Bus Accident Lawyers in Georgia
Each day, millions of people across the country ride on commercial bus lines. Each morning, more than half a million children get on a school bus. Bus riders assume that bus drivers must be held to a higher standard than the average driver on the road. And to be sure, most of us arrive safely at our destination. Yet accidents do happen.
Bus accident cases can become complicated, as there can be many plaintiffs involved. That’s why it’s important that you find the right bus accident attorney.
Bus accidents can present unique circumstances for victims due to the fact that the bus driver may not be the only person to take legal action against. Our bus accident attorneys can help you better understand your rights and receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Liability and Actions to Take
Bus accidents can be blamed on negligence of the bus driver or reckless driving on the part of other drivers involved. Passengers on the bus are allowed to take legal action against whatever party has been deemed responsible.
Most often, the best course of action involves filing a claim not only against the bus driver but also against the bus driver’s employer. Companies that utilize can be held liable when the driver causes an accident, because the driver is their employee. Such liability results from a legal rule called “vicarious liability”, which makes the employer responsible for the actions of their employee.
Bus companies can also be held responsible for accidents if they themselves were negligent. This includes things like failing to perform adequate screening of drivers to ensure they were experienced or failing to perform routine maintenance of the bus. These actions demonstrate that the company may have been reckless in their business practices, making them responsible for the accident and any injuries that may have resulted from it.
Some cases may involve the additional complication of the bus being owned and operated by a government agency. If the accident occurs on a school bus or public transportation, this means the party responsible will be the local government or school district. Government employees and agencies enjoy limited protections from immunity, meaning they are shielded in part from lawsuits, and special rules have been put in place for making a claim against them.
Peace of Mind in Acquiring Adequate Representation
With such an abundance of legal complications existing in bus accident cases, it’s essential that you get an experienced Georgia bus accident lawyer to represent you.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you are entitled to receive monetary compensation from the person or entity responsible. You can receive damages in exchange for:
- Medical costs
- Lost income to due injuries
- Potential future income reduction if your injuries are severe enough to reduce your earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
And in the event that you lose a loved one in a bus accident, you can also receive compensation for wrongful death damages.
Call one of our experienced bus accident attorneys in Georgia today to discuss your case.