Both adults and children ride buses every day in Canton. We all place a lot of trust in bus drivers—whether we’re riding in the bus or driving in the lane next to it. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can be hazardous if the driver has even a momentary lapse in judgment. If you or someone in your family was injured by a bus, it’s time to call a Canton bus accident lawyer.
Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping personal injury victims in the Canton area. We know what it takes to get a fair settlement or to win at trial in these cases. Our lawyers never work for insurance companies—we are focused on helping victims get the money damages that they deserve after an accident. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
Why do bus accidents happen?
A bus driver is just like any other driver. They have the same temptations when it comes to distraction and disobeying traffic laws like speed limits and traffic signals. When a bus driver makes a mistake, however, it can put many lives in danger.
Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:
- Distraction or failure to keep a proper lookout
- Passenger cars that do not give a bus the appropriate right of way
- Inadequate training or experience
- Poor control of the vehicle, especially when making turns or changing lanes
- Violation of traffic laws
- Driving under the influence
- Poor bus maintenance
- Defective parts or tires
Fault can be complicated in bus accident claims. Bus accidents are not always the bus driver’s fault, but the bus driver often at least contributes to the crash. Even when someone else hits the bus, the bus driver still has a duty to protect their passengers. That means that they should do everything they can to avoid the accident. In some situations, crashes cannot be helped, but those situations are rare. In most cases, the bus driver was at least partially at fault for the collision.
Who do I sue in a bus accident case in Canton?
Bus accidents are unique in that they can involve several parties. The most common parties include:
- The bus driver individually
- The bus company
- A third party who was involved in the accident
- The bus company’s insurance company
- The third party’s insurance company
- Other passengers on the bus
Depending on the cause of the accident, bus crash cases could also involve anyone who was responsible for the bus’s maintenance and upkeep. Even the bus’s manufacturer could be a defendant as well.
In accidents that involve school buses, your child’s school district may also be affected. Generally, the school itself won’t be included in a lawsuit, but it may depend on the facts of your situation. For example, if your child was involved in a fight with another student on the bus, any supervising adult on the bus who should have stopped the fight could be legally responsible. In some cases, that may be someone who is employed by your school.
Your attorney will be able to investigate the cause of the bus accident to determine who should be listed as a defendant. Involving the wrong parties could completely undermine your case, so it’s important to include the right people who may be at fault.
How do I know if I have a valid bus accident claim?
The best way to know if you have a valid bus accident case is to set up a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers. Generally speaking, if you have been injured on a bus, you should check into your legal rights, regardless of the circumstances. Chances are that you were injured due to the fault of someone else, whether that was the bus driver, bus company, or a third party.
Some of the most common situations that involve legal liability involving buses include:
- Getting injured while on a bus, regardless of whether there was a collision
- Crash with a third party while you are on a bus
- Collision with a bus as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or while you are in another vehicle
- Suffering an injury while getting on or off of a bus
If you experienced injuries while on a bus, or getting on or off the bus, learn about your options completely risk-free by using our free consultation service.
You should also keep in mind that, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a bus is any vehicle that can transport nine or more people. While most of us think about public transportation and school buses when we hear the term “bus,” the definition is actually much broader than you might think. It includes:
- Municipal transport vehicles
- School buses
- Tour buses
- Intercity buses
- Airport buses
Do I have legal rights if my child was injured by a third party while getting off of a school bus?
Yes, and you likely have the right to sue. Georgia law requires that all drivers come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped. This includes both lanes of traffic—in both two and four-lane streets. When drivers violate this law, they increase the chances that they will hit a child getting on or off the bus. Children are tough to spot as they are getting on or off a bus, which is why this law is in place.
When a driver hits a child under these circumstances, that driver is generally legally responsible for any resulting injuries or damage. You need to speak with a Georgia bus accident attorney immediately if this tragic event has happened to your child.
Talk to a Canton Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
Bus accidents can be confusing because they involve a multiple parties, and they often involve serious injuries. Get help by letting us put you in touch with some of the most experienced attorneys in the state. Don’t wait to make the call! Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.