Sandy Springs
Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents are less common than other types of accidents, but when they do happen, the consequences can be serious for the victims. If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident, a Sandy Springs bus accident attorney can help. 

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injury victims win the money they deserve for more than 20 years. Our number-one priority is getting you compensation for all of your costs from the accident. That way, you can cover your damages and begin to move on.

Why Bus Accidents Differ from Other Accidents in Sandy Springs

In general, buses should be some of the safest vehicles on the road. Bus drivers must undergo special training before they can operate a vehicle that transports the public. For example, school bus drivers must complete training set by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

Although bus drivers are held to higher standards, a bus accident can be more serious for several reasons:

• The size and weight of large buses can cause severe injuries and devastating damage to those involved.
• Buses tend to be more likely to tip over in a collision.
• Unlike passenger cars, buses do not have the same standards for airbags and seatbelts for those riding on the bus. (Plus, even when a bus has seat belts, more people don’t use them.)

Bus passengers also often have bags, groceries, or other items that can be thrown around and hurt others during the collision. If the bus is crowded, passengers might be standing in the aisles and more prone to serious situations, such as getting thrown through a window, during an accident.

If you were injured in a bus accident, don’t discount your injuries or assume that you cannot seek compensation for what was lost. As a victim of the accident, you have rights, and a Sandy Springs bus accident lawyer can help you build a case.

Should I Get a Sandy Springs Bus Accident Lawyer for My Case?

If you or your child have been in a bus accident, you may be tempted to just let it go. After all, it may seem easier to not go through the whole process of proving that someone else’s negligence caused your damages. If that’s the case, you should at least get a free consultation with a lawyer.

A good bus accident attorney in Sandy Springs will be able to handle your case and all the stress it entails while you focus on recovery. Plus, our firm takes no money upfront, so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay your fees. In fact, we don’t get paid unless you win.

If you’re thinking about taking your personal injury claim on by yourself, you may want to rethink. People who represent themselves in court face difficult challenges, and they have significantly reduced chances of getting the compensation they deserve. The other party’s lawyers and the insurance company will twist your words and use them against you.

It’s worth it to at least talk to a personal injury lawyer in Sandy Springs for free. At your initial consultation, one of our attorneys will assess your case and tell you what they can do for you. 

How Fault Works in a Bus Accident in Sandy Springs

In Georgia, the at-fault party in an injury accident is liable for the damages. You and your lawyer will need to determine who was negligent in your bus accident. The responsible party could be:

• The bus driver
• Another driver involved in the accident
• The bus company or government entity that employed the driver or
• A manufacturer or someone who worked on the bus

Bus passengers are rarely at fault in a bus accident, although there are rare situations where a passenger might be distracting enough to cause the driver to crash. Most of the time, the at-fault party is the bus driver or another driver who crashed into the bus. Your lawyer can investigate the accident and what happened to pinpoint the responsible party.

As the victim of a bus accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. You can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. A bus accident attorney in Sandy Springs can help you fight for a settlement that covers your costs.

Top Causes of Bus Accidents You Can Claim

There are some unique hazards when it comes to bus accidents. Some of the most common reasons they happen include:

• A distracted or impaired driver
• Inadequate bus driver training
• Poor hiring decisions
• Other drivers failing to yield to a stopped bus
• Overloaded buses
• Driving faster than a bus is supposed to travel

Just like with other traffic accidents, bus accidents can also occur due to violations like tailgating, running red lights or stop signs, cutting off other drivers, and more. When building your case, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of what caused the accident and your resulting damages.

Four Ways to Strengthen Your Bus Accident Case

The best way to ensure you have a strong bus accident case is by speaking with an experienced attorney. They can examine the details and let you know if you have a valid case. That being said, there are ways you can begin building your claim, too.

Here are some things you can do to gather information for your Sandy Springs bus accident case:

1. Make Sure the Bus Accident Gets Reported

An accident in Georgia with injuries or deaths and/or more than $500 in property damage should be reported to the police. The bus driver should report the accident, but if they refuse to call or are not well enough to do so, you can call the Sandy Springs police yourself.

When the police respond to the accident, be sure to tell them what happened and whether or not you were injured. If you do not notice any injuries, simply say that you’re “not sure” if you asked, as you might have injuries that show up later or worsen with time.

2. Take Pictures at the Scene

Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:

• Any injuries you have
• All vehicle damage and
• The entire accident scene

These pictures can help preserve the scene, which is important for your case.

3. Talk to Witnesses and Others Involved

If anyone not involved in the accident saw it happen, talk to them and ask for their contact information. You can also exchange information with other bus passengers and other people involved in the crash. A Sandy Springs bus accident attorney will work to get witness statements later to support your case.

4. Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. You might have injuries that haven’t fully manifested yet, and if you wait too long to get medical attention, it can really hurt your claim.

A bus accident lawyer can also help you with each of these steps. Contact a trusted attorney today to get started.

How Long do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. That means, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, you have two years from the date of your injury to file your claim. If you miss your deadline, you could miss out on any compensation you’re owed.

However, in some cases, the deadline could be mere weeks from the date of your accident. You don’t want to miss your chance to get paid for your damages. You should get in touch with a bus accident lawyer in Sandy Springs as soon as you can.

Connect with a Bus Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs for Free 

If you or someone you love was injured, the Sandy Springs bus accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help. We have more than 20 years of experience, and we know what it takes to win these types of cases. Call or contact us online to get a FREE consultation and case evaluation today.