Bus accidents can cause serious injuries. If you have been hurt in a collision, a Peachtree City bus accident lawyer can help you claim compensation. Reach out to John Foy & Associates to learn more about your options.
Reach out to our Peachtree City personal injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
If You Want Compensation, You Need to File a Claim
A civil claim is the best way to recover full compensation following a bus accident. Typically, buses are owned by larger businesses or municipalities. Companies and government entities often have in-house legal teams dedicated to minimizing insurance payouts.
Retaining skilled representation can strengthen your personal injury claim. A bus accident attorney will:
- Investigate the details of your case
- Retain relevant experts and investigators
- Gather key evidence
- Prepare and file your bus accident claim
- Sheild you from unsavory tactics designed to minimize your claim’s value
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Due to their size and weight, bus accidents tend to be more severe than other traffic collisions. The financial stakes are higher with serious and catastrophic injuries. Consulting with an experienced bus accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action to recover the compensation you need.
Initiate an Investigation into the Bus Accident
Law enforcement will conduct an investigation of the crash at the site. In addition, the bus company or municipality will carry out an independent investigation into the cause of the accident. Once cleared by law enforcement, the owner of the bus will act quickly to make repairs and place the vehicle back in service.
Unfortunately, repairing the bus can destroy critical evidence. Your attorney can preserve pertinent records, GPS data, and other documentation to support your claim, establish negligence, and prove liability. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault.
Liability Could Fall on Several Parties
Bus accidents can be complex. Liability is not always apparent. Sometimes multiple parties can be held legally responsible.
The Driver of the Bus
Bus drivers must undergo special training to handle large commercial passenger vehicles. Whether a school bus or public transport, bus operators are required to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). When they make careless errors, the damage can be significant.
Some examples of bus driver negligence involve:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessive speeding
- Failing to properly yield
Unless there is an exception, most buses are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A bus driver may be held liable for violating FMCSA rules and regulations, including exceeding the hours of operation or failing to keep accurate logs.
A Private Bus Company
Most buses are owned by private organizations or government entities. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the owner of the bus.
Bus companies are responsible for ensuring FMCSA regulations are followed, the vehicles are serviced and maintained, and the drivers are qualified. If a company attempts to cut corners by skipping a maintenance check or using sub-par tires, it may be liable for damages.
A Government Organization
There are thousands of passengers using public transportation throughout Georgia. Municipalities typically own and operate public buses. Like private companies, government entities may be found liable for bus accidents.
Government organizations are subject to claims made by public bus accident victims. However, civil lawsuits involving public entities often involve nuanced and complex laws. An experienced bus accident lawyer in Peachtree City can help you navigate the claims process against a government organization and secure the compensation you deserve.
The Manufacturer of the Bus
A bus manufacturer may be held accountable in a collision when it is caused by faulty design or a defective part. Some examples of manufacturer liability include:
- Untimely tire blowouts
- Post-collision failures
- Faulty valves on fuel tanks
Manufacturing defects and faulty design is challenging to prove. For example, it can be difficult to establish if a bus accident was caused by a defective component in the braking system or by the driver failing to brake effectively. A bus accident attorney can investigate the cause of the crash and determine if it was mechanical failure or human error.
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How Prevalent Are Bus Accidents in Georgia?
Most studies combine large truck and bus accident data into one statistical report. However, the University of Michigan examined data collected over a six-year period and released the following details:
- On average, every year there are 63,000 traffic accidents involving buses
- Morgan than 14,000 crashes caused injuries
- Approximately 325 bus accidents resulted in at least one fatality
According to the data, an average of 50 people are killed in bus accidents each year. In the city, bus passengers are 1.9 times more likely to be involved in an accident. The report also reflects that the primary cause of bus crashes was driver error.
Bus Accident Claim Settlements Vary
The amount that bus accident claims settle for varies greatly. How much each plaintiff can recover depends on the specific circumstances and severity of injuries. Typically, critical and debilitating injuries have higher financial stakes.
A bus accident attorney in Peachtree City can discuss the details of your case to determine what damages you may be entitled to recover, including:
- Compensation for medical expenses related to the accident
- Loss of future income
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress damages
- Possible punitive damages
Every bus accident claim is different. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to help you choose the best course of action for your interests.
A Peachtree City Bus Accident Attorney Will Fight for Your Right to Compensation
The way you respond after a bus accident is critical. The success of your claim relies heavily on the experience and skill of your Peachtree City bus accident lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, we have years of experience helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a negligent bus crash, let our litigation team fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the details of your injury claim.
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