Thompson Law’s Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyers with $1.9B+ recovered — free consultation, no fee unless we win.
A bus accident can change your life in an instant—serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about who is responsible. We know how overwhelming this time can be, and our job is to lift that burden so you can focus on healing.
Led by Atlanta attorney Phillip Hairston, our Atlanta bus accident lawyers have recovered millions for Georgia families, including cases against MARTA, school districts, and private bus companies. Whether your crash happened on I-285, the Downtown Connector, or local roads in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Midtown, or East Point—we’re ready to fight for you.
Bus crashes bring higher stakes: severe injuries, multiple insurance policies, and strict deadlines when public entities are involved. At Thompson Law, “The Lion” of Atlanta injury law, we act fast to preserve evidence, file required notices, and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Atlanta office:
1201 Peachtree St NE, Unit 2200, Atlanta, GA 30361
Free case review, 24/7:
(678) 981-9022
Don’t wait—bus accident cases move quickly, and deadlines are unforgiving. Contact us today for a
FREE CONSULTATION with our Atlanta bus accident lawyers and let Thompson Law—The Lion of Atlanta Injury Law fight for your recovery.
Bus claims move fast and involve special rules. Our Thompson Law Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyers combines public-entity know-how with trial-ready prep to maximize your recovery.
Government-Claims ExpertiseWe hit ante-litem deadlines and preserve your rights with MARTA, school districts, and city/county entities.
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Rapid Evidence PreservationOn-board video, telematics/black-box data, GPS, maintenance logs, and driver files locked down immediately. |
Coverage MappingWe identify all layers—primary, excess, umbrella—and self-insured programs to expand available recovery. |
Trial-Proven LeverageWe prepare every case for a jury, which moves insurers to offer full-value settlements. |
Client-First CommunicationClear updates, plain-English strategy, and direct access to your legal team. |
No Win, No FeeFree consultation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. |
Our Atlanta bus accident lawyers act fast — whether your crash happened on I-285, the Downtown Connector, or a neighborhood route — we secure video and telematics data, file notices before deadlines, and map every available insurance policy so you have the strongest case possible. While you focus on healing, we handle the legal battle to protect your future.
Atlanta claims have faster deadlines:
Missing these deadlines can end your claim even if Georgia’s general injury statute gives you 2 years. We move quickly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
These Georgia-specific steps protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your legal case. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273) Cooperate with police and make sure the report lists all vehicles, passengers, and witnesses. Take wide and close-up photos of the bus, other vehicles, skid marks, traffic lights, weather conditions, Write down the bus number/route, company, driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information. Save tickets, medical bills, discharge papers, and proof of missed work. Keep a pain/symptom journal — Never give a recorded statement before consulting a lawyer. Bus-camera footage and black-box data can be overwritten within days. Georgia statute of limitations: 2 years for most injury claims (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). City/county claims may require notice within
Call 911 and Get Medical Help
requires reporting crashes with injury, death, or $500+ damage. Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline can hide
serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Request EMS, get evaluated, and keep copies of all ER/urgent-care records.
Report the Crash Accurately
Get the crash report number before leaving — this is essential for retrieving the official report later.
Document the Scene
and any interior damage (broken rails, seats). This evidence can be critical when proving fault later.
Collect Witness & Bus Details
Get contact info for passengers and bystanders — witness statements can make or break liability disputes.
Preserve Your Records
this shows the day-to-day impact of your injuries and helps prove non-economic damages.
Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters
Adjusters may seem helpful but are trained to minimize your payout — especially in bus accident cases involving multiple policies.
Call an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer Early
We send spoliation letters and meet Georgia’s ante-litem notice deadlines for MARTA, school buses, and public entities.
6 months. Don’t delay.
Liability in a bus crash often involves multiple parties. Our Atlanta bus accident lawyers investigate every angle to hold the right people accountable.
Bus Driver or OperatorNegligence from speeding, distraction, fatigue, or failing to yield can make the driver liable. |
Transit Authority / CarrierPoor training, negligent supervision, or unsafe scheduling may create company liability. |
Maintenance ContractorsSkipped inspections, faulty brake/tire service, or ignored defects can lead to crashes. |
Manufacturers & SuppliersDefective parts (brakes, steering, tires) may hold manufacturers responsible under product liability. |
Other MotoristsReckless or illegal driving by a third-party driver can trigger a chain-reaction collision. |
Road Owners or ContractorsUnsafe work zones, missing signage, or poor road design can contribute to the crash. |
Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of smaller vehicles often suffer common bus accident injuries such as:
Diagnosis can evolve over time. Follow-up care and consistent documentation are crucial—for your health and for proving damages.
