Bus accidents are not common in Brookhaven. But when they happen, the consequences can be serious. Bus accidents harm multiple people at once. If the accident involves a school bus, children can become injured. No matter how you were hurt in a bus accident, call a Brookhaven bus accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand the stress of a bus accident case. If you or a family member suffered injuries, we’re here for you. Plus, we do not charge you unless we win your case.
Let us give you a FREE consultation today to learn more. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
How Bus Accidents Happen in Brookhaven
Buses should be safer for passengers than other vehicles. For example, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has an entire school bus safety program. Plus, buses travel more slowly and drivers must go through more training.
Despite safety measures, bus accidents can still happen. Plus, buses typically don’t have seatbelts that protect passengers during a crash.
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Poor bus driver training
- The other driver’s negligence
- Faulty or neglected maintenance
- Manufacturing defects
- Accidents as passengers are getting on or off
It’s crucial to determine the cause of the bus accident. You’ll need to know the at-fault party so that you can pursue compensation.
Bus accident injuries can happen even if there wasn’t a collision. For example, the driver might make an evasive movement to miss hitting another car. The action jerks passengers around inside the bus, causing injuries.
Injuries might also occur from flying objects during a collision. Backpacks, luggage, and even people are rarely restrained before an accident. If you suffered injuries in any way, you likely have legal options.
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Knowing Who You Can Hold Responsible After a Bus Accident
If someone’s actions led to your accident, they are responsible. However, liability is rarely clear with a bus accident. You will need to investigate what happened.
The at-fault party could be:
- The bus driver
- A bus company
- A school district
- A government entity
- A third-party driver
- A manufacturing company
- A maintenance company
- Another passenger
Most of the time, the bus driver or their employer is responsible. If the bus driver is an employee, their employer is probably liable for their actions (Georgia Code §51-2-2).
If a government entity (like a school district) employs the driver, your case will be more complicated. It’s especially crucial to work with a lawyer in this case.
Sometimes, several parties are at fault for a bus accident. If so, you might be looking at multiple cases. If the at-fault party has liability insurance, you can file a claim for a settlement.
Types of Bus Accidents
There are many ways people suffer injuries in a bus accident. The driver, passengers, or other people can become injured. Passengers might also suffer harm while getting on or off the bus.
Bus passenger injuries typically happen because of:
- Rollover accidents
- Collisions with objects inside the bus
- Falling out of the bus
- Crashes with other vehicles
Most bus crashes involve other vehicles. If you suffered injuries as a passenger, another driver could be partially at fault. If you were another driver who crashed with a bus, you’ll need to determine the bus driver’s role.
Bus Accident Cases Are Complicated
Bus crashes are rarely straightforward. You’ll need to investigate what happened and who was responsible. Now is the best time to contact a Brookhaven bus accident lawyer for help.
At John Foy & Associates, we consider facts like:
- Liability is often tricky in a bus accident.
- Buses do not have the same restraints and safety features of other vehicles.
- Bus drivers should have more training than other motorists.
- Bus accident injuries take time to show up completely.
- Injuries can also affect a victim’s life long-term.
- Bus crashes often involve school-aged children.
If your children suffered injuries in a school bus accident, call us today. Or, if you were the injury victim, we can help. Our lawyers have been working with bus accident victims for 20-plus years.
The accident details matter. And the sooner you can get help, the better it is for your case. We’ll start investigating your accident immediately. We’ll work to build a strong case for what you deserve.
Let us give you a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
What You Should Do After a Bus Accident in Brookhaven
After a bus accident, there are actions you can take to protect yourself. Here are some steps we recommend for our clients.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Check yourself for injuries. Then, check on others involved in the accident. If your child was in the accident, see if they have visible injuries or pain.
If you or someone else needs emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1. Don’t wait to get medical help if anyone requires it.
Take Pictures
Get photos of:
- You or your child’s injuries
- Damage to the bus or your vehicle
- The entire accident scene
Picture evidence helps preserve the scene. Even if someone cleans up quickly, you will be able to show how the accident looked.
Talk to Other Passengers or Witnesses
Talk to other people who were involved in the accident. Ask about their experience. If there were eyewitnesses, talk to them too.
Get the names and contact information for anyone involved. Their testimony can be helpful for your case.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
After the accident, make sure someone calls the police. If no one does, call 9-1-1 yourself. The police will need to come to the scene and file an accident report.
Ask how you can get a copy of the accident report. You will need this for your records.
Talk to a Bus Accident Lawyer
Contact an experienced lawyer as early as possible. Your lawyer will assist with all of the above and more. Injury victims significantly increase their compensation options when they work with a lawyer.
Speak with a Brookhaven Bus Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Bus accidents are scary and complicated. If you’re feeling uncertain, John Foy & Associates is here to help. We’ll start working with you at no risk to you.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. That means no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
Get started with a FREE consultation today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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