Many residents of Atlanta use buses as transportation each day. Although buses have higher safety standards, they are more prone to accidents in some ways. Their vast sizes and weights can increase the risks of crashes. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, talk to an Atlanta bus accident lawyer today.
Bus drivers and busing companies have a broad duty of care. They must ensure bus passengers stay safe during each trip. Drivers must also avoid harm to others on the road.
Our bus accident lawyers can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 341-6555, or contact us online.
How an Atlanta Bus Accident Case Works
After a bus accident in Atlanta, you might wonder where to start. If you did not cause the accident, you are probably eligible for compensation. It’s best to contact a lawyer who can help you prepare a personal injury claim.
You can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you have a strong case, you can pursue financial recovery for your costs. Here are some steps that happen during the case process.
Investigating the Bus Accident
After you contact an Atlanta bus accident lawyer, they’ll begin building your case. They will gather information about the accident to show what happened. Examples of evidence from the scene include:
- Photographs
- Traffic camera footage
- Contact information and statements from eyewitnesses
- Contact and insurance information for the bus driver
- A copy of the Atlanta police accident report
- Notes about weather and traffic conditions on the accident date
Your lawyer might hire experts to reconstruct the accident scene. They’ll also investigate precisely how the crash occurred to determine who was at fault.
If someone else caused the accident, they are responsible for the costs. As the crash victim, you can seek compensation for your damages (Georgia Code Section 51-12-4). The information your lawyer gathers will help them show that you’re entitled to recovery.
Calculating Your Accident Damages
Next, your bus accident lawyer will start calculating your damages. Personal injury damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
It’s crucial that you understand all of your accident costs. Your injury claim should “make you whole” as fully as possible.
Building a Personal Injury Claim
After your lawyer has investigated, they’ll start building your injury claim. They’ll send the at-fault party’s insurance company a demand letter with the details.
Negotiating Your Settlement
After the insurance company receives your claim, they will respond in one of several ways:
- Accepting your claim and paying you compensation
- Sending a counteroffer
- Denying your claim
Most of the time, the insurance company will send you a lowball counteroffer. This amount is rarely enough to cover half of your damages.
Your lawyer will work to negotiate with the insurance company. If they are successful, you’ll receive the recovery you deserve.
If the insurance company doesn’t settle, you might file a lawsuit. Talk to your lawyer about the pros and cons of pursuing a lawsuit. If you choose to sue, an experienced lawyer will prepare to represent you.
Determining Fault in an Atlanta Bus Accident
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons. Most of the time, the bus driver or their employer is at fault—but not always. Let’s look at the different parties that could be responsible for a bus accident.
Bus Drivers and Bus Companies
If a driver causes an accident, privately-owned busing companies can be at fault. The company is often responsible for a driver’s actions that cause an accident. Sometimes, an accident happens because the company did not provide adequate training.
The Government
If a government entity was responsible for the accident, you can sue for damages. However, bringing a case against the government is more complicated.
You must provide notice of your intent to sue. Plus, you typically only have six months to file your case. Contact an Atlanta bus accident lawyer as soon as possible for help.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, another driver is at fault for the accident. Maybe the first driver collided with a bus and resulted in your accident. If another driver is responsible, you can file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance company.
Most bus accident claims settle without needing to go to court. A lawyer can help you handle the insurance company. If the insurer tries to offer you a lowball settlement, your attorney will be ready to negotiate for fair compensation.
To learn about your options during a FREE consultation, call us today. Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. Call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online to get started for FREE.
Manufacturers
Defective parts are another reason for bus accidents. A lawyer might discover that a bus malfunctioned because of poor manufacturing. In that case, a manufacturing company could be liable for your injuries.
All drivers in Atlanta have a duty of care to drive safely. However, buses are “common carriers” in Georgia. As a common carrier, the duty of care is even higher. Drivers of common carriers must exercise “extraordinary care” while on Atlanta roads.
If someone caused your bus accident injuries, you have rights. Talk to an experienced bus accident lawyer today about pursuing compensation. You should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence.
Talk to an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Bus accidents are less common than other collisions, but they can be severe. If you suffered injuries in an Atlanta bus accident, it’s vital to know your rights. Our bus accident lawyers can help you pursue the recovery you deserve.
For over 20 years, we’ve been helping accident victims win compensation for their injuries. We can help you, too, starting with a FREE consultation. We’ll listen to your situation and discuss how we can assist you.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 341-6555, or contact us online.
