Riding commercial buses is common across states and countries, but even with higher expectations for bus drivers, accidents occur frequently. Legal cases stemming from bus accidents often involve numerous plaintiffs, requiring seasoned attorneys. In Atlanta, GA, John Foy & Associates stands out as one of the city’s premier personal injury law firms. If you’ve suffered injury in a bus accident in Atlanta, seek counsel from our experienced team.
How Our Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Once you entrust us with your case, you’re not just a client; you’re our partner. Our dedicated bus accident attorneys in Atlanta are committed to:
- Thoroughly gathering information and evidence following your bus accident.
- Identifying responsible parties for your damages.
- Consulting with experts across various disciplines to ascertain fault and assess damages accurately.
- Ensuring that any settlement offers are equitable and serve your best interests.
- Advocating for you during negotiations or trial proceedings.
- Managing all communication with involved parties on your behalf.
- Addressing any legal queries and presenting all available options for your case.
While it’s technically possible to file a case without legal representation, doing so places you at a significant disadvantage against insurance companies and their vast resources. Don’t navigate negotiations alone. Simply retaining a skilled bus accident attorney in Atlanta significantly enhances your chances of securing a fair settlement with the insurance company.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Atlanta
In the event of a bus accident, prioritize seeking medical assistance for any life-threatening injuries, whether it’s for yourself or others involved. Subsequently, ensure that the bus driver is informed of any injuries sustained. It’s crucial that the driver promptly reports the incident to the police, and both parties generate a comprehensive report.
Additionally, gather detailed information about the accident, considering there may be other passengers affected. Collect their names and contact details. When law enforcement arrives, ensure your name is included in their report. Given the complexity of bus accidents and the involvement of multiple parties, having your name documented in the reports is essential for proper documentation and recourse.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Navigating bus accidents can be an intricate challenge for many individuals. The involvement of multiple witnesses often leads to conflicting testimonies. Additionally, various entities like insurance firms, municipalities, or private companies prioritize their own interests over yours.
It’s a common scenario for insurance companies to exert significant efforts to minimize their financial liabilities. One prevalent tactic used by insurance adjusters is to allege shared liability on the part of the accident victims, thereby diminishing potential compensation.
Modified Comparative Negligence
In Georgia, the law operates under modified comparative negligence when it comes to shared fault. If your share of the blame surpasses 49%, you forfeit the opportunity to pursue your case in civil court.
Moreover, your injury settlement gets trimmed to accommodate your share of responsibility. To safeguard your interests from insurance companies, enlist an attorney to ensure fault assessment is precise in your Atlanta bus accident claim.
How Bus Crashes Are Different from Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, but when it comes to bus accidents, the complexities multiply. This underscores the importance of retaining a seasoned attorney well-versed in bus accident law.
Bus accidents present unique challenges. The sheer size of buses means they can inflict greater damage on other vehicles, and their bulk makes them less maneuverable and harder to stop, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
However, the disparities between bus accidents and typical car accidents go beyond the obvious. Bus operators often hold specialized licenses and responsibilities, complicating liability determination. Liability may extend beyond the operator to encompass managers and parts manufacturers.
Moreover, bus accidents often involve multiple claimants due to the potential for the bus to collide with several vehicles. Yet, contrary to assumption, this doesn’t necessarily diminish compensation. In fact, due to the typically more severe damages caused by buses, compensation may actually be higher in bus accident cases.
Evidence in a Bus Accident Case
In order to establish the events surrounding your bus accident for a pound law case, your legal representative will need to compile compelling evidence demonstrating not just liability, but also why you are entitled to compensation. To achieve this objective, your attorney may seek various forms of evidence, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Photographs depicting the accident scene
- Driving histories
- Medical documentation
- Testimonies from witnesses
- Expert opinions
In particular, your attorney in Atlanta may enlist the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists. These professionals can analyze photos, videos, and other data from the scene to elucidate the sequence of events and assign fault accurately.
The presence of robust evidence is crucial in pound law cases involving bus accidents, as liability may extend to multiple parties. By retaining a seasoned attorney, you’re enlisting someone capable of identifying all responsible parties for your injuries.
