If a bus gets into an accident, people may suffer severe injuries. They may be scared and wondering what their next steps are. Our Atlanta bus accident lawyers can help you understand what happens after a crash.
Can I File a Bus Accident Claim?
Yes, you can file a bus accident claim if you’ve been injured in a bus accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle. Our personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the complex process of filing a claim. The legal aftermath of a bus accident can be daunting, with various factors to consider, such as determining liability, understanding the extent of your injuries, and dealing with insurance companies.
Our legal team focuses on bus accident claims and is adept at advocating for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle the intricate legal procedures, from gathering evidence and eyewitness accounts to negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. You can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Determining Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident
Determining liability in a bus accident can be a highly complex process. Buses may be owned and operated by private companies or could be part of a public transportation system operated by the government, like how MARTA is operated by the City of Atlanta. This distinction is crucial because it influences the legal avenues available for pursuing claims and the potential defenses that may be employed by the responsible entities.
When a bus is operated by a private company, liability might be more straightforward, focusing on the company’s responsibility for the driver’s actions and the vehicle’s maintenance. However, if the bus is a part of a public transit system, different laws and deadlines may apply.
This complexity is further compounded by the fact that multiple parties could be liable for a single accident, including:
- The bus driver
- The entity responsible for bus maintenance
- Local government bodies responsible for road conditions
Understanding and navigating these nuances often requires experience with these types of cases. Each case must be meticulously evaluated to determine the most effective strategy for holding the correct parties accountable and ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Proving Liability for a Bus Crash
Proving liability after a bus accident involves a detailed and strategic approach, which is essential for building a strong case. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling these complexities, offering comprehensive support through:
- Evidence Gathering: This involves collecting crucial data to establish the accident’s context and causation, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Bus maintenance records
- Driver’s employment and training records
- Eyewitness statements
- Police reports
- Expert Consultation: We can work with accident reconstruction experts to provide insights into the mechanics of the accident, which helps to understand how and why the incident occurred.
- Legal Analysis: Leveraging in-depth knowledge of state laws and regulations that govern public transportation and commercial vehicle operations, ensuring a thorough exploration of all potential legal angles.
- Negligence Identification: Analyzing evidence to pinpoint negligence, whether it’s on the part of the bus driver, the company owning and operating the bus, or involved third parties.
Our legal team is committed to meticulously navigating each step of this process, focusing on proving liability and securing the just compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. You can focus on your recovery, knowing that your case is in capable hands.
What Are “Common Carriers”?
“Common carriers” refer to entities that offer transportation services to the public under the authority of a regulatory body. This category includes various modes of transport, such as buses, trains, and taxis, provided they serve the general public on set routes and schedules for a fee. The designation of a service as a common carrier brings with it heightened legal obligations, especially regarding passenger safety.
In the context of a bus crash, the concept of common carriers significantly affects liability. Given their elevated duty of care, common carriers are held to stricter standards than private individuals or non-commercial entities. This means they must take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their passengers, which includes (but is not limited to) the following:
Maintaining vehicles in safe operating condition
Hiring qualified drivers
Adhering to safety regulations
When a bus accident occurs, the common carrier’s failure to meet these rigorous standards can be a key factor in establishing liability. For victims of a bus crash, this higher duty of care can help prove negligence in a legal claim.
Our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of common carrier liability and can expertly navigate these complexities to advocate for the rights of those injured in bus accidents, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.
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What to Do After a Bus Accident
Taking the right steps after a bus crash can help protect your health and your claim:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if you can do so without risking further injury.
- Seek Medical Attention: You should allow paramedics to examine you, even if you aren’t sure you’ve been injured. The adrenaline of the accident may be masking symptoms of a severe injury. If you don’t receive medical attention at the scene, visit an emergency room as soon as possible after the accident.
- Contact Authorities: Call the police to report the accident. A police report can be vital for insurance and legal purposes.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. Note the bus number, route, and driver information.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from witnesses. Their accounts may support your version of events.
- Report the Incident to the Bus Company: Notify the bus company about the accident, but refrain from discussing fault or details.
- Consult an Attorney: Before making any statements or accepting settlements, consult with an attorney who focuses on bus accidents to discuss your rights and options.
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Our Team Can Help If Your Bus Was in an Accident
The Kaine Law team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a bus crash. We’ll handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
