McDonough
Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are massive in size and weight. As a result, the damage they can cause to those inside and outside of them is immense when they are in an accident. If you are a bus accident victim and are unsure where to turn or what you should do next, John Foy & Associates wants to assist you during this trying time in your life.

Victims of bus accidents are often faced with a pile of medical expenses. This substantial financial burden adds another layer of stress to the mental anguish and physical pain of these severe, life-changing accidents. 

Trying to get through the day with your routine is hard enough. You should not have to worry about navigating the legal system to cobble together a claim that may or may not be successful. Instead, you should hire a McDonough bus accident lawyer who can take on this burden, bring peace of mind, and secure compensation for your injuries and damages.

Types of Damages You Can Collect from a Bus Accident in Georgia

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 70% of the fatalities caused by school bus accidents happen outside the bus. In other words, just 5% of bus passengers and 5% of bus drivers die in a school bus accident. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of those who die are people hit by the bus, either while in a car or as a pedestrian. 

This perfectly illustrates how deadly these vehicles can be when colliding with others. Multiple damages can result from these bus accidents, including the following:

• Medical bills (now and in the future)
• Physical therapy costs 
• Surgery costs
• Prescription costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disability (short-term and long-term)

Specific Questions You Should Ask Following a Bus Accident

If you want to file a successful accident claim with your attorney, then specific questions need to be answered. The first question to answer is when and where did this bus accident take place? Answering this question will provide a clearer picture of who is liable for what happened. 

Next, you want to find out who was involved in the accident. Did any additional drivers contribute to the accident happening? If so, they may be partially responsible. 

Did the bus have any mechanical issues that caused the accident? If so, the manufacturer could be responsible for part of the accident damages. Were all the safety procedures implemented? 

If some were not followed, the driver could be held accountable. Speaking of the driver, were they intoxicated while driving? Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol makes it clear who is to blame. 

Understanding Georgia Sovereign Immunity Laws and Bus Accidents

The state’s immunity laws can quickly complicate bus accident cases in Georgia. Sovereign immunity is when a government institution cannot be sued without consent. 

What is considered a government entity? Counties, cities, agencies, and school districts are a few examples. They all have sovereign immunity.

You might wonder if they have sovereign immunity, why even try to sue them? On the surface, it is understandable why you might come to that conclusion. However, this does not mean they cannot be held responsible for harming others. 

This is, perhaps, the most significant reason why victims need a bus accident lawyer in McDonough. A skilled attorney with experience in this unique area of the law can provide guidance, so all options are considered, and the best one is chosen.

Liability for a Bus Accident in Georgia

Many people might assume that the bus driver is at fault for causing an accident. While this is possible, other parties may also be considered liable for the damage done.

The driver may be at fault for various reasons, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, disobeying traffic laws, or distracted driving, among other reasons. Another factor to consider is whether the bus driver was directly employed by the school or transportation company. If not, that could influence how your attorney recommends approaching the case.

Other potentially responsible parties include the bus company, other drivers on the road, the manufacturer of the bus or its specific parts, property owners, municipalities, or even a drug manufacturer. Property owners and cities may be at fault if the road surface conditions caused or contributed to the accident. And if undisclosed side effects of a drug impair the driver, then the manufacturer of that drug may be held liable.

How a McDonough Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You

By now, it should be clear just how complicated bus accidents in Georgia can be. Whether it is a school bus accident, a commercial bus accident, or a public transit bus accident, each situation brings a host of unique challenges. A bus accident attorney in McDonough can help you sift through all the complexities of the laws that apply to your specific situation to help you choose the best strategy possible so that you can get the justice and compensation entitled to you as a victim of a bus accident in Georgia.

Documenting your injuries and damages, identifying