People of all ages ride buses in Woodstock every day. We rarely think about possible risks of riding a bus, but unfortunately these large vehicles can pose a hazard on the road in a number of ways. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, it’s time to look for a Woodstock bus accident lawyer.
Our attorneys know how to help. With over two decades of experience working with personal injury victims who suffered through a bus accident, we focus solely on helping them win the money they deserve. Working with us is no-risk because we charge nothing unless we get you that money. And we’d love to offer you a FREE consultation today. Just call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to your right for your free consultation.
3 Most Important Things to Do After a Bus Accident
The moments after a bus accident can feel surreal. You might be hurt or in shock and not know what to do. But what happens after a bus accident is actually very important, and there are three main steps to take as soon as possible after a Woodstock bus accident occurs:
- Call the police. First and foremost, you’ll want to alert local authorities about the bus accident. The bus driver or other staff for the bus are primary responsible for doing this, but if they can’t for some reason, whether they refuse to call or are injured or even killed, you can call yourself.
Police will need to know about the incident so they can report a police report documenting what happened. When insurance companies are determining fault in a motor accident and offering a settlement, they will look at details in the police report.
- Get medical attention. If you’re injured, especially if it’s serious, get medical help right away. Even if you think you’re okay, you could have underlying injuries that become more serious and require ongoing treatment over time. And seeing a doctor for your injuries will just further document them for your case.
- Document everything—taking notes and pictures. The more information you can get at the scene and about the accident, the better. Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, and any other identifying information from those involved in the accident and any witnesses. Your attorney might need to reach out to these people at a later date, and having witnesses can help prove what happened if the insurance company tries to downplay the accident.
Besides doing these three things after a bus accident, you’ll want to get legal help as soon as possible. Bus accidents can be especially serious and complex compared to passenger car accidents. A lawyer experienced in working with bus accidents victims can help you navigate the legal aspects of the accident to help your case and recover.
What kinds of injuries are most common in bus accidents?
The types of injuries that occur as a result of a bus accident can depend on the situation of the victims. Bus accident victims can be bus passengers, car drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or even someone slipping and falling while entering or exiting the bus. Plus, the way buses are constructed can increase the chances of injury in an accident. Many don’t contain seat belts or other safety restraints that could protect passengers, and their high center of gravity makes rollovers more likely.
For these reason, injuries can vary greatly and include things like:
- Bruising and bleeding
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety or depression
Are bus passengers ever at fault?
Hardly ever. In many cases, the bus driver is at fault, but not always. When fault for a bus accident is being determined, one must consider a number of factors that could have contributed to or caused the crash, including a driver who was:
- Tired or fatigued while driving
- Not properly screened or trained for employment
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
- Driving a bus not properly maintained
- Driving a vehicle that was not loaded correctly or overloaded
Sometimes the accident is caused by another car or truck driver on the road. If that happens and you were a passenger on the bus, you can make a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek money for medical treatment, loss of income, and other losses. This situation is more straight-forward.
However, if the bus driver is at fault, things can get a little more complicated. Government entities, such as school districts, often own or operate buses. Filing a personal injury claim with these entities can get pretty complex. Usually the first step involves filing paperwork like a “notice of claim,” and it has to be done within a short period of time after the accident happened. This is where working with a Woodstock bus accident lawyer can help you take the smartest and most efficient action.
My child was injured on a school bus. What can I do?
If your child was hurt during a school bus accident, you probably have the right to sue, especially if the accident was caused by the bus driver’s negligence. You can sue the school district in this case, but circumstances must be right.
Government entities like schools have immunity from many lawsuits, so how the accident happened can determine whether you can file a claim. The district can be held responsible in some cases, though, such as if the bus driver failed to properly inspect any part of the bus or they failed to correctly signal when stopping. You’ll want to consult with your attorney to know how best to approach this process.
On the other hand, if another driver of a car or truck hits the bus and your child is injured as a passenger, the fault usually falls on the driver and you can file a claim against them. Under Georgia law, all drivers on two- or four-lane streets must come to a complete stop when a school bus has stopped. If a car driver doesn’t follow this rule and ends up hitting the bus, it increases your chance of recovering money for injuries or other suffering.
It’s also important to note that most personal injury claims must be filed within two years since the injury occurred. But when filing a claim against a government entity like a school district, you must file with an official of the school and usually within 60-90 days. Don’t miss out on getting the compensation you or your family deserves. Speak with a Woodstock bus accident lawyer today.
Talk to a Woodstock Bus Accident Lawyer for Free
The process for filing a claim after a bus accident can be confusing and overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to turn next or your best course of action, it’s time to speak with one of our bus accident lawyers. We’ve dedicated our careers to assisting bus accident victims, and we never charge a thing unless we get you the money. Let us offer you a FREE consultation to discuss your next steps. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to your right for your free consultation today.
