Dade County Bus Accident Lawyer
Every year, numerous passengers, pedestrians, and drivers suffer injury or death as a result of bus accidents. Due to the size and carrying capacity of the buses, the resulting accidents can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries. If you or a loved one were hurt in a bus accident, contact a Dade County bus accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and start seeking the compensation you deserve. Let a legal professional help you today.
Common Causes and Injuries in Bus Accidents
Similar to other motor vehicle accidents, bus accidents can be caused by several factors, some of which are attributed to the driver and others to outside elements. Even where drivers are following all motor vehicle safety guidelines, bus accidents may be caused by road hazards or improperly maintained roadways. However, the most common causes of bus accident collisions include:
- Speeding
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Traffic violations (e.g., failure to stop or yield)
- Negligent hiring or failure to adequately train
- Issues with bus maintenance
Types of Bus Accidents
In bus accidents, the most common types of accidents that occur are single-vehicle accidents, where a bus collides with a stationary object. Other accidents may involve multiple vehicles where a bus collides with another motor vehicle, pedestrians, or cyclists. The type of bus also plays a critical role in the resulting injuries and how the case should be handled.
- School Bus Accidents – School buses are generally regarded as a safe and reliable method for transportation for children as they are subject to strict safety and maintenance standards. Although school districts and government agencies are generally immune from lawsuits, special laws may govern legal claims that arise from public bus accidents. Georgia law waives immunity to the extent that school district insurance covers the injuries resulting from a school bus accident.
- Public Bus Accidents – As a common carrier, city buses owe a duty of care to provide safe rides to all passengers. A bus accident victim may pursue a claim against the bus driver and the city (as the driver’s employer) for injuries caused by negligent operation or maintenance of a bus.
- Private Company Bus Accidents – Private buses, like charter and shuttles bus services, may be used for local, regional, and national transportation services. A bus service company may be liable for a collision caused by an inadequately maintained bus or an improperly trained or supervised driver.
Who is Liable in a Bus Accident Case?
Under Georgia law, public transportation drivers are known as common carriers. These individuals include public and school bus drivers, and other individuals that offer transportation to the public in exchange for money. As common carriers, bus operators and owners must follow special regulations and are responsible for the safety of their passengers and other motorists.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a variety of individuals may be liable for the resulting injuries. A bus driver may be responsible in cases where they failed to follow traffic laws, like failing to stop at a stop sign or driving under the influence. A bus driver’s employer may be liable for the bus driver’s actions when the accident occurs while the negligent driver was acting within the scope of his work duties. A qualified Dade County bus accident attorney can help you help navigate these claims and determine whether the proper regulations were followed.
Damages
The amount of compensation that a person receives is based on the damages suffered. The law entitles bus accident victims compensation for accident losses, including medical expenses and lost income. An injured plaintiff may also pursue non-economic damages including pain and suffering and lost quality of life.
How Can a Dade County Bus Accident Attorney Help?
Bus accident cases can quickly become complicated when dealing with state or city agencies, multiple plaintiffs, and insurance companies. An experienced bus accident attorney can help navigate these agencies and private companies to ensure that your interests are protected. If you were injured as a result of a bus accident, contact a Dade County attorney to help pursue your legal claim.
