A bus accident lawyer in Atlanta could help you recover compensation if you were injured in a crash. These lawyers understand that buses are subject to special regulations and have a greater number of passengers.
To win your case, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached that duty. You must also show that their negligence directly caused your injury.
Duty of care
Injured passengers and other motorists may be entitled to substantial financial awards after a bus accident. An experienced attorney could help you pursue compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost income and other damages. In addition, a lawyer might uncover additional compensable damages by thoroughly assessing the particulars of your case.
Bus accidents are different from car crashes, as the drivers and companies involved owe a heightened duty of care to passengers. This means that they must comply with specific state and federal regulations. If they do not, they can be held liable for any accidents that result.
It is crucial to see a doctor after a bus accident. This will not only ensure that your injury is properly treated, but it can also help establish a clear link between the crash and your injuries. A lawyer can then use this evidence when negotiating with the insurance company for compensation. A lawyer can also help you navigate subrogation and other complex legal issues.
Liability
Injured victims of bus accidents in Atlanta face a complex legal process that involves multiple witnesses, multiple insurance companies, and complicated issues like comparative fault. A trusted attorney could handle these issues and get victims the compensation they deserve. A lawyer could also work with the transit system or bus driver, the company that maintains the vehicle, and the manufacturer of the bus to help ensure the victims are fully compensated.
Accidents involving school buses, public transport vehicles like MARTA, or private companies such as Greyhound can all lead to devastating injuries. All of these parties have a statutory duty to keep their vehicles safe for passengers and other roadway users. They must take steps to do this, including examining the bus and addressing mechanical issues. They must also make sure that they are operating the vehicle with care and that they account for road conditions and dangerous passengers. Georgia law follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that an injured victim can still be awarded damages if they are found partially responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
A successful bus accident claim requires an extensive investigation. It might involve interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing police reports and medical records, and consulting with experts in accident reconstruction or bus safety. A skilled attorney could help determine which parties are liable and what damages you deserve.
Liability for a bus accident may extend beyond the driver to the bus company, its operating agency, or even its maintenance contractors. In cases involving public transportation agencies, such as school buses or MARTA, governmental immunity might apply to limit their liability.
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the specific timeframes vary depending on who is responsible for your injuries. For example, you only have six months to act after a bus accident with a city or county vehicle, and one year to file a claim involving a state-owned bus. This is why it’s crucial to consult with a qualified Atlanta bus accident lawyer immediately after your injury.
Insurance
Whether you were injured in a bus accident caused by an owner/operator like Megabus or Greyhound or another private carrier, city-owned transit system, or school buses, it’s important to understand that you could be entitled to damages for your injuries. These damages include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are objective, and they reimburse you for the out-of-pocket expenses that you have incurred due to your injury (Georgia Code SS 36-33-5).
Non-economic damages are subjective and include your pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. A qualified attorney would evaluate your case and determine who is liable for your injuries, including those responsible for your bus accident. Bus operators and owners have a duty to adhere to special rules regarding passenger safety and bus maintenance, and they can be held liable for their failures. Identifying these parties will help you pursue your claims against them. This could result in substantial compensation for your injuries.