Atlanta Bus Accident Attorneys

Millions of people ride the bus for public transportation or tourist tours every day across the United States.  Millions of children get on the bus every morning and afternoon to travel to and from school each day.  Furthermore, around high travel times such as the holidays, many more people travel long distances on buses to see relatives in other parts of the country.  Though buses are largely considered a relatively safe form of transportation, bus accidents still occur on a regular basis and result in serious injuries.  

Call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656 to schedule your appointment with a bus accident lawyer. 

How Are Bus Accidents Different Than Car Accidents

Bus accidents are considered commercial vehicles, just like any other large commercial truck that carries cargo.  However, in a bus’s case, its cargo is people.  Therefore, it is almost more important that bus companies and drivers follow the rules and regulations set forth for commercial vehicles.  Because they transport passengers, bus drivers and companies are expected to operate at the highest level of care to their passengers.  However, this is not always the case.  

Common causes of bus accidents

There can be a lot going on during a bus ride, from kids yelling, people talking, people using the restroom if one is available, cell phones ringing, people asking the bus drivers question, and much more. All of this can be extremely distracting for bus drivers and everyone knows that distracted driving increases the risk of accidents. Buses usually do not require passengers to wear seat belts and some, especially charter buses, even allow passengers to move freely about the bus. 

If a bus is involved in a collision, a passenger who is up and walking around is at a very high risk for serious bodily injury.  Additionally, many passengers suffer injury when either boarding or exiting the bus.  When a passenger steps off a bus, they are in danger of getting hit by oncoming motorists, motorcyclists, or bicyclists that are passing by and not paying attention.

Some other causes can include:

• Unqualified or poorly trained drivers
• Mechanical defects and failures
• Improper bus inspection or maintenance
• Speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, or violating other traffic laws
• Fatigued drivers
• Tire blowouts
• Aggressive driving to try to stay on schedule
• Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Ignored poor weather conditions
• Negligence on the part of other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Bus Accident?

There are many people who may be responsible for injuries suffered in a bus accident.  These people include the bus driver, another driver, the bus company, the bus maintenance company, and more.  In order to recover financially for your injuries, you need to file a claim against the correct party.  You do not want to risk filing a claim against the wrong party and missing out on your chance to receive reimbursement.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Accidents

Buses operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) are a common sight in the Atlanta area, and carry thousands of people from place to place each day. While these vehicles are usually safe and operated without incident, sometimes people are injured by negligent or careless MARTA bus drivers. Because MARTA is a state agency, there are different rules that apply when an injured victim wishes to sue to recover damages. As a result, it is advisable for anyone who has been injured by a MARTA bus to retain the services of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Contact Our Firm Today

A bus accident attorney can help you determine who was at fault in the accident.  These cases may become complicated because of the number of factors and passengers that may be involved.  An experienced lawyer at Shane Smith Law can handle the complexities and can help you recover properly for your injuries.

Do not wait to get advice if you were harmed in a bus accident and are considering taking legal action. Call (980) 246-2656 or contact us online to get started.