Bus accidents can be devastating. Factors such as the bus’s size, number of passengers, and lack of safety devices such as seat belts can result many people being injured at once. Moreover, a bus could strike a car or pedestrian resulting in severe injuries or even death. For those that are injured, recovering can involve long-term medical treatment, missing a significant amount of time from work, and produce severe emotional trauma.
At Ahmad Injury Law, we understand how difficult the recovery process can be. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you receive the compensation that you deserve. We have the resources and the expertise to aggressively pursue a settlement with the insurance company or take your claim all the way to trial if necessary. Contact Ahmad Injury Law today for a FREE consultation.
Steps to Take if You are Involved in a Bus Accident
The most important thing to do if you are involved in a bus accident is to receive immediate medical attention. If you do not require treatment at the scene, see if anyone else requires medical treatment. Call 911 to report the accident. If you are able to, document the accident. Use your smartphone to take photos and record notes about what happened. Get the contact information of other passengers and witnesses. If the police are called, cooperate with the responding officers.
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You may not have required medical treatment at the scene of the accident but later developed symptoms. It is important to seek medical treatment. Tell your doctor what occurred and let her know what symptoms you are experiencing. If you were struck by a bus while driving a car, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
When describing the accident to the insurance company stick to the facts. Do not make any admissions of fault as these statements may be used against you in the future. Get a copy of the police report. Consult with an experienced Atlanta bus accident lawyer to discuss your options and rights. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and will aggressively pursue your claim to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Common Types of Injuries in Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident victims are more susceptible to injury since they often do not have access to safety devices such as seat belts and air bags. Passengers are often thrown around the inside of the bus or can even be ejected from the vehicle. Moreover, the driver of a car that is struck by a bus is at risk for serious injury due to the size of the bus and the nature of the impact.
Some common injuries in bus accident cases include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries. Soft tissue injuries can include things like cuts, scrapes, bruises, abrasions, and whiplash. More serious soft tissue injuries such as tendon damage or major road rash are also possible.
- Internal injuries. Internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding are possible.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are common in bus accident cases due to passengers being thrown from their seats upon impact.
- Spinal cord injuries. Serious spinal cord injuries can include paralysis or even death.
- Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can result in a permanent disability, paralysis, or death.
It you have been injured in a bus accident case; it is important to seek medical attention. Seeking medical treatment can also help to establish causation between the accident and your injuries should you decide to pursue your claim at a later date.
Defendants in Bus Accident Cases
In a typical car accident case, it is clear who the defendants are – the other driver and his insurance company. Bus accident lawsuits can be far more complicated. There may be several drivers that were responsible for the accident. For example, a car may have rear-ended the bus which caused it to strike another vehicle.
If the driver of the bus caused the accident you can file a claim against the driver, the bus company, and their insurance company. If other drivers are also responsible your lawsuit could involve many defendants. There may also have been mechanical issues with the bus. In this case you may also have a claim against one or more manufacturers. As you can see, bus accident cases can be extremely complex. An experienced Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you identify all the potential defendants in your case.
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Negligence in Georgia Bus Accident Cases
To recover damages, you must prove that someone negligently caused your injuries. Proving negligence requires that you show that the defendant failed to exercise a reasonable standard of care which caused your injury. In Georgia, buses are considered “common carriers.” A common carrier is a party that is paid to provide transportation services to the public.
In Georgia, common carriers are subject to a higher standard of care referred to as “extraordinary diligence.” Extraordinary diligence means that the driver must be extra vigilant and requires that the bus be in a safe operating condition. But it is not always clear when this higher standard applies. As a general rule, if the bus company is being paid to transport members of the public it will be considered a common carrier. However, a private charter bus would likely not be considered a common carrier.
Georgia negligence laws in bus accident cases is complex and confusing. An experienced Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you navigate these laws and prove negligence at trial.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or someone that you know has been injured in a bus accident in Georgia, contact the experienced Atlanta accident attorneys of Ahmad Injury Law at 404-574-5217 to discuss your rights and options. We offer FREE consultations and our compassionate and capable staff will assist you every step of the way.
