Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of most buses can cause any vehicles or pedestrians in their paths to experience extensive damage. Additionally, when buses crash, their passengers can also sustain significant injuries.

If you have been a victim of a bus accident, you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and in pain. Seeking financial compensation from the at-fault party may be the last thing on your mind.

However, our personal injury attorneys know that receiving compensation is one of the most effective ways to move forward from a traumatic accident. We’d be happy to help you begin the claims process and walk you through every step to secure your compensation.

Contact our College Park bus accident lawyer today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Examples of Bus Accidents

The term “bus accident” can encompass any type of accident involving a bus. Bus accidents often cause injuries and can even lead to fatalities. If nothing else, they typically cause extensive property damage.

Here are a few types of accidents we commonly see that fall under the broader term “bus accidents”:

  • Single-vehicle accidents: When a bus collides with a building, guard rail, or another large object. These accidents can often injure the driver and passengers on board.
  • Passenger accidents: Accidents that occur when passengers enter and exit the bus
  • Multi-vehicle accidents: When a bus collides with one or more vehicles
  • Pedestrian accidents: When a bus hits one or more pedestrians
  • Roll-over accidents: When a bus overcorrects or collides with a car or object, causing it to roll over
  • Maintenance issue accidents: When a maintenance problem causes the bus to malfunction, leading to a crash
  • Driver liability accidents: When the bus driver violates traffic laws or engages in reckless driving, causing a collision or other accident

All of these accident types have the potential to be catastrophic. If you’ve been involved in any of the above accidents due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.

Who Is Liable In Bus Accidents?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding a bus accident, liability can fall on several different parties. These may include:

  • The bus driver
  • Another driver
  • The bus manufacturer
  • A passenger on the bus

If the accident occurred on a city bus, such as a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus, the city may be liable for damages.

In order to receive compensation from any of these parties, you must be able to show evidence that their negligence or actions caused the accident. Generally, a personal injury claim must meet the following parameters:

  1. A person had a duty of care to create a safe environment for others.
  2. That person breached their duty of care.
  3. A person experienced an injury.
  4. The injury was directly caused by the breach of the duty of care.

For example, let’s say the bus driver ran a stop sign, leading to a crash that caused your injuries. The bus driver was responsible for your safety as a passenger, and they failed to maintain a safe environment while you were riding. Their negligence caused your injuries. As a result, you may be able to receive compensation from their insurance company.

What To Do If You Experience a Bus Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in College Park or around Atlanta, you may be unsure of the best course of action. Here are the steps we recommend taking after a bus accident:

    1. Call the police: If you can, your first step should be to call 911 or the police following the accident. The police can write an official report that will prove helpful in a liability claim. They can also ensure that any passengers exit safely.
    2. Receive medical attention: Seeking medical treatment is always a good idea after a vehicle accident. Even if you feel fine, a medical exam may uncover an underlying problem that needs immediate attention. Additionally, receiving medical treatment can provide documentation that you can submit with your claim.
    3. Take photos of the scene: If possible, you or any bystanders should take several pictures of the accident scene to serve as evidence for your claim.
  • Contact an attorney: Once you have addressed immediate medical concerns and are safely away from the accident scene, you should contact one of our attorneys for assistance. 

Bus accidents can be stressful and, in some cases, life-altering. At The Foster Firm, we’re committed to helping bus accident victims like you receive the resources necessary to move forward. Contact us today at 404-559-8325 to schedule your consultation.

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Personal Injury