Buses are an important means of public transportation, being common in small and large cities to transport people more quickly and cheaply. Although no one imagines being involved in a bus traffic accident, it is common for these types of events to be disastrous and leave serious consequences.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury following a public transportation accident, you should contact a good team of bus accident attorneys who understand Atlanta traffic laws and can represent you, helping you with the compensation you deserve for your accident.
The attorneys at Cruz & Associates in Atlanta understand the importance of the safety of every civilian and person who uses buses as their mode of transportation.
Bus transportation is one of the most convenient ways to get around today, but it is a relatively dangerous form of transportation. In 2015 alone, 11.9% of traffic deaths were caused by buses and trucks. During that same year, there were at least 257 fatal bus accidents in the US.
How do bus accidents happen?
There are countless causes that could lead to car accidents, many of which are common and could occur in all kinds of scenarios. An Atlanta accident lawyer is able to pursue a claim based on the causes of the accident, the situation, the consequences, and the laws of the state.
- Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver errors
- Mechanical failures of the bus
- Hazardous road conditions or low visibility
- Distracted or impaired driving for any reason
- High speeds
- Blind spots
- Driver fatigue or illness
The large size of buses in relation to private vehicles makes the people involved in these accidents
vulnerable and can suffer personal injuries, damages and losses.
Bus accident lawyers are able to deal with these types of situations through motor carrier laws. Do you know how these laws work in Atlanta?
Learn about the common carrier law
Common carrier companies can transport both people and goods. Buses are a type of common carrier since they offer transportation as part of a business. Streetcars, trains, light rail, cable cars, airplanes, tour boats, and ferries are some examples of modes of transportation that fall under the common carrier law.
Atlanta laws hold common carriers to a higher standard of care because they transport people for a fee and must take greater care when driving.
While drivers of private vehicles must also take great care on the roads, bus drivers have a greater responsibility and must exceed the standard of careful driving.
Negligence by a bus driver includes speeding, drug use, distraction, or driving while distracted or sleepy. The bus company can also be accused of negligence if it failed to provide proper training, proper maintenance, or to pursue a serious and frequent problem with the bus.
What to do if you are injured in a bus accident
The lack of seat belts on buses can lead to devastating accidents for passengers. If you were involved in a bus accident, the most important thing is to get medical help and justification of the extent of your injuries, so you can file a claim through bus accident lawyers.
Remember to document all the details of the accident, take photographs and record what happened. Also, you can get evidence from witnesses and other people involved. This way, a good accident lawyer will contact them and get useful statements for the case.
Important points to prove in your claim
The main thing to show is that the driver should have been careful and he was not, demonstrating the failure to comply with the standard of care required by the laws for common carriers and the negligence of the bus driver. Likewise, you must prove that you suffered a significant injury with the medical report you obtained after the accident.
Contact a bus accident lawyer
Government agencies are often involved with buses in Atlanta, which can make filing a lawsuit difficult. However, if you have suffered damages from a bus accident due to the driver’s negligence, contact the bus accident attorneys at Cruz & Associates.
Only true professionals can help you recover compensation for damages no matter how complex your bus accident case is. Call today for a free initial consultation.
