The Dressie Law Firm: Your Bus Accident Lawyer Atlanta

Searching for a reliable bus accident lawyer in Atlanta? The Dressie Law Firm have got you covered. Trust us to get you the compensation you deserve. Call today.

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Bus Accident Attorney in Atlanta

Bus drivers are responsible for driving cautiously on the road, whether they operate public transit or school buses. By their very nature, these mass transit vehicles make frequent stops and constantly take on and let off pedestrians. 

Bus accidents, like commercial truck accidents, are much more dangerous simply due to the sheer size of these vehicles. Buses are also more unwieldy vehicles, so if a bus driver isn’t awake, aware, and undistracted, improper turns or lane changes could result in life-threatening, if not fatal, injuries for car passengers and pedestrians. 

If you are a bus crash victim, Atlanta bus accident lawyers at the Dressie Law Firm can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your damages. We have been representing bus accident victims in Atlanta and across Georgia for over two decades and have succeeded in recovering the maximum compensation for them.

We are located at the heart of Metro Atlanta but have earned a stellar reputation across the state. You can trust us to handle your bus accident case with the utmost professionalism and passion.

Recoverable Damages in a Bus Accident Claim

Like other personal injury cases, bus accident victims can recover financial compensation for emotional and physical damages, such as:

  • Medical bills and ongoing healthcare expenses, including travel and lodging expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning ability
  • Pain and suffering of emotional, mental, and physical trauma
  • Property damages
  • Punitive damages if the bus driver acted maliciously

Calculating these damages may not be easy, especially non-tangible ones. An Atlanta bus accident lawyer will make sure your damages, including future expenses, are taken into consideration and provide a specific dollar amount for your claim.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against a Public Transport Entity

If you’re involved in a private bus or tour bus accident, filing a claim against the tour company or bus operator is similar to other personal injury cases.

However, being injured in a public or school bus accident means you must take a couple of extra steps to get your case started. Public transport companies and workers are protected by strict government liability rules that can affect your ability to file a claim against them.

There are also different deadlines depending on the governmental entity you’re filing against. These additional procedures are just one reason why speaking with a bus accidents lawyer as soon as possible is so important.

The Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Bus Accidents

It is crucial to file your claim on time if you are a victim of a bus accident. OCGA § 9-3-33 provides that the statute of limitation for personal injury, including bus accidents, is two years.

However, there are exceptions. Where your accident involves a state or county-operated bus, you only have 12 months to file your claim. If you are filing against a municipality transport authority, you must file your claim within six months.

Working with our Atlanta bus accident attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can ensure your claim is filed on time.

Why Bus Accident Claims Are Complex

Public transportation cases can be especially complicated due to the qualified immunity laws available to public employees. Such laws make it difficult to hold public workers, even those working for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) or driving public school buses, accountable when they injure people.

Sovereign immunity, a special immunity that protects government entities, might make your case more difficult, but it is certainly not impossible.

Moreover, the city, MARTA, or the school district might not be the actual or only parties who share liability for your injuries. Multiple parties can contribute to a single accident.

Determining Liability in a Bus Accident

Bus accident cases often involve multiple parties and victims, which may make it harder to determine liability. Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene is crucial to gather evidence and identify the liable parties.

Potential at-fault parties in a bus accident can include:

  • Bus operators: Where the bus driver’s actions, such as DUI or speeding, caused the accident, they could be held liable.
  • Bus Companies: A bus company is responsible for training bus drivers and maintaining their buses in the best conditions. If the accident is directly caused by the company’s failure to adhere to the regulations, it could be held liable for your bus accident injuries.
  • Government Agencies: A government agency, such as the Department of Transportation, may be found responsible for the accident if it is caused by their failure to maintain roads or place proper signage.
  • Third-Party Driver: Bus accidents may involve more than two vehicles. If a third-party driver violated traffic laws and the bus driver failed to avoid the accident because they were speeding, both parties may be held liable.
  • Bus Manufacturers: If manufacturing defects and faulty parts caused the accident, you must file against the bus manufacturer.

Experienced bus accident lawyers at the Dressie Law Firm can investigate your case and help you hold all liable parties accountable for your injuries.

Get a Free Consultation With an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer

Our personal injury lawyers at the Dressie Law Firm are committed to winning clients the compensation they need to recover and move on with their lives. We use our twenty years of experience in personal injury practice to help you understand your legal options and obtain the most favorable results.

Don’t settle for a quick and low offer that may prove to be a lot less than you need to cover your expenses. Instead, work with a compassionate and experienced attorney from our law firm to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation.