Fort Oglethorpe Bus Accident Lawyer
Despite their safety features, intercity buses, school buses, and public rail systems are not immune to accidents. Pedestrians, vehicle occupants, and bicyclists could all fall prey to an unexpected collision when a mistake is made in the operation of a bus. These accidents could result in a series of catastrophic injuries.
Bus companies are entrusted with the safety of their riders as well as others traveling on the same roads. When drivers or bus companies fail to provide a reasonable level of care and cause injuries to those involved in a crash with the bus, an injured person may be able to recover compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured on a bus, we advise you to seek the professional opinion of a Fort Oglethorpe bus accident lawyer. Our skilled personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of personal injury cases involving large vehicles and could help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Liability for Carrier Crashes
Under O.C.G.A § 46-9-132, any business that transports people has a duty to “exercise extraordinary diligence” to keep its passengers safe.
The requirement for bus drivers to use extraordinary diligence does not mean buses must use any and all possible safety measures, but rather that they are accountable for providing a higher standard of care. If the driver or bus company acts negligently and injures others in an accident, these individuals may take legal action against the driver.
If the carrier used reasonable measures in order to ensure the safety of its passengers, the bus driver or company may not be held liable. This may mean that if someone was injured in a school bus, coach bus, public carrier bus accident, or the like, it may be vital that she or he proves the carrier violated this duty.
Bus companies and employers could also be responsible for an accident if their employees were negligent. This liability exists under a legal rule called vicarious liability, which makes the principal, or the employer, responsible for the acts of its employees. If a company failed to properly screen and train drivers, the company may be found negligent for the reckless driving of its drivers. Our Fort Oglethorpe bus accident lawyers could examine your bus accident case and determine how to hold the liable party accountable.
Common Damages
The factors that determine the types and amount of compensation plaintiffs are qualified to claim may include the degree of the at-fault driver’s negligence, the severity of the injuries, and the ability of an attorney to obtain relevant evidence. Injured plaintiffs may be able to collect compensation for any of the following:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Necessary ongoing treatments
Accident-related losses may be noneconomic in nature as well. Pain and suffering, the loss of enjoyment of life, or the loss of the company of a loved one may be compensable by the court.
A person may also be eligible to recover punitive damages if he or she can prove the bus driver’s conduct was deliberate or malicious. Punitive damages, or damages meant to punish and deter certain behavior, are sometimes awarded to the injured plaintiff. A bus accident lawyer could work with a plaintiff to determine which damages they might be able to recover following a Fort Oglethorpe bus accident lawyer.
Talking to a Fort Oglethorpe Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accidents could result in traumatic injuries and even death in some cases. Regardless of the nature of the accident, if a bus driver’s negligence has resulted in your accident-related injuries, you may be entitled to fair compensation.
With the help of a trusted Fort Oglethorpe bus accident lawyer, you could take appropriate action against a negligent party and fight for your right to be compensated. To have your case evaluated, call now.
