justice.
Experienced bus accident lawyers in Atlanta can use their knowledge to negotiate bus accident claim settlements to make a huge difference. They can help you get the compensation you deserve while advocating for your rights and the rights of those in your Atlanta, GA community.
Differences Between Atlanta Car and Bus Accidents
It goes without saying that buses are much bigger than cars. Many buses don’t have seat belts, which increases your chances of being injured in a crash. Accidents are different when a bus is involved.
If you have a car accident, the drivers involved are liable for the accident’s injuries. However, when a bus crash happens that involves a public transit carrier, the state is responsible for injuries to bus riders.
Major private bus operators, like Greyhound, for example, are legally required to carry liability insurance. If you are injured riding a bus in their fleet, personal injury law professionals suggest consulting with an attorney before making any agreements with insurance companies.
Types of Bus Accident Cases
A school bus accident, as well as accidents on charter buses or private buses, can happen for many reasons. Since each bus accident case provides a unique set of challenges, speaking with the Atlanta bus accident attorneys at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. can make a huge difference on your journey to recover compensation. They use their experience in all of the related personal injury practice areas to help injured victims and their loved ones understand all of their legal options.
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
Bus accidents can be devastating if they involve pedestrians. Speak with an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer if you are a pedestrian who was injured in an Atlanta bus accident case. Pedestrian accidents have the potential to result in serious injury, which may incur medical expenses. You are entitled to compensation, and your Atlanta personal injury attorney is here to help.
Standards for Bus Drivers
If you are injured in a bus accident, you may be awarded financial compensation. Before you can do that, you’ll need to prove that the bus driver or the bus company acted negligently. According to GA personal injury laws, negligence means that the bus driver or company failed to exercise the duty of care required in the situation, and this resulted in your injury.
Atlanta, GA Common Carriers
Georgia laws delineate 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 school system
- The city of Atlanta
- A charter bus company
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 all other people who operate motor vehicles.
On the other hand, common carriers have to drive in a manner that is considered extraordinarily diligent. This requires bus drivers to be extra vigilant and also gives them the responsibility of maintaining the working condition and safety of the bus.
Atlanta 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 run a high risk of roll-overs.
If you’ve suffered an autobus crash, contact an Atlanta bus accident lawyer. 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
What To Do if You’re In an Atlanta Bus Accident?
After your accident, the steps you take may limit or increase your chances of getting compensation. Personal injury lawyers suggest speaking with a bus accident lawyer in Atlanta, as well as following these additional tips:
Seek Medical Attention
Seeing a doctor when you are 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 bus accident lawyers 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. Your Atlanta bus accident lawyer can use witnesses to build your claim, so gather the contact information of other drivers, bus passengers, and any witnesses at the scene.
Also a few days after your bus accident, obtain a copy of the police report. Keep detailed reports of your damaged property valuation, medical visits, and lost income, and record any expenses you incur due to the bus incident.
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.
It’s important to be careful to not admit fault when speaking with insurers. You were just in an accident but you don’t have to feel pressured to take whatever they offer you. The statements you make can be used against you, so speak only with your trusted bus accident lawyers until your case is settled.
Bus Accident Claim Limitations in Atlanta, GA
Filing an accident claim can get difficult. There are important considerations to take into account when it comes to privately owned buses and 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, and your bus accident lawyer in Atlanta will be well-versed on such regulations. Missing the filing deadline means you forfeit the right pursue a lawsuit and receive compensation.
Dealing with a bus accident injury is quite difficult when it leads to hospitalization, medical bills, and lost wages. If you or your loved one has suffered harm and losses because of another party’s negligence, the team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., is ready to help you pursue justice.
You can make a claim for a bus accident if you’re able to prove there was third-party negligence on the part of the bus driver or bus company. In order to make have a successful claim experience, it’s best to have a bus accident lawyer in Atlanta on your side. Contact us today to find the lawyer who’s right for you and your case.
With years of experience in personal injury, Henningsen Injury Attorneys P.C. provide legal counseling and support to those who have experienced: