Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved has suffered an injury in a bus accident, you need an attorney who understands Georgia’s traffic laws to represent you and help you get all the compensation you deserve. The Atlanta attorneys from Cruz & Associates have written MARTA and other system, and we understand the importance of safety on Atlanta’s highway. Bus transportation has always been a convenient, inexpensive way for commuters and shoppers to get around, but it is a relatively dangerous form of transportation. In 2015, 11.9% of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes were because of buses and trucks. The same year, there were 257 fatal bus crashes.

Common Carrier Law

Common carriers are businesses that transport people or goods. Buses are common carriers because they offer transportation as part of a business. Trains, light-rail, trolleys, cable cars, tour boats, airplanes, and ferries are just some of the other means of transportation that fall under common carrier law.

The law holds common carriers to a higher standard of care when you are driving. Because they transport people for a fee, they have a higher duty of care to drive safely and exercise caution on the road. Regular car drivers must use a reasonable amount of care to avoid injury to those around them. Common carriers must exceed that standard and adhere to a higher duty of care. If they don’t, they may be responsible for injuries after bus accidents.

Negligent acts by a bus driver might include speeding, driving while drowsy or intoxicated, or being distracted. The bus company may be negligent if it didn’t adequately train its drivers. The bus company must properly service and maintain their vehicles, so that no part failures cause an accident.

If You Are Injured in a Bus Accident

Due to the increased size of the vehicle and the number of people riding as passengers, bus accidents often have more serious consequences. Because there are no seatbelts, accidents violently throw passengers around. If you are involved in a bus accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor will help ensure your well-being and substantiate the extent of your injuries if you decide to file a lawsuit.

Document as much as you can at the scene of the accident. Taking photographs of the bus and any other relevant details can strengthen a case significantly. It is also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses or other people involved so that your attorney can contact them and get statements from them.

Important Points to Prove in Your Lawsuit

To prove who was at fault and to win your case, there are a few things that you will need to show the court. The first is that the defendant owed you a duty of care. The common carrier law outlines this duty for bus drivers and companies. Next, you need to prove the bus driver did not adhere to that standard of care due to his or her negligence.

Finally, you have to show that you suffered a significant injury and that the driver’s negligence directly caused your injury. Having the report from your medical visit is vital to documenting your injuries.

Bus Accident Attorney

Government agencies operate many buses, which significantly complicates filing a lawsuit. If you suffered a bus accident and you believe it was due to a negligent driver, you need an attorney who understands the complexity of bus accident cases.