Smyrna residents of all ages use a bus every day—and although we’d like to believe buses are always safe, accidents can happen. When a bus accident occurs, the consequences can be serious, costly, and leave the victims wondering where to turn next. It’s made even more complicated when pursuing legal claims for what was lost. If you or a loved one was hurt in any kind of bus accident, it’s time to speak with a Smyrna bus accident lawyer.
Our lawyers have over two decades of experience getting results for victims of bus accidents. Our number one priority is getting personal injury clients like you the financial recovery you deserve. And working with us is risk-free: you don’t pay unless we get you money. Give us a call today at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right for a FREE consultation to discuss your case with one of our lawyers.
Who is at fault in a bus accident?
Because Georgia is a fault state, the person who caused the bus accident is considered “at fault,” meaning they are financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Fault is determined by a number of factors, but in Smyrna and the rest of the state, fault usually comes down the negligence. For example, the bus driver would be considered negligent if they weren’t driving as carefully as they should have been, such as not following traffic laws or driving while distracted.
If someone is deemed to have been negligent—and that negligence is determined to have caused the accident—that person is legally liable for the accident and the victim’s damages. The bus driver, the bus company, other drivers who were involved in the bus accident, or even a government entity can be found at fault for the accident. Here are a number of ways that could happen:
- The bus driver: Bus drivers can be found at fault if they were driving in a negligent way that caused the accident. Examples of this could be driving while fatigued, speeding, running a red light, not stopping at a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way to another vehicle, breaking any other traffic law, or if the driver was drinking and caused a drunk driving accident.
- The bus company: If the accident was caused by a reason outside of the bus driver’s control, such as a mechanical or maintenance error, the company that owns the bus could be deemed at fault. This could be broken brake lights, breaks not working properly, items on the truck not being loaded properly, equipment that wasn’t maintained as it should have been, or even making the driver work too many hours or without being trained enough or screened correctly as qualified to perform the job.
- Other drivers: In some cases, other drivers on the road could be have been negligent and caused the accident. If they were not being careful on the road and made decisions (or failed to make decisions) that led to the bus accident, they could be at fault. It’s important to know that if you were driving a motor vehicle and injured in a bus accident, you’re entitled to financial recovery no matter what your role was in the accident. Contact a bus accident lawyer to help you file a claim for your damages.
- A government entity: If the bus driver was working for a government or under a city contract, such as for a city public transit company or a public school district, that entity may be at fault for your damages.
The victim in a bus accident can be a number of people, as well, including:
- Someone riding on the bus when the bus hits something and gets in an accident
- Drivers or passengers in another vehicle that gets in an accident with the bus
- A bicyclist or pedestrian who was hit by the bus
- Someone entering or exiting the bus for slips and falls
As you can see, the details can be complex and depend on a number of factors. Working with a good lawyer can help you understand the details and make the right decisions for recovery based your own situation.
What kind of injuries are most common in bus accidents?
The four most common types of injuries that can result from bus accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Fractured bones
- Muscle or tendon injuries
- Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries or concussions
Psychological damages, including PTSD, anxiety, or insomnia, can also occur as a result of a bus accident.
No matter what the injury was, if it was caused by the accident and you’re not at fault, you likely have a valid claim to financial recovery for what you suffered. Bus accident injuries can be particularly extreme, meaning medical bills are often steep. You shouldn’t have to worry about being able to cover these expenses on your own if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Also, you should always seek medical attention right away if you were hurt in a bus accident. Even if your injuries don’t seem to bad at the time, they could become worse over time or be more serious than you realize—and delaying treatment could make the outcome more extreme and expensive. Plus, having a medical record of the injuries can strengthen your case and improve your chances of getting what you deserve for the injuries.
Talk to a Smyrna Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
Because bus accidents can involve more people and a bigger vehicle than the average car accident, injuries and legal situations related to them can be confusing and complex. Don’t worry through the details alone. Let us help you by putting you in touch with some of the most respected and experienced bus accident lawyers in Georgia. We’ll give you a FREE consultation to talk about your case and help you determine if you have a case to pursue a financial claim. Call us today at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right for your free consultation.
