Georgia Bus Accident Lawyers

How Common are Bus Accidents in Georgia?

In 2023, the Atlanta metropolitan area saw around 80 bus accidents, which included public transit, school, and private charter buses. These accidents led to 45 injuries and 5 fatalities.

When it comes to school bus safety, Georgia holds the third position nationally for fatal school bus crashes over the last ten years. From 2013 to 2022, the state reported 60 fatal school bus crashes, resulting in 65 deaths.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Georgia

Bus accidents in Georgia can be caused by negligence, which can take many forms. To prove negligence in a bus accident, you need to show 4 things:

• Duty
• Breach
• Causation
• Damages

The bus driver and the bus company have a duty of care to passengers and other drivers. If that duty of care is breached – for example, a driver who is distracted or a company that doesn’t maintain its buses – and that breach causes an accident resulting in damages (physical injuries or property damage) then negligence can be proven.

Proving negligence requires investigation and evidence gathering, including police reports, eyewitness statements, bus company records and expert testimony. That’s where our Georgia bus accident lawyers come in. They’ll walk you through the process and make sure everything is covered.

Bus Driver Negligence

• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Driving while distracted (e.g., using a cell phone)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or reckless driving

Bus Company Negligence

• Failure to maintain vehicles
• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
• Failure to train drivers properly
• Overloading or improper loading of the bus

Bus Manufacturer Defects

• Faulty brakes or steering
• Defective tires or other parts
• Poorly designed or installed seatbelts or safety equipment
• Failure to inspect vehicles properly

Bad Weather

• Driving in heavy rain or snow without precautions
• Failure to adjust speed for weather
• Ignoring weather warnings

Road Hazards

• Potholes or uneven roads
• Poorly marked construction zones
• No proper signs or traffic signals
• Debris or obstacles on the road

Negligence by Other Drivers

• Reckless or aggressive driving by other vehicles
• Failure of other drivers to yield to the bus
• Distracted or impaired drivers on the road
• Illegal maneuvers by other drivers

Passenger Negligence

• Distracting the bus driver
• Interfering with the bus
• Failure to follow safety instructions
• Opening emergency exits for no reason

Call our Georgia bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW if you were injured in a bus accident caused by another driver’s negligence.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

If you’re involved in a bus accident, taking the right steps is crucial to safeguard your well-being and legal rights. Here’s a guide from our experienced Georgia bus accident lawyers:

1. Ensure Safety: Move yourself and others to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, consult a doctor. Some injuries may take time to surface.
3. Report the Accident: File a report with local authorities. A police report can serve as key evidence.
4. Document the Scene: Capture photos or videos of the accident, the bus, and your injuries if you’re able.
5. Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact details from witnesses or fellow passengers. Their accounts may strengthen your case.
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep records of medical treatments, expenses, and any damaged personal items.
7. Consult Our Legal Experts: Contact us for a FREE consultation. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Wreck?

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of the crash. Here’s an overview from our Georgia bus accident lawyers:

Economic Damages

These tangible financial losses, also called “special damages,” can include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and future treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to personal property, like a vehicle, during the accident.
• Wrongful Death: Surviving family members may receive compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses if a loved one passed away.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages, also known as “general damages,” cover non-financial losses such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts stemming from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses may claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or marital relations.

How Non-Economic Damages Are Calculated

• Per Diem Method: A daily rate is assigned to your pain and suffering, multiplied by the number of days you’ve endured the injury.
• Multiplier Method: Economic damages are totaled and multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) depending on the severity of the injury.

Since non-economic damages are subjective, working with an experienced legal team is essential to maximize your compensation.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party for reckless or malicious behavior and deter others from similar actions. These damages are more likely when:

• The defendant acted with extreme negligence or intentional harm.
• The defendant was aware of the risks but disregarded them.
• The defendant’s financial resources justify significant punitive damages (e.g., corporations or wealthy entities).

Determining the Value of a Bus Accident Claim

Several factors can impact the value of your bus accident injury claim, including:

• Severity of Injuries: Serious injuries result in higher medical bills and more significant impacts on your life.
• Earning Capacity: If your ability to work has been permanently affected, this will increase your claim’s value.
• Pain and Suffering: Intangible losses are subjective but can significantly increase compensation.
• Degree of Fault: Georgia follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault.

Filing a Bus Accident Claim: Deadlines You Need to Know

• Georgia Statute of Limitations: You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
• Claims Involving Government Entities: Shorter time limits may apply if the bus is owned by a government entity.
• Accidents in Other States: If the accident happened outside Georgia, the other state’s statute of limitations may apply.

Contact our Georgia bus accident lawyers promptly to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines and protect your rights.

Seek Legal Help for Your Bus Crash Injury Claim Today

Let Our Georgia Bus Accident Lawyers Help!

At Thompson Law, we’ve successfully handled countless bus accident cases. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Here’s how we can help:

• Evaluate your case during a FREE CASE REVIEW.
• Gather evidence and calculate the full value of your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
• File a lawsuit if necessary and represent you in court.

Don’t wait! Call Thompson Law today for your FREE CONSULTATION and let us get started on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for Buses?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes minimum liability insurance limits for buses based on their seating capacity. For buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, the limit is $5,000,000. For those designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, the limit is $1,500,000. These requirements apply to both private and commercial bus operators. Keep in mind that these are federal standards, and individual states may impose additional insurance requirements beyond the federal minimum.

Is the Statute of Limitations Shorter for Government-Owned Buses in Georgia?

Yes, the statute of limitations is indeed shorter for government-owned buses in Georgia. You must notify the governmental unit within six months of the incident date. Failing to follow this process correctly may result in losing your right to file a claim.

Does the Statute of Limitations Vary Based on Individual Cities in Georgia?

While the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years, the timeframe is significantly shorter for city-owned buses. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact a Georgia bus accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all deadlines are met and your claim is filed properly.

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