FAQ’s

Liability in a bus accident depends on the unique circumstances of your accident. There could be several different parties at fault. For instance, if you were hit by a public city bus, MARTA would likely be liable for your injuries. Other potentially liable parties include the:

• Bus company, such as Greyhound, Megabus or American Coach Lines
• Bus driver
• Driver of another vehicle
• Bus parts manufacturer
• Bus maintenance company
• Public entity responsible for the design and quality of roadways

Some of the most common causes of bus accidents are:

• The bus driver didn’t receive proper training 
• Speeding
• Violations of traffic laws
• Working too many hours or not getting enough rest in between shifts
• Negligence, such as distracted driving or violating company policy
• Lack of bus maintenance
• Hazardous road conditions

Yes. As a passenger on a bus, you are owed a duty of care, which is a legal obligation of the bus driver and their employer to provide safe and accident-free transportation. When this duty of care is breached and the bus driver’s negligence causes you to suffer injuries, you have the right to make a claim against the bus company.

You can strengthen your personal injury claim by gathering and presenting evidence showing the negligence of the at-fault party. You will also need to prove said negligence led to your injuries and other losses, such as property damage or lost wages. You can enhance your claim by collecting the following evidence:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Detailed records of your medical treatments and bills
• Records of missed work
• Police report
• Pictures and video from the accident scene

Gathering and preserving evidence for your bus accident claim can be a daunting experience. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney who can pursue and preserve relevant evidence on your behalf to help strengthen your claim.

The frequent stops and the proximity to more pedestrians make buses susceptible to some types of auto accidents. The lack of seat belts in buses also means particularly violent accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries, including:

• Concussions
• Broken limbs
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Wrongful death

If you were injured in a bus accident, whether due to a tired or distracted bus driver, another motorist on the road, overcrowding or inadequate bus maintenance or safety features, you may be entitled to compensation. 

According to Georgia law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including bus accidents is two years from the date of the accident. However, this time frame can be shorter depending on who was at fault for the accident. For instance, if the bus driver operated a city or county vehicle, there are steps you’ll need to take within six months to file a claim or civil lawsuit. Similarly, if the bus was a state vehicle, you will only have one year after the accident to make a claim against the at-fault party.

You aren’t obligated to hire an attorney in the aftermath of your accident. However, bus accidents tend to be nuanced and complicated. The legal complexity of your case paired with a quickly approaching deadline to take legal action can hinder your attempts at recovering compensation.

A skilled Atlanta bus injury lawyer will have the legal expertise to handle your case. They can act fast, take ownership of gathering necessary evidence and help you get the compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries and financial losses.