Bus accidents don’t happen as often as other types of auto accidents in Milton, but when they happen, several people are affected. And if you’re hurt in a Milton bus accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the cost of injuries they didn’t cause. Since fault can be hard to determine in a bus accident (it could be a bus driver, a maintenance company, or even a school district) and insurance companies are hesitant to pay out money to accident victims, it’s in your best interest to contact a Milton bus accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Our bus accident lawyers have more than two decades of experience helping bus accident victims get the financial recovery they need and deserve. A bus accident can be painful and traumatic for adults and children alike. We can help ease your mind and put the law on your side. Call us for a FREE consultation to talk about the best options for you and your family. Call 404-975-2673 or fill out the form on this page to get started.
Who is at Fault in a Bus Accident in Milton?
Fault is the most important factor in any personal injury case, which includes bus accident cases. That’s because, in Georgia, the person or party who is at fault is also liable for all resulting damages. But to make a claim for your damages, fault must be determined. And when a bus accident happens, there are a number of people who may be ultimately to blame.
For example, most Milton car accidents involve drivers covered by auto insurance. An injured driver can make an insurance claim with the at-fault driver for their damages. But in a bus accident, several people are often injured and a third party may be involved in the accident. In some situations, the at-fault party has a degree of immunity from liability.
When the Bus Driver is at Fault
If the bus driver’s actions or inactions led to the accident, things can get complicated. Since the accident happened while the driver was on the clock, the entity that owns the bus is usually responsible. This could be a transportation authority or a school district.
If that’s the case, you’d need to file a claim against that entity—and that can be more difficult than the average insurance claim. You’ll probably need to file a “notice of claim” with the entity, and you may have a shorter period of time when you can make a claim or appeal a claim denial. Working with a bus accident lawyer is highly recommended if a government entity is at fault.
When Another Driver is At Fault
If your bus accident is caused by another motorist, such as a car or truck driver, you can make a claim with that driver’s insurance company for the costs of your injuries and other damages. This claim is usually more straightforward than if the bus driver was at fault.
Other Possible Areas of Fault
Although an accident is usually caused by the bus driver or another driver, sometimes there are other factors at play. For example, if the bus maintenance company failed to properly maintain or inspect the bus and it crashes because of mechanical errors, the company may be at fault.
Similarly, if the bus accident is caused by a road hazard or obstacle out of the driver’s control, a city or other government body could be found at fault, although this is rare.
What Causes a Bus Accident?
There are a number of reasons bus accidents can happen. In some cases, they are obvious; in others, you and your bus accident attorney will need to do some investigation for details. Some common causes of bus accidents in Milton include:
- Bus driver fatigue or distraction
- Improper training or screening of drivers before employment
- Bus driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor bus maintenance
- Overloaded or improperly loaded bus
What if I Have Pain that Doesn’t Go Away?
If you experience any pain after a bus accident, you should see a doctor right away. But even if you don’t notice any pain, it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional for any possible injuries. And if pain shows up later, see your doctor again.
When the pain persists, keep detailed records of what you experience and all medical expenses. Some injuries, such as whiplash, take time to appear and may not show up on imaging tests. You also might not feel the pain until the adrenaline has worn off hours later. That’s why it’s so crucial to tell your doctor anything and be honest about how you feel and pain that doesn’t go away.
If you did not cause the accident (which is incredibly rare if you were a passenger), you should not have to bear the burden of your medical expenses. You can make a claim for all costs of treatment, including:
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Prescription medications
- Tests and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and other ongoing treatments
To do this, you’ll need proof of your costs, so keep track of all bills and other records of treatment. So get the treatment you need, save all bills and documentation, and gather everything you need to support your bus accident injury claim. If you need help with this, contact a bus accident lawyer in the Milton area.
The Insurance Company Offered Me Money Right Away. What Should I Do?
Never accept the first offer. It’s almost always a lowball amount that doesn’t come close to covering all your costs.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses who care about their bottom line. One of the tactics they commonly use to pay less is offering you a lump sum of money out of the gate. They’re hoping you’ll take this money to pay your bills quickly. We know this is tempting, but if you accept the first offer, you’ll miss out on pursuing a higher settlement that actually covers your damages.
Plus, taking the money so soon means you might settle before really knowing the total of all your costs. If an injury takes time to develop and you end up needing more treatment later, you’ll want to be able to include that in your claim.
Don’t get left paying for any bills resulting from your accident. Instead, contact a bus accident lawyer who can help. Your lawyer can help you build a strong insurance claim and even talk to the insurance company on your behalf.
Talk to a Milton Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one was hurt in a bus accident in Milton, you shouldn’t have to pay the bills for a crash that wasn’t your fault. Let us help you seek the financial recovery you actually deserve. Our attorneys have been helping bus accident victims for more than 20 years, and we know what it takes to win cases. To schedule a FREE consultation with us as soon as possible, call 404-975-2673 or fill out the form on this page today.
