Bus Accident Lawyers Serving Atlanta
Our attorneys know how to get results in complex cases
Passengers rely on bus companies and operators every day. Whether they are going to work or taking a trip, people trust that they will get to their destination safely. But one simple mistake could result in an accident that leaves people seriously hurt. Bus accident injuries can change the lives of victims and their families.
Despite their overall safety features, regional buses, intercity buses, and school buses are still involved in collisions. Bus passengers, drivers of other vehicles, and pedestrians can all be hurt if there’s an accident. The experienced bus accident lawyers at Fried Goldberg LLC fight for the injured and help them recover the compensation they deserve.
Past Bus Accident Verdicts and Settlements
Our firm has built a strong reputation on reaching favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. In a recent bus accident case, we secured a $4.1 million verdict for a husband and wife injured in a collision with a transit bus.
Our firm is known nationwide for our work in truck and bus accident litigation. If you were injured in a crash involving a public transportation carrier or private bus company, we can help.
Our bus accident attorneys handle complicated cases
A bus crash can result in significant damage due the sheer size and weight of a bus. A bus weighing nearly 50,000 pounds could devastate a small sedan, and cause severe injuries to the driver and passengers. Bus passengers could also be injured. Most buses don’t have seat belts, increasing the risk of injury during a collision.
When the bus involved is a public transit carrier, the state is responsible for injuries to passengers. Major bus operators are legally required to carry a multi-million-dollar liability insurance policy.
But recovering compensation can be a difficult process. If you were injured in a bus crash, you may be offered a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering the damages you suffered. It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney before agreeing to or signing anything from another party’s insurance carrier.
Who can be held liable after a bus accident?
Major bus companies currently operating in the U.S. include:
- Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, a national railroad passenger corporation that offers rail and bus routes throughout the United States.
- Coach USA, which provides a variety of transportation services, including intercity commuter, sightseeing, charter and school bus services.
- Greyhound, the most familiar long-distance bus company that’s been in business for over a century.
- Megabus, an intercity bus line owned by Coach USA and operating out of Atlanta, as well as other major cities.
- Peter Pan Bus Lines, which operates along the Northeastern seaboard, owned by the Picknelly family since 1933.
In Atlanta, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is a regional transit system that provides service to 1.7 million residents of Metro Atlanta.
Claims against public entities and large corporations are complex, and you could be up against teams of lawyers and bureaucratic red tape. Our experienced attorneys can help you fight back.
Common bus accident injuries
During a collision, the combination of a lack of safety restraints with the size and weight of the vehicle means that passengers can be seriously hurt. Common bus accident injuries include:
- Broken and/or dislocated bones
- Lacerations
- Back sprains
- Neck strains
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord trauma
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Following an injury, medical expenses can add up quickly. These can include the cost of ambulance services, diagnostic tests, imaging tests, surgery, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and home health care.
How to file a bus accident claim
The process for filing an accident claim depends on the type of bus involved. Time constraints are an important consideration for both privately owned buses and government funded transit systems.
Accidents involving public transit in Georgia have a very limited filing period: six months from the date of incident. This allows the government to investigate the incident and offer a settlement out of court. Missing the filing deadline means you forfeit the right to pursue a lawsuit. Your file or claim must contain the following information:
- The name of the liable party or parties
- A detailed account of the time, place and circumstances of the accident
- The name and address of the person submitting the claim
Public transportation and national bus companies have large insurance and legal defense teams ready to protect their interests. You will most likely be offered a low-ball settlement. We think you deserve better.
Schedule a free consultation with a bus accident attorney
If you were hurt in a bus accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Our firm has a long history of delivering successful outcomes for our clients. We can investigate the accident to gather evidence and identify negligent parties. Then we fight for the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Learn more about how we can help during a free consultation. One of our attorneys can meet with you to review the details of your case and discuss your legal options for recovering compensation. We can also answer any questions that you have about the process. There’s no cost and no obligation.
Contact us today to schedule a time that works for you.