If you have been hurt in a bus accident, your priority should be getting medical care. Once you have been treated, reach out to our Atlanta bus accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION to learn about your legal rights.
Every case is unique, but recoverable damages often include:
We don’t rely on one number. We model your full life impact, including future medical needs and income losses, then present that story with records and expert analysis.
Bus accident claims are not handled like ordinary car wrecks. They often involve multiple layers of insurance
and much higher policy limits — which can significantly affect the value of your case.
Higher Policy LimitsInterstate passenger carriers are required to carry higher federal minimum coverage:
These limits can vary depending on whether the route is interstate or intrastate. |
Layered CoverageLarge bus companies may have primary, excess, and umbrella policies. We identify all available layers to maximize recovery. |
Self-Insured EntitiesMany public transit agencies and school systems self-insure up to a certain level and use third-party administrators. We navigate these unique claims processes. |
Strategy MattersKnowing policy limits early gives us leverage in negotiations and helps ensure you receive full compensation for medical care, lost income, and long-term needs. |
In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file under Bus cases can involve public entities (e.g., transit or school systems). Shorter notice deadlines apply—talk to a lawyer immediately. Georgia’s system (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) Insurers often overstate fault. We counter with reconstruction, camera footage, and expert testimony tailored to Atlanta bus crash scenarios. Deadlines move fast in Atlanta bus accident cases—especially when a government agency is involved. — Talk to an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer No fees unless we win · Available 24/7
Georgia Deadline for Bus Crash Claims
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Property-damage-only claims generally have a four-year deadline. Missing a deadline can bar recovery—
another reason to contact counsel early, especially for Atlanta bus accident cases.
Important Exceptions for Atlanta Bus Cases
6 months.
12 months.
Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar)
reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault—and you cannot recover if you’re 50% or more at fault.
Protect your rights today.
We combine early investigation with trial-ready preparation:
Our Thomson Law Atlanta Bus Accident Law Firm is built for serious injury work. You’ll get direct access to a team that knows Atlanta courts, local carriers, and how public-entity claims really move.
Trial Attorney • Atlanta, GA Born and raised in Stone Mountain, now in Atlanta. A Georgia Tech Chemistry grad with a J.D. from Washington University School of Law, Phillip brings rare perspective: he
Phillip Hairston
defended corporations and general contractors early in his career—insight he now uses to hold insurers and large companies accountable for Atlanta families.Cases He Handles
Credentials & Memberships
If you or a loved one was hurt on a MARTA bus, school bus, charter bus, or public transit in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, or East Point, our Atlanta bus accident lawyers are ready to help. We know the roads and transit systems where serious bus crashes happen most often—from I-285 and the Downtown Connector to Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and busy neighborhood routes.
Schedule your free consultation today with an Atlanta bus accident attorney who knows your community. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and map the next steps—at no cost and with no pressure.
Call Us: (678) 981-9022
Atlanta office: 1201 Peachtree St NE, Unit 2200, Atlanta, GA 30361
Free case review: We’ll listen, answer your questions, and map the next steps—TODAY.
Looking for more information? Learn about Atlanta personal injury claims and your legal rights.
For most injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the crash. We work to preserve crucial evidence that can disappear quickly, including on-board video and electronic data. School bus cases involve special rules and short deadlines. We coordinate with doctors, schools, and insurers to document injuries and long-term needs — letting you focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal process. Depending on your case, you may recover: Families in wrongful death cases may also seek funeral costs and loss of financial support or companionship. It costs nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee — you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win. Timelines vary based on medical recovery, investigations, and whether a government entity is involved. Many claims settle without a trial, but we prepare each case as if it will go to a jury — Yes. Claims against public transit systems like MARTA follow special rules. You must file a formal notice of claim within a very short deadline — sometimes as little as six months. Our team handles these requirements to protect your right to compensation. Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any blame placed on you and maximize your compensation. Sí. Hablamos español. We provide bilingual support so Spanish-speaking clients have full access to our attorneys. How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Georgia?
Claims involving government entities (like MARTA or a school system) may have
shorter notice deadlines — sometimes just six months. Missing these deadlines can end your claim, so
reach out as soon as possible so we can preserve your rights. What should I do right after a bus accident?
What if my child was hurt on a school bus?
What compensation can I recover after a bus crash?
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
We also offer free, no-pressure consultations 24/7 to help you understand your options. How long will my case take?
Some cases resolve in months, while serious-injury or complex cases may take longer.
We’ll give you honest expectations and push to move your case forward without sacrificing value. Will I have to go to court?
this maximizes leverage. If trial is the best path, our trial-proven team will guide you through every step. Can I sue MARTA after a bus crash?
What if the bus accident was partly my fault?
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Still have questions? Every case is different, and no FAQ can
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.