Many Atlanta commuters rely on bus companies and bus operators each day. This means that, unfortunately, one mistake could lead to several injuries. Although school buses, intercity buses, and public rail systems have numerous safety features and laws in place, accidents still occur.
If you are injured on public transportation, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. However, it’s important to note that public transportation and national bus companies have large insurance companies in place to protect their monetary interests. This means they’ll most likely offer you a low-ball settlement rather than compensation you can rely on to pay any expenses that arise.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm and losses because of the negligence of a bus company or driver, the team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., is ready to help you pursue justice.
Call 404-882-6810 today to discuss your case for free. No charge until you win!
Who’s At Fault In A Bus Accident
When there’s a bus crash that involves a public transit carrier, the state is the party responsible for injuries to bus riders. However, that’s not the case for private operators. Major private bus operators, like Greyhound, are legally required to carry liability insurance and have a team looking out for their best interests. If you are injured riding a bus in their fleet, we always recommend consulting with a personal injury attorney before making any agreements their insurance company.
If you are injured in a bus accident in Atlanta, you may be awarded financial compensation. But, you’ll need to prove that the bus driver or the bus company acted negligently. According to Georgia personal injury laws, negligence means that the bus driver or company failed to exercise the proper duty of care, and this resulted in your injury.
Common Carriers
Georgia law delineates a heightened standard of care for those classified as “common carriers.” A common carrier is anyone that offers transportation services to the public in exchange for compensation. This includes bus drivers that work for:
- The Atlanta public school system
- The city of Atlanta
- A charter bus company
Common carriers must drive in a manner that is considered extraordinarily diligent. This requires bus drivers to be extra vigilant while also giving them the responsibility of maintaining the working condition and safety of the bus.
Keep in mind that this would not include a driver that is operating a privately owned bus. If a bus operator is not considered a common carrier, the driver is held to the same standard as any other driver on the road.
What To Do if You’re In a Bus Accident in Atlanta
After your accident, the steps you take may limit or increase your chances of receiving compensation. In addition to speaking with a personal injury attorney, follow these tips:
Seek Medical Attention
Seeing a doctor when you’re involved in a bus accident is priority number one. Having supporting documentation about your injuries can help your legal team fight for your compensation.
Document The Bus Crash
Taking photos or videos of the scene can help your attorney get a better look at the accident. The details of the accident may get fuzzy as time passes, so write down your recollections of what happened as soon as you can. Additionally, your attorney can use witness testimony to build your claim, so gather the contact information of other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses at the scene.
Once it becomes available, obtain a copy of the police report.
Keep detailed reports of your damaged property valuation, medical visits, and lost income, as well as any expenses you incur due to the accident.
Report Your Accident
It can be a good idea to contact your insurance company if you were driving during the bus accident. You may be contacted and offered a settlement amount from the other party’s insurer.
But, it’s important to be careful not to admit fault when speaking with insurers. The statements you make can be used against you, so it’s often best to speak only with your trusted attorney until your case is settled.
Bus Accident Claim Limitations
Filing an accident claim can be difficult as there are important considerations to take into account when it comes to privately owned buses or government funded transit systems. Accidents involving public transit systems have a limited filing period of six months from the date of the incident. This statute of limitations is firm and must be respected. Missing the filing deadline means you forfeit the right pursue a lawsuit and receive compensation.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents in Atlanta
Due to their size and weight, all types of bus accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common reasons for bus accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Traffic violations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor weather conditions
- Reckless driving of the bus driver
The following types of accidents are often associated with buses:
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Impacts with pedestrians
- Single vehicle accidents
- Roll-over accidents
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Most buses, especially public ones, lack safety restraints. When combined with the size and weight of the vehicles, bus accidents can be very dangerous. Since buses are top-heavy vehicles, they also run a high risk of roll-overs.
