Bus accidents are far less likely to happen than other auto accidents in Stockbridge. When the driver and everything else is performing as it should, a bus should be one of the safest vehicles on the road. However, sometimes the bus driver or someone else is negligent and it leads to an accident. If that happens and you are injured, it’s time to contact a Stockbridge bus accident lawyer.
Our bus accident lawyers are here to help. We know how overwhelming (and expensive) the aftermath of a bus accident can be. We can answer any questions you have, help you build a strong insurance claim, and fight for your rights to compensation for your costs. For a FREE consultation, call us today at 404-800-7053 or contact us online now.
How to Know if You Can Get Compensation After a Bus Accident in Stockbridge
There are a number of people who can become injured during a bus accident in Stockbridge:
- Bus passengers
- Drivers or passengers in other vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
No matter how you were injured and what your role was in the accident, you are a victim if you were hurt by someone else’s negligence (a legal term for “carelessness”). As a bus accident victim, you have a legal right to seek financial recovery for your losses from the accident.
Fault and Liability in a Bus Accident
Bus drivers have a legal duty to drive and perform their jobs in a way that prevents harm to others. If you are someone hurt by a bus driver’s negligence, you have a right to compensation. Under Georgia law, the at-fault party is fully liable for all damages caused by their negligence. A bus driver may be negligent in a bus accident for driving while distracted or fatigued, driving under the influence, or simply making a traffic mistake that results in an accident.
A bus driver can be negligent without meaning to cause the accident. Even if they are a well-meaning person, they are still responsible if their mistake caused an accident that left you injured.
In some situations, the bus driver is not the at-fault party. Other parties who may be to blame for a bus accident include:
- Other drivers on Stockbridge roads
- The bus company
- A manufacturer who provided the bus parts
- The bus maintenance company
Although the bus driver or another driver is usually responsible, determining fault is sometimes difficult after a bus accident. This is where a Stockbridge bus accident lawyer can be so invaluable. They can investigate the details of the accident and figure out whose actions directly lead to the accident and your injuries.
Bus Drivers Hold a Higher Standard of Care in Stockbridge
Buses are known as “common carriers,” which means the public relies on their services for transportation. This sets buses apart from cars, trucks, and other types of vehicles. When passengers board a bus, they are putting a lot of trust in the driver and assuming they’ll arrive at their destination safely.
Common carriers are required to “extraordinary diligence” and, under Georgia law, they are assumed liable for accidents unless “the loss was occasioned by the act of God or the public enemies of the state” (Georgia Code section 46-9-1). In other words, bus drivers are almost always liable for damages except in very specific circumstances.
If a bus driver is performing their duties in every way they should, another party can sometimes be liable—such as when another driver crashes into the bus. This is where a Stockbridge bus accident lawyer would investigate to find out exactly who was at fault for the accident and the resulting injuries.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Bus Accident
After a bus accident, there are things you can do to legally protect yourself. Evidence is key in any personal injury claim, so gathering information can really help your case.
Here are some actions you can take after a bus accident injury in Stockbridge.
Report the Accident
The bus driver should report the accident to the Henry County Police Department. However, if the driver is too injured to make the call (or if they refuse to do so), you can call the police yourself. Tell them what happened, and wait for them to arrive at the scene.
Responding officers will create an accident report with details from the accident. This will be an important piece of evidence in your case.
Get Medical Treatment
If your injuries are serious or life-threatening, get to a doctor right away or call 911 for an ambulance. Don’t delay getting treatment for injuries that are very severe.
If you are able to stay at the scene, do the following steps but be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after leaving the scene. This will create a record of you seeking treatment immediately, which shows the at-fault party’s insurance company that your injuries were serious enough for all your medical costs.
Document Everything
Think about ways you can preserve the details of the accident right after it occurred. That can include:
- Taking pictures of the accident, including vehicle damage and your injuries
- Getting the names and contact information of other people involved in the accident and any witnesses
- Keeping notes of everything you can remember from the bus accident and how it has affected you
- Keeping track of all expenses like medical bills, pay stubs (to demonstrate lost wages), and receipts
A bus accident lawyer can also help you compile this information and know what to focus on for your injury claim.
Talk to a Stockbridge Bus Accident Lawyer
You should also reach out to an experienced lawyer in your area who understands bus accident cases. These types of accidents can be very complex with a lot of information to investigate. They can also be your advocate if the insurance company gives you trouble or tries to blame you for the accident.
Most personal injury lawyers offer the consultation for free, so there’s no risk in scheduling a time to meet and discuss your case.
Talk to a Stockbridge Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
If you were hurt as a bus passenger or involved in a bus accident in any way, our experienced and compassionate lawyers can help. We have been helping bus accident victims win the compensation they deserve for over 20 years.
To get started with your FREE consultation today, call us at 404-800-7053 or contact us online now.
