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Many people use bus stations every day in Smyrna. Although bus drivers should have sufficient safety training, accidents can still happen. If a bus accident injured you or a loved one, you have options. Talk to a Smyrna bus accident lawyer today.
Bus drivers must keep their occupants safe. When an accident occurs, it can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and more. You should not have to bear the costs of someone else’s mistakes.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our bus accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience. We can help you build a strong case and seek the compensation you deserve. To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Why Bus Accidents Are Different Than Other Crashes
Residents use Smyrna bus routes to get to and from essential destinations. When you step onto a bus, you have no control over the driver’s actions. You are relying on the bus driver to keep you safe.
Unfortunately, there are a few factors that make bus accidents risky:
- Buses are larger and more top-heavy than cars. Bus designs make them more likely to roll over during a collision.
- Buses can cause more damage during an accident. The size and shape of a bus can easily hurt occupants and other drivers.
- Buses don’t usually have seatbelts or airbags like passenger cars. If an accident happens, passengers have less protection.
- Bus passengers do not have to sit down during transit. Sometimes, there are no seats available. Passengers who are standing during an accident can suffer severe injuries.
Buses often tend to have more loose items. Passengers carry shopping bags, groceries, backpacks, and more. The force of a collision can throw these items around.
Loose items can hit those inside the bus, causing more damage.
Liability After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents are also different from a legal standpoint. When an accident happens between two passenger cars, one of the drivers is usually at fault. The injured driver can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
When a bus accident happens, it’s harder to know who’s liable. The at-fault party could be:
- The bus driver
- A school district
- A transit company
- A mechanic or maintenance company
- The manufacture of the bus parts
Most of the time, the bus driver’s employer will be responsible. However, it’s not always that straightforward. It’s best to work with a Smyrna bus accident lawyer who can determine fault.
After you know who’s responsible, you’ll know where to file your claim. To learn more, schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer. You can get a FREE consultation with us by calling (404) 400-4000 any time.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Smyrna
Bus accidents might happen like any other auto accident. Common accident causes include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
- Tailgating
- Drunk or distracted driving
- Sudden stops
Some accident factors are more common with buses. They include:
- Faulty bus parts
- Bus driver negligence
- Poor training
- Another driver failing to yield for a bus
- Driver distraction inside or outside of the bus
The law holds bus drivers to a higher standard. For example, school bus drivers must be careful when loading or unloading children. After letting kids off the bus, bus drivers must wait until all children have crossed the road safely (Georgia Code Section 40-6-164).
Bus companies also have a legal duty. They must adequately train their drives to protect passengers. If a driver receives inadequate training, the company is responsible.
Determining Who Was at Fault for Your Bus Accident
In Georgia, the at-fault party in an accident is legally liable. You will need to determine who was negligent or careless in the bus accident.
It’s best to contact a Smyrna bus accident lawyer. Tell your lawyer about everything you can remember from the accident. That includes any risky behavior you noticed from the driver.
Your lawyer will investigate the accident and determine whose negligence led to the crash. The at-fault party will be responsible for your damages.
Bus Accident Damages in Smyrna
After a bus accident that was not your fault, you can seek compensation. You will need to identify all of your accident damages.
Damages are the costs or losses from your injuries. Examples of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
You might have a case if the bus accident injured you. You could be a bus passenger, another motorist, or a pedestrian. Talk to your lawyer about calculating your total damages.
What to Do if a Bus Accident Injured You or a Loved One
After your accident, there are things you can do to protect your case. You can begin gathering evidence immediately. However, your priority should be your health.
Get Medical Attention
If you have severe or life-threatening injuries, get medical attention immediately. If the police have already responded to the scene, tell them you have injuries. They should ensure you get prompt treatment.
If you don’t get medical attention at the scene, see a doctor soon after. You will need to have your injuries evaluated, even if you feel okay. If you wait too long to seek treatment, it will hurt your legal case.
Call the Police
If someone hasn’t already done so, call 911. You will need to report the accident to the police. Officers will create an accident report on what happened.
Talk to Witnesses
If other people saw the accident, talk to them. Ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them for statements later.
Take Photos
You can help preserve the accident scene with pictures. Take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Any vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
Exchange Driver Information
If you were another driver in the accident, exchange the following with the bus driver:
- Full names
- Contact information
- Insurance information
Also, ask the bus driver for their employer’s name.
Contact a Smyrna Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents are complicated. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can determine your legal options.
Get a Free Consultation With a Smyrna Bus Accident Lawyer Today
John Foy & Associates has been assisting bus accident victims for 20-plus years. Our lawyers approach each case with experience and compassion. We will answer your questions during a FREE consultation.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