Damages You Can Recover in a Bus Accident Case
In a civil case involving bus accidents in Atlanta, you’re entitled to recover damages for various aspects of harm caused. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, you have the right to seek compensation for bodily injury. The severity of your injury determines the potential compensation you may receive. These damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Property damages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages or reduced earning capability
- Medical expenses such as prescriptions, physical therapy, clinic visits, ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, equipment, and other treatments
- Wrongful death
Additionally, in certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded by the Atlanta civil courts. These are meant to punish the defendant for intentional, egregious, or grossly negligent conduct. While not guaranteed, punitive damages might be granted to send a clear message about unacceptable behavior.
This list of damages is extensive, yet it only scratches the surface. As long as you can demonstrate how your damages relate to the bus accident in Atlanta, they can be factored into your settlement. We are committed to ensuring that every penny related to your case is accounted for, maximizing your compensation.
The Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Bus Accidents
You’ve got a timeframe to file a claim, but waiting too long might mean losing that chance. It’s also important to notify insurance carriers about claims. Typically, there are multiple carriers involved, each eager to wrap things up swiftly and affordably.
Under OCGA §9-3-33, Atlanta bus accident victims typically have a two-year window to file claims. Don’t procrastinate; start building your case right away while the details and evidence are still vivid. Delaying until the eleventh hour can harm your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Talk to Our Atlanta Bus Accident Attorneys Today
Pound Law, serving the Atlanta area, boasts a team of seasoned bus accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates. We’re recognized as one of Atlanta’s premier personal injury firms, with over 20 years of experience advocating for victims like you. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Reach out for a complimentary consultation today. Simply call us or complete our online form to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following a severe injury in an Atlanta bus accident, you might feel disoriented and uncertain about your next steps. The overwhelming uncertainty can be daunting. Our aim is to alleviate your concerns and provide you with the information you seek.
Here, we address some common queries regarding bus accidents in Atlanta. Should you have further concerns not addressed, reach out without hesitation. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to commence working on your case today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Bus Accident?
The responsibility for a bus accident extends beyond just the driver; a city entity or commercial line may also bear accountability. They are tasked with hiring competent and reliable drivers, ensuring proper training. If there’s another vehicle implicated, another driver could be at fault.
Our Pound Law team diligently identifies all parties involved in your bus accident and their culpability. We ensure every negligent party is held accountable for their role in the accident.
What If My Child Was in a School Bus Accident in Atlanta?
In the event of a school bus accident, much like any bus accident, it’s crucial for your child to promptly inform the bus driver or any available chaperone if they sustain an injury. Furthermore, it’s essential that your child communicates any potential injuries to you. If your child is injured due to negligence on the part of the driver, there is grounds for legal action.
However, when your child is on a school bus, there may be complexities related to sovereign immunity, meaning you typically cannot sue a government entity unless it consents to being sued. Nevertheless, most communities have insurance coverage for such situations.
Take, for instance, the city of Atlanta, which maintains a $25,000 insurance policy. If you, as the parent, have Uninsured Motorist coverage, it might be possible to seek damages from your own insurance provider. We are committed to pursuing all liable parties and exploring any applicable insurance policies to ensure just compensation.
What If I Was in a Greyhound or Tour Bus Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident outside your home area, it’s crucial to seek a local attorney’s expertise. Additionally, ensuring your medical care comes from trusted Atlanta professionals is important for your recovery. We’ll ensure you have access to all necessary local resources to help restore your life back to normal.
Count on our bus accident attorneys to thoroughly research the location where your case will be held. If your case moves beyond Georgia, rest assured we’ll connect you with a reputable attorney in that jurisdiction. With years of experience, we’ve built a network of trusted colleagues nationwide. And rest assured, you won’t face double charges for legal services.
What does It Cost to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Atlanta?
Pound Law stands apart from predatory firms that exploit clients with excessive fees and deceitful practices. Our foundation is built on unwavering ethics and values. Transparency, honesty, and dedication are not just promises but integral to our service. Our clients’ testimonials reflect our commitment to their success.
With Pound Law, upfront fees are never part of the equation. We believe in total transparency, eliminating any hidden costs. Our payment is contingent upon successfully securing your settlement. If our team fails to obtain compensation for you, there’s no charge for our services. That’s the Pound Law promise.
Does It Matter How My Bus Accident Happened?
Bus accidents occur due to various factors, including hazardous road conditions, distracted or drunk driving, faulty equipment, and negligence of other drivers. Regardless of the cause, bus drivers are held to a higher standard of responsibility, not only for other road users but also for the passengers they transport.