Vehicle accidents cause thousands of injuries in Georgia each year, and collisions involving buses often lead to more severe consequences. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 232 buses played a role in fatal accidents in the United States in 2017, including 73 school buses and 13 intercity buses.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one as the result of another driver’s negligence, an Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at 800-959-1444 to speak with our legal team.
Dangers of Bus Accidents
In order to operate a bus in Georgia, the driver must obtain special licensing. For example, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, to receive a school bus endorsement to legally drive a school bus, the applicant must complete specific tasks, including:
- Passing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) general knowledge test
- Passing the knowledge tests for both passenger and school bus endorsements
- Taking a driving skills test in the same type of school bus they will drive
- Paying all relevant fees or present waivers, as applicable
The law mandates these measures because driving a bus involves the understanding of a different system of operation, increased safety precautions, and the power of a bus compared to smaller vehicles on the road.
Size and Weight
Because trucks weigh much more than a passenger vehicle, they take longer to stop. Additionally, they require more space when turning due to their length. If the driver does not exercise proper caution in performing even the most basic tasks, serious accidents can result.
Involvement of Multiple Vehicles
The length of buses and increased braking time can also contribute to the involvement of multiple vehicles. Even after involvement in a collision, a bus driver may struggle to bring the vehicle to a complete stop or move it to safety. As a result, chain-reaction accidents, in which vehicles continue to strike one another due to their inability to avoid the scene of the collision, may occur.
Injuries to Other Vehicle Occupants
Buses have a raised ground clearance, which may serve as an added layer of protection for their occupants in the event of an accident. However, this means that the occupants of other vehicles may face an increased risk of danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the school-aged children who suffered fatal injuries in school bus accidents between 2006-2015, nearly three times more victims occupied vehicles other than the school buses.
An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you pursue financial recovery for the damages you or a loved one suffered as a result of your injuries. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC online today, and a representative from our legal team will respond to discuss your case with you.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call 800-921-7227
Establishing Liability in a Bus Accident Case
In order to file a claim against someone to recover damages in a bus accident case in Georgia, you must first prove that the other driver caused the collision. You or your attorney can do so by demonstrating that the driver meets all of the legal criteria for negligence. These elements include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
This means that the driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care to preserve your safety, they breached that duty by omission or through a willful act, that breach of duty caused you to suffer injuries, and your injuries resulted in significant financial damages.
In bus accident cases, the insurance companies typically launch their own investigations right away to determine who holds responsibility for the accident. They sometimes use unethical tactics to avoid paying compensation to victims, and victims may find it challenging to negotiate with major corporations. Our lawyers can help you fight for just financial awards for your injuries.
Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Types of Evidence an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer May Collect
One of the first steps in establishing the liability of the other driver often involves the collection of evidence, which can help prove that they hold responsibility for your bus accident and that you suffered significant injuries as a result. The types of evidence an attorney can gather to help you build your case may include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs or videos of skid marks, debris, and other damage
- Photographs or videos of injuries
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
- Social media posts
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You May Qualify for Financial Awards
Once your lawyer collects the necessary information to prove the liability of the other driver for your accident, you may pursue compensation for your losses. The types and amounts of financial awards you qualify vary depending on the circumstances of your case, but they may include payment for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing healthcare
- Medical equipment and medications
- Transportation to and from doctors’ appointments
- Lost wages if you missed time at work because of the accident
- Loss of future wages if you cannot return to work or lost a loved one who provided for you financially
- Property damage, particularly for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering for your physical, emotional, and mental trauma
An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your case.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
If a bus accident in Atlanta caused by someone else left you with serious injuries or took the life of someone you love, you do not have to face the legal system on your own. Our lawyers can help you by gathering the information you need to prove the liability of the other driver and pursuing justice and compensation on your behalf. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at 800-959-1444 to get started on your case.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
