Whether you were injured as a passenger on MARTA, a school bus or another private transportation company, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These “common carriers” owe passengers a high standard of care, imposed by law.
However, injuries involving public transit are often complicated. The process requires notice to the city, county or state government within a tight timeframe, and can involve multiple parties.
Accidents involving MARTA Buses
As public transportation vehicles, buses are held to a higher standard of safety than private cars and trucks. If a bus accident occurs due to negligence, the injured party may be entitled to compensation. A qualified bus accident lawyer Atlanta could help victims hold responsible parties accountable.
Many accidents involving MARTA buses can be prevented. Driver negligence, including distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol use is a common cause of these collisions. Obtaining witness statements, analyzing traffic camera footage, and examining the bus driver’s driving history can be helpful in determining negligence.
Victims must act promptly to hire a MARTA bus accident attorney. Time is crucial because governmental entities have specific rules and regulations that must be followed when filing claims. In addition, evidence can fade and be tampered with over time. Additionally, a statute of limitations may apply to the case, and it is best to file the claim as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney understands these nuances and could prevent an accident victim from missing out on compensation.
Accidents Involving School Buses
School buses are large vehicles that carry children and other passengers to and from school each day. Unfortunately, they can be involved in accidents due to faulty or unsafe equipment, driver fatigue and distraction, poor road conditions, and other factors.
While school bus crashes make up a small percentage of traffic accidents nationwide, they are devastating for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, you need an experienced attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
School districts are responsible for the safety of students when they are transported on school buses through a legal concept called vicarious liability. Therefore, even if the driver of the bus was to blame for the crash, the school district could be held liable through a lawsuit. They are responsible for hiring drivers who are properly trained and experienced, and for screening out or removing drivers who do not follow safety procedures. They are also responsible for ensuring that the school buses are properly maintained and safe for use.
Accidents Involving Private Transportation Companies
If you’re in an accident involving a private transportation company, the lawyer you hire should be familiar with this type of case. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and guide you through the process. They will also be able to determine how much compensation you may receive for your damages.
Victims can seek damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and medical expenses. They can also recover lost wages. These damages can be very substantial, especially in wrongful death cases.
When choosing an attorney, make sure you interview them thoroughly. Ask them about their experience, qualifications, and how they can win you compensation for your damages. Also, make sure that they are honest about their fees and their communication policies. If an attorney doesn’t put your interests first, you should consider another option. You should be able to tell if an attorney is passionate about the job.
Accidents Involving Inclement Weather
A qualified atlanta bus accident lawyer could help victims pursue compensation from negligent parties. Bus drivers and operators must adhere to special regulations that are designed to ensure the safety of their passengers. This may include rules regarding maintenance, inspections, hours of service and more.
Additionally, bus accidents involving inclement weather can be preventable when drivers account for poor road conditions and take extra precautions when driving. This can reduce the number of injuries that occur due to weather-related incidents.
Injured victims are entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include past and future medical expenses, property damage costs and lost income. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, loss of consortium and more.
Victims can sue the bus driver, the bus company and any other responsible party. However, when suing government agencies, there are additional requirements that must be met, including giving notice to the agency of your intention to file a lawsuit.
