The City of Stonecrest is working to improve bus and local transport services throughout the area. However, traffic congestion, negligent drivers, and other factors can lead to bus accidents. If you or a loved one were injured, talk to a Stonecrest bus accident attorney.
Bus accidents often cause severe injuries and other damages. People can become severely injured or even lose their lives. This can lead to enormous medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we protect your legal rights after a bus accident. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping accident victims file claims for the compensation they deserve. You can learn more during a FREE, no-risk consultation.
Why Bus Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
One significant difference between bus and car accidents that is obvious is the size of the vehicle involved. That may seem simple, but it makes a big difference – a larger vehicle can not only do more damage to others, but it also provides more opportunities for something to go wrong.
Others’ safety isn’t the only difference in a bus accident – when a bus crashes, those on the bus are at more risk of injury as well. Many buses don’t have seat belts for passengers, and even if they do, passengers are less likely to use them.
Proving Liability Can Be More Difficult After a Bus Accident
Liability is also a significant difference between bus accidents and car accidents. In most car accidents, car drivers are liable for all damages. However, due to the nature of hiring practices and company policy, liability can be more complicated in a bus crash. Carrier companies, part manufacturers, or even government entities could be liable.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus accident, getting compensation could be harder than usual. A bus accident lawyer in Stonecrest may be able to help. At your free initial consultation, our team can assess the details of your crash and tell you what can be done to help you recover damages.
Is It Worth Hiring a Stonecrest Bus Accident Lawyer?
In many cases, yes, it is worth hiring a bus accident attorney in Stonecrest. Medical bills and other damages can end up being more expensive than you think, even if they initially seem minor. Plus, there’s no risk in hiring an attorney from our firm.
We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we don’t take any payment unless you get compensation for your injuries. That way, you don’t have to worry about paying upfront for an unsuccessful claim. Our payment only comes as a portion of your payout, so you don’t pay anything out of pocket.
In general, it’s not advisable to try to take on your claim alone. Representing yourself means there’s nobody in your corner to guide you through the tricks and bullying of the other side’s lawyer. Going it alone means your chances of getting compensation are slim.
If you’re not sure whether it’s worth hiring one of our personal injury lawyers in Stonecrest, you can always get an idea at your initial consultation. If you meet with one of our attorneys and decide you don’t need help, then there’s no obligation.
Why Many Bus Accidents Happen
Bus accidents often occur because of driver negligence. Negligence is a legal term for carelessness that can harm others. The bus driver, another driver, or a third party could be at fault. However, most bus accidents happen because the driver was careless.
Common behaviors that lead to bus accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
Buses rarely have the same safety features as other vehicles. If a bus driver gets into an accident, passengers can become seriously injured. The top-heaviness of a bus also makes it more prone to rollover accidents.
Failure to Yield for Buses
Drivers in Georgia must be careful when approaching or passing a bus. For example, a school bus should flash its yellow lights when stopping to load or unload school children. According to the Georgia Driver’s Manual, drivers must slow down and get ready to stop when a bus is flashing these lights.
Drivers who don’t yield for buses can cause severe accidents. The driver’s car might collide with the bus or hit passengers who are exiting the bus.
Other Bus Accident Causes
Besides driver behavior, some bus accidents occur because of:
- Faulty bus maintenance
- Defective bus parts
- Overcrowded bus seats
- Rowdy bus passengers that distract the driver
- Poorly-stored luggage
- Inadequate bus driver hiring or training
After a bus accident, it’s important to know the cause. If you were injured, someone might be responsible for your costs.
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A Stonecrest Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You Prove Liability
Georgia is a fault state. When someone’s carelessness leads to an accident, that person is responsible for the accident costs. If someone else caused your accident, you can seek compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit.
All drivers have a duty of care to drive safely. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §46-9-1, bus drivers and other common carriers must have “ordinary diligence.” Bus drivers have a higher duty of care than other drivers.
The person or party who is careless in an accident could be liable. If you were injured, you can file a claim for financial recovery. However, before you can do that, you must gather evidence by:
- Reporting the accident
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Taking pictures at the scene
- Obtaining statements from witnesses
- Getting copies of medical records and other documentation
- Saving all evidence of your damages
It’s also best to contact a Stonecrest bus accident lawyer. A lawyer can help with all of the above. They can also work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to gather the right evidence.
Common Bus Accident Damages You Can Claim
Bus accidents can change a victim’s life in many ways. If someone else was at fault and you were injured, you have a right to financial recovery. Here are some of the damages you can include in your claim:
- Medical bills and medications
- Future medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
Tragically, some bus accidents result in death. If you lost a loved one in a bus crash, you might have a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death case can seek compensation for:
- Mental bills from the loved one’s last illness or injuries
- Lost income that the deceased was earning
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before they died
- Funeral and burial expenses
An experienced lawyer can help if you or a loved one were a bus accident victim. You should not have to pay for the costs of a crash you didn’t cause.
Be Sure to File Your Bus Accident Claim Before the Legal Deadline
Georgia has a statute of limitations for bus accident claims. You typically have two years from the accident date to bring a legal case. If you’re bringing a lawsuit against the government, which could be possible in a bus crash, you have even less time.
If you miss the deadline, you probably won’t be able to recover anything. The courts usually throw out cases that have passed the statute of limitations. To make sure you don’t miss your chance, contact a lawyer who can help you get started today.
A Bus Accident Lawyer in Stonecrest Costs Nothing Upfront
Understandably, many people worry about the costs of a lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, that’s why we work on a contingency basis, which means:
- You don’t pay us unless we win you a settlement or court award.
- If we do win your case, our fee is a percentage of what you win—and you keep the rest.
- There are no upfront costs to get started.
You can get the legal help you need without worrying about the costs. A win for your lawyer is a win for you, and vice versa.
Talk to a Bus Accident Attorney in Stonecrest for Free Today
Bus accidents can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. If you were hurt at no fault of your own, you may deserve compensation. Stonecrest bus accident lawyers John Foy & Associates, we can ensure you know your rights and what you can recover.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call. You can also fill out our online contact form to get started.
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