In Duluth, buses are exempt from certain “rules of the road” other drivers must follow, such as having seat belts. This is because bus drivers are supposed to be highly trained and buses are meant to be some of the safest vehicles on the road. However, Duluth bus accident lawyers know that bus accidents can still happen—and when they do, they put those on board (and others on the road) in danger.
If you or a loved one was injured because of a bus accident in Duluth, there is probably potential for financial recovery. We put a lot of trust in buses and their operators, and you should not have to suffer if negligence leads to an accident. Thankfully, you have rights, and you have options.
Our bus accident lawyers are some of the most well-respected in the state of Georgia. We have been helping bus accident victims win the compensation they deserve for over 20 years. Let us help you get the money needed to cover your costs and move on from the accident. To schedule a FREE consultation with the best lawyer for you, call (404) 948-4815 or contact us online today.
You Have the Right to Recover Money from a Duluth Bus Accident
In Georgia, those who were injured in a bus accident that they didn’t cause have a right to recover for their damages (according to Georgia Code section 51-1-6). Chances are, you were not responsible for the bus accident happening—and the at-fault party, whether it was the driver, the bus company, or someone else—should be held responsible.
To seek compensation for your damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Even though you were not at fault, the burden is on you to prove that:
- The accident happened
- The at-fault party was negligent
- The at-fault party’s negligence lead to the accident and your damages
- And that you can demonstrate your damages
The best way to do this is by working with an experienced Duluth bus accident lawyer. They can begin gathering evidence for your claim, building a strong case, and negotiating with the insurance company if they try to offer less money than you deserve.
Where Fault Lies for a Bus Accident in Duluth
After a bus accident, there are a number of people who may be at fault, including:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- Another driver on the road
- Or the bus maintenance company
Many times, the driver is at fault in a bus accident. However, there are situations where a faulty part or poor maintenance could be the reason for the accident. If fault is not easy to determine right away, a Duluth bus accident lawyer can help investigate the accident and find out how it happened.
When you file an insurance claim for your damages, the insurance company will do their own investigation into the source of the accident. You should be wary of anything they say, though.
Insurance companies are skilled at looking for ways to reduce what they pay out on an insurance claim. They may use tactics like trying to blame you for some of the accident, offering you a lowball settlement, or taking a long time to respond to your claim in an effort to get you to accept less than you deserve.
Determining Fault After the Bus Accident
If you’re not sure whether you carry any fault after the accident, consult with a bus accident lawyer. You should know, however, that it’s highly unlikely you caused the accident. Bus accident victims can include:
- Bus passengers (which are hardly ever at fault for bus accidents)
- Anyone getting on or off the bus
- Other drivers or passengers in another vehicle
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, or other people on the road who were hit
If it turned out you did bear some fault in the accident for some reason, it doesn’t mean you can’t necessarily recover money. In states like Georgia, there is something called comparative negligence. Under Georgia Code section 51-12-33, you still have a right to recover money if you are less than 50% at fault (negligent) for the accident.
A car accident lawyer can help determine fault in the accident if you hold any fault at all. They can also protect your rights if the insurance company tries to blame you for your injuries or deny your claim.
Bus Accidents with Other Vehicles
Many bus accidents happen when the bus crashes into another vehicle on the road. If you are the other driver, you may have to defend your rights. The insurance company may try to say you caused the accident, or the bus driver might claim you were negligent. Don’t let this discourage you, though.
After the accident happens, be polite but do not admit any blame or apologize for anything. Even if you aren’t sure who was at fault, avoid discussing blame until after you’ve spoken to a Duluth bus accident lawyer.
Bus Accidents with Pedestrians or Bicyclists
Bus accidents that happen with bikers or pedestrians can occur when someone is crossing an intersection or the bus entering or leaving a stop. Sometimes, a bus driver will fail to check their blind spot of yield to children or other people crossing the road.
The bus driver may try to blame you by saying you weren’t watching where you were going or that they couldn’t see you. Remember that this doesn’t mean you are actually at fault. Most of the time, the driver has been negligent in the collision and you still have a right to financial recovery.
Talk to a Duluth Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
After a bus accident in Duluth, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. We know that you are probably stressed about your injuries, missed work time, and other costs of the accident. Don’t worry about how to seek compensation, too.
Our bus accident lawyers have been helping injury victims like you when the recovery they deserve for 20 plus years. We know what it takes to win cases, and we aren’t afraid to stand up against the insurance companies’ tactics. Plus, we don’t get paid unless we win you money—and we’ll start with a FREE consultation.
To schedule your FREE consultation and get connected with the best lawyer for you today, call us at (404) 948-4815 or contact us online.