Some of the most common bus accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Back sprains
- Neck strains
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord trauma
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Wrongful Death
-
I am so thankful for Tammy. She kept me in the know for everything that was happening with my case. I was always greeted with enthusiasm when I called and... read more
Needa Toyou
March 27, 2020I was very upset coming from a larger law firm that didn’t meet my expectations and I shared in detailed with Henningsen law firm about the bad taste the other... read more
LaWanda Davie
March 27, 2022Henningsen Attorneys handled a auto accident on behalf of my husband. The accident resulted in a hospital stay and the total loss of his automobile. The firm handled everything for... read more
Virgil Lanice Sudduth
March 27, 2022 -
I tried working with the guilty party's insurance company on my own and was getting nowhere fast. It was part frustration and in desperation that I reached out to Henningsen's... read more
Barbara C
March 27, 2022Todd and Carmen are absolute rockstars. Not only do they genuinely care about their clients, but are a pleasure to work with. They are incredibly easy to talk to and... read more
Amy Stearns
March 27, 2018I had a car crash accident last September 2020! I called Henningsen law firm to take care of my case and their response was immediately the same day they emailed... read more
Delmy Padilla
March 27, 2022 -
Rebecca was Amazing. Great communicator and made sure I got the biggest settlement possible. She was able to answer any questions I had and updated me with any changes in... read more
Jamarcia Murray
November 27, 2022I had such a good experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. They were very quick on everything I needed. They answered all of my questions in a timely manner and handled... read more
Dallas Snyder
March 27, 2018I was fortunate to be able to find the Henningsen Injury Attorneys. He and his legal team, especially LaShanda were very professional, very responsive to my needs. Although... read more
Inez Floyd
August 29, 2016 -
I have dealt with a larger firm for an accident a few years ago, but the Henningsen firm made me feel like my case was a priority. Communication is important... read more
Linda Keller
April 27, 2022They Are very professional and one of the best in the business , from the first phone call I placed after my accident , an investigator was sent to me... read more
Bukola Olowo
March 27, 2020I was hurt in a t-bone collision recently. Mr. Henningsen and his staff did an amazing job getting me the help that I needed. They are knowledgeable, experienced and very... read more
Michelle Sosia
March 27, 2017 -
I really appreciated and enjoyed the hassle-free experience of working with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. My consultation with Mr. Henningsen was seamless. He answered all my questions thoroughly and... read more
Ammee Smith
March 27, 2019Great Service. My case was handled very professionally. I understood that they are busy and did just routine follow up nothing more than needed. LaShanda is very good at her... read more
S Sonkey
March 27, 2018I was involved in an accident that wasn't my fault, I really didn't have a clue what to do next. The day after I was released from the hospital I... read more
Luis Vargas
March 27, 2016 -
Thank you to Karen and the rest of the team for helping me with my PI case. The team will help you reach the best decision for your situation without... read more
Brianna Cheek
October 27, 2022Mr. Henningsen has represented me in (3)three accidents. His staff is absolutely wonderful and attentive to their clients. From the time hired and through all of the medical treatments not... read more
Salema Dickerson
March 27, 2021Kudos for your excellent works! I am more than satisfied for all the attention and impeccable services I received from Henningsen Injury Attorneys , P.C. Keep up the work!
Louis Chery
May 27, 2022 -
Henningsen Injury Attorneys is the absolute best. This was my first time needing a injury attorney and they made the process stress-free. They are professional, understanding, and you can really... read more
Taraeh DeGrasse
April 27, 2022Excellent customer service. Very responsive. Great outcome. I was in a major car accident and while it could have been worse, I was not in the situation to deal with... read more
Cherlee Ajudua
March 27, 2018I had a really great experience with the firm. They handled my case quickly and it was easy to tell they knew what they were doing. Hope to never need... read more
Diana Wallace
March 27, 2017 -
An attorney’s office SET APART! We were so happy and confident having Tammy work for us and grateful Mr. Henningsen chose to represent us. A bad experience led... read more
Six S (SixS)
March 1, 2023I was introduced to Henngsen Injury Attorneys in 2019 by a friend. I have been represented by this great firm twice in the past 3 years, each time I had... read more
Wanda Singleton
August 27, 2022I am very pleased and impressed with the quality of service that was rendered by this attorney firm. They were very helpful from beginning to the end of my... read more
Annette Johnson
March 27, 2022 -
TODD IS THE BEST HE IS HELPFUL AND UNDERSTANDING AND GETS TO THE POINT ANY CASE I EVER HAVE I WILL GO TO TODD HENNINGSENS LAW FIRM BUT THE ONLY... read more
regina dent
October 27, 2022Outstanding service. We got our settlement. LaShanda is very professional and took care of our family. She assured that our questions were answered and we had a full understanding. She... read more
Melanthia Maddox
March 27, 2018Rebecca & Mr. Henningsen are a great lawyers, I recommend you check them out if you need any help with your accident!
Cortez Lester
February 27, 2023
