Bus accidents in Dunwoody can cause severe injuries, ongoing pain, and serious medical debt. All of this can be made harder by trying to deal with the complex world of insurance and legal claims. Don’t try navigating this process on your own. A Dunwoody bus accident lawyer can provide the guidance you need.
Our attorneys put are dedicated professionals with over twenty years of experience getting results. We work exclusively for those who were injured, and our number priority is getting you the financial compensation you deserve. We won’t charge you a penny unless we can recover money for you. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 for your free consultation today.
Who is at fault in a bus accident?
Georgia is a “fault state.” This means that whoever caused the accident is at fault and is financially responsible for any injuries or damage suffered on behalf of the victim. This is true in a bus accident just as it is in any other kind of vehicle accident—and the process of deciding fault begins just minutes after the accident.
In Dunwoody and all of Georgia, determining if a driver is at fault usually centers around negligence. A driver is negligent if they were not driving as cautiously as they should have been. For example, if they weren’t paying attention to the road or disobeyed a traffic law, then the driver is negligent. If a driver has been deemed negligent, and if that negligence is what caused the accident, then he is legally liable. Both bus drivers and other drivers involved in a bus accident can be found at fault depending on the circumstances.
Here are some of the most common causes of bus accidents, which would put the bus driver or company at fault:
- Bus drivers working while fatigued
- Bus companies who failed to properly train drivers or adequately screen employees.
- Bus drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- A bus transporting goods that were not loaded properly or overloaded
- Buses and equipment that are not properly maintained
But the process of determining fault is especially complicated in bus accidents. The driver, bus company, government entity, or another driver may be at fault. Following are more details regarding when each of these parties may be at fault. For example:
- Bus Driver: A bus driver is legally at fault if it can be proven that he was driving in a negligent way. If the driver was speeding, failed to yield to a right of way, ran a red light, failed to stop at a stop sign, or broke any other traffic law, the bus driver may be at fault.
- Bus Company: A bus company may be at fault if the cause of the accident was generally out of the control of the driver. If a mechanical default, such as faulty brakes or broken brake lights, led to an accident, then the bus driver may be held liable for not keeping up with maintenance. If the bus driver was working under poor working conditions, such as working too many hours or without proper training, the bus company may be at fault as well.
- Government Entity: If a bus driver was working under a government or city contract, then the government or city may be liable for damages. Examples of government or city entities include a public school district or a city public transportation company. If a bus driver is an employee of a public school district or public transportation bureau, than the school district or transportation bureau may be at fault.
- Other driver: You are entitled to financial compensation regardless of your role in the bus accident. Whether you are a bus passenger injured in a bus accident, or a pedestrian or car driver injured in a bus accident, you have a right to file a claim and seek compensation for damages incurred.
Because of this complexity, it’s important for bus victims to contact a good lawyer to help them sort out the details of their case. Never let ignorance put your financial reward at risk.
What injuries are covered by bus accident claims?
If the injury was caused by the accident, it should be covered. Some of the most common injuries in bus accidents include:
- Fractured bones
- Concussion, traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Whiplash
- Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, insomnia or PTSD after the accident
No matter what kind of injuries you suffered, however, if you are not at fault then you likely have a valid claim and should receive compensation.
Be aware that it’s important for bus accident victims to seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries appear minor, not getting medical treatment may result in the injuries worsening or becoming chronic. In addition, from a legal standpoint, having a medical professional officially document your injuries strengthens your case, and holds insurance companies responsible not just for current injuries but any future complications that may arise.
An insurance company already offered me money. Should I take it?
We caution bus accident victims from accepting insurance money without consulting with a lawyer first. There are two big reasons for this:
- Insurance companies are motivated primarily by their financial interests. Insurance companies may offer you quick cash that seems appealing, but the amount they offer may be significantly less than what you are rightly owed. In addition, upon accepting the money, insurance companies may have you sign a document stating that you cannot file any future claims.
- As time passes, your injuries may become more severe. This may result in additional medical costs. If you signed a form waiving your write to future claims, you may be stuck with the entire bill.
Our lawyers are adept at determining if an insurance offer is fair. In addition, our lawyers can refer you to a doctor who understands your injuries and can help determine what’s required for you to make as full a recovery as possible. A good lawyer will use all of this information to make insurance companies increase their offer.
Talk to a Dunwoody Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
Seeking compensation from bus accidents can seem like a Herculean effort. It doesn’t have to be. Our caring, knowledgeable lawyers can help. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 for your free consultation today.