Bus Accident Lawyer in Smyrna, GA
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Our Smyrna Bus Accident Attorney Can Help Today
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Smyrna, contact an experienced bus accident attorney to discuss your rights and legal options. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, bus accidents can cause severe and possibly catastrophic injuries.
Bus drivers and their employers have a duty to keep passengers and others on the road safe. When they fail in this duty, you may have the right to hold the driver, the company or agency that employs them, and potentially other parties accountable for their negligence.
The experienced Smyrna bus accident attorneys of The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. are here to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve after your bus accident. It is our goal to help you pursue the money you need to recover from your injuries and put this accident behind you.
Call us or contact us online now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.
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Common Types and Causes of Bus Accidents in Smyrna
In Smyrna, the Cobb Community Transit (CCT) bus system provides public transportation options for people in the city. Unfortunately, bus accidents can and do occur.
Some of the most common types of bus accidents include:
- Collisions with passenger vehicles
- Collisions with commercial vehicles
- Collisions with trucks
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Passenger accidents
Types of buses that can be involved in accidents include:
- School buses
- MARTA buses
- Tour buses
- Greyhound buses
- Prison buses
- Church buses
- Nursing home buses
- Airport shuttles
- Commercial coaches
In some cases, the accident could be the fault of the bus operator. Just like passenger vehicle crashes, driver error, including distracted driving, is a commonly cited cause of bus accidents. While unthinkable, some bus accidents have been the result of an impaired driver under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
Other common causes of bus accidents in Smyrna, GA include:
Another common cause of bus crashes is equipment failure. This might include failing brakes, faulty steering, or tire problems. In these circumstances, an employer or manufacturer might also be responsible for injuries that passengers, other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians might suffer.
Employer negligence is another common cause of bus accidents. The carrier that owns and operates the fleet of buses is responsible for hiring qualified drivers, and training and supervising them. The carrier must also maintain their fleet of vehicles and adhere to government regulations.
Even if it appears that the bus driver’s actions caused the crash, the company that employs them is almost always liable for the driver’s negligence. The company should generally be named as a defendant in any lawsuit for a bus accident because it may allow you to recover more damages than if you sued only the driver.
Common Smyrna Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. Some frequently reported injuries after bus accidents include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Joint injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head trauma (including traumatic brain injuries)
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, ranging from moderate to serious damage, such as partial or complete paralysis
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Deep cuts
Tragically, many bus accidents result in fatal injuries. If your loved one was killed in a bus accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in Smyrna to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and more.
Smyrna Bus Accident Attorney: Who Could Be Held Responsible?
There are multiple parties that could be held responsible for a bus accident, depending on the circumstances. Commercial bus lines and municipal entities are obligated to keep you safe. If they do not hire responsible and qualified drivers, they are putting the safety of passengers and others on the road at risk.
A manufacturer of the mechanical parts may also be responsible, depending on the cause of a crash. In other instances, another driver who causes a crash could be the negligent party. Sometimes, even a disruptive bus passenger may be to blame for the accident.
When you hire a lawyer, our attorneys will investigate the details of the crash to identify all the potentially liable parties.
When and How to Make a Claim Against Public Transit in Smyrna
The first thing you should do after an auto accident is to call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment for any injuries.
If you are able to, gather as much information as possible. You should take plenty of pictures of the scene and the vehicles involved in the crash, as well as gather as many eye-witness reports as possible. When the police arrive, you will also want to write down their badge numbers and ask for a copy of the accident report. Make sure not to leave before documenting car/bus model numbers and license plates as well. If you are unable to complete these steps because you need immediate medical attention, ask a friend or family member to do them for you.
Seek medical attention even if you do not think you were injured at first. Some severe injuries may involve delayed symptoms. Waiting to seek treatment can harm both your health and your claim.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible, and certainly before talking to any insurance representatives. Your attorney can provide a thorough evaluation of your Smyrna personal injury claim. If you have been severely injured, have accumulated medical bills, or have lost income due to missing work, you may have the right to seek fair compensation for these and other losses.
You may also be able to recover for mental distress and pain resulting from the crash. Throughout your treatment and recovery, be sure to save all of your bills and receipts to help demonstrate the financial impact the crash has had on your life.
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