Many Sandy Springs residents utilize the bus every day—to get to work, school, and various other locations. Most probably take the safety of being on a bus for granted, but unfortunately, sometimes someone else’s negligence can lead to a bus accident. If you or a loved one was injured during a bus accident, you’re entitled to financial recovery. It’s time to speak with a Sandy Springs bus accident lawyer who can help you move forward.
Our attorneys know how to help. For over two decades, we’ve been focused on helping victims of bus accidents win what they deserve. And we charge you nothing unless we get you the money. For a FREE consultation to discuss your case, call us today at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right. Our experienced lawyers are ready to help now.
How do bus accidents happen?
Bus accidents can involve any type of bus, including a school bus, city bus, long-distance bus, hired/charter bus, or other vehicles like large vans or shuttles that count as buses. And a number of incidences can lead to a bus accidents, such as:
- The bus driver falling asleep at the wheel, being on a cell phone, or in any way being distracted while driving
- The driver or company that owns the bus failing to upkeep proper maintenance
- The maintenance or repair company who worked on the bus making a mistake or improperly
- A third party, such as another driver on the road, causing the bus accident due to negligence
- In some cases, other passengers on the bus causing a distraction leading to the accident
The victim in a bus accident could be:
- Someone riding the bus who is hurt after the vehicle hits something
- Drivers or passengers in a car accident with a bus
- A cyclist or pedestrian that gets hit by the bus
- Someone who is hurt from a slip and fall while getting on or off, regardless of whether there was a collision or not
In any case, if the bus accident was caused by someone being careless and not fulfilling their duty to protect you or others on the road, the victims are entitled to financial compensation.
The bus company’s insurance is already offering me money. Should I take it?
If you were injured in a bus accident caused by negligence on part of the bus company or driver, the bus company’s insurer is likely responsible for paying you for your damages. Some insurance companies may try to offer you an amount upfront to settle the case. However, it’s very important that you don’t take the first offer.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and although we’d like to think they have your best interests at heart, the truth is they will try to reduce their liability and the amount they pay out. This means any first offer will be a low-ball amount that probably won’t cover you for all the damages you suffered. You may have suffered injuries that end up requiring more treatment than you’d think—or if you were in a car accident with a bus, damage to your vehicle may be more costly than you realize.
Before you speak to any insurance company about the accident, call an experienced bus accident lawyer to help you proceed in the most advantageous way for you.
What if my child was involved in a school bus accident?
It’s every parent’s worse nightmare to get the call about their child being in an accident. But remaining calm and following the proper procedure after a school bus accident will help bring about the best results for your child and your family. If your child was hurt in a school bus accident, here’s what you should do:
- Get any needed medical attention. If your child was severely hurt by the bus accident, get them medical help right away. Nothing is more important than making sure your child’s serious injuries are handled and their well-being is taken care of. Even if you’re unsure, they may have injuries that are worse than they seem in the moment, so make medical attention the main priority.
- Call police. The bus driver should do this after the accident happens, but if they won’t or can’t due to injuries, call police yourself. Both police officers who arrive and bus driver (if he or she is able) should make a report of the accident. And make sure they put your name on the police report when it comes out. Otherwise, it will be difficult to document the accident related to you when pursuing financial recovery.
- Gather information from other passengers. If other people were on board the bus during the accident, get their first and last names, phone numbers, and even addresses if you can. Do the same with any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Document the accident. Take pictures and even videos of the accident scene and any injuries your child suffered. Document as much as you can. This will help you during your case when your lawyer is investigating the accident and the damage it caused.
- Call your attorney. This should be one of your first steps. Get on the phone with a trusted bus accident lawyer who can help you know what’s best to do next—and whether you can pursue recovery for what your child went through.
Talk to a Sandy Spring Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
Bus accident cases are often complex because they can involve multiple parties—including other passengers, other motorists, or pedestrians on the road. Bus accidents also commonly lead to serious injuries, so it’s important to get the help you need to get you and your family back on your feet. Our attorneys are the best in the state, and they know how to work these types of cases in your favor. Give us a call today for a FREE consultation at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to your right.
