Buses, whether local commuter buses, school buses, tour buses, or long-distances coaches, share the roads with other vehicles in around Alpharetta. As such, there is always a risk of a bus collision. When crashes happen, injuries are usually quite serious.
An Alpharetta bus accident lawyer could assist if you or a loved one have been hurt in a crash involving a public transportation. An attorney could appreciate the strife you are going through and the difficulties you and your family face as a result. The process of seeking recovery can seem daunting, especially to those unfamiliar with the legal system. An experienced attorney could alleviate your stress by helping handle an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
What Could Cause a Bus Crash in Alpharetta?
A number of different factors could lead to a commercial or municipal bus causing a traffic accident, including driver error. In addition to negligent bus operator actions like speeding, failing to check blind spots, and driving while intoxicated, this kind of incident could also stem from a lack of proper training. In this scenario, liability might be placed upon the employer rather than the individual driver.
Relatedly, a mechanical fault that leads to a crash could impose liability upon the manufacturer of the faulty component or the mechanic who last serviced the bus. Since the specific cause of a bus crash could impact how an ensuing civil case proceeds, it is important to contact a diligent local attorney in the immediate aftermath to collect as much evidence as possible.
Injuries in Bus Accidents
Buses are unquestionably massive. Whether a victim is riding in one, in another vehicle on the road, or on-foot, a crash can mean serious injuries. Alpharetta bus accident victims commonly experience the following types of injuries in an accident:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions and brain trauma
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Torn ligaments
- Nerve damage
Some injuries require immediate and intensive medical treatment to preserve life. Others may necessitate medical care far into the future. All require injured claimants to make adjustments to their lives, whether major or minor.
In a civil lawsuit for damages, plaintiffs can recover a few different types of damages. An Alpharetta bus accident lawyer could determine what losses they could recoup after an incident. These could include reimbursement for medical expenses, income lost during the time taken off work, and compensation for physical pain and mental anguish experienced.
Understanding Fault in Alpharetta Bus Accidents
People who have been hurt or have had their property damaged, like their car, sometimes hesitate to take legal action because they think that if they were partially responsible for an accident, they are not able to recover anything. Fortunately, the law still allows recovery for plaintiffs even if they are at fault, up to a certain point.
Georgia law applies a version of the comparative fault principle to apportion blame in accidents. After hearing all the evidence, a judge or jury will decide which party or parties were responsible for the accident and to what extent. A party could be 100 percent responsible for an accident, or two or more parties could share the blame.
So long as the plaintiff is less than 50 percent at fault, they can recover damages. Their recovery will be lessened in proportion to the fault attributed to them. If, on the other hand, a judge or jury determines that a plaintiff is 50 percent or more at fault, the law bars them from any recovery. An Alpharetta bus accident attorney could help their clients understand how this principle applies to their case and strategize accordingly.
Could the Government Be at Fault for a Bus Accident?
When a school bus or public transit bus driver is involved in a traffic accident, civil recovery for injured victims can be complicated. Because of a legal principle called “sovereign immunity,” local and state government entities can only bear civil liability for accidents under very specific circumstances, generally those involving either a criminal act or “gross negligence.” Anyone in Alpharetta who wishes to pursue civil compensation following a municipal bus crash should contact a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to discuss what may be possible in their situation.
What Time Limits Apply to Bus Wreck Claims?
The usual statutory filing deadline for motor vehicle accident claims is set at two years from the date of injury, according to Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33. However, bus accident claims against municipal entities have a reduced statutory filing period. In order to have a valid claim, an accident victim must get their case started no later than six months after an accident involving a city or county vehicle, and no later than one year following an accident involving a state vehicle. Working with skilled legal counsel can be essential to ensuring any Alpharetta case is ready before the applicable deadline expires.
Get in Touch with an Alpharetta Bus Accident Attorney Today
Recovering from injuries can be a tedious and painful process. Painful for you physically, for you and your family emotionally and financially. Prospective plaintiffs should consider consulting an attorney as soon as possible, as waiting to file a claim can be detrimental to your legal case and even possibly extinguish your rights.
An attorney could help protect and fight for your legal rights in an insurance settlement or a court of law. Reach out to an Alpharetta bus accident lawyer today to learn more about your options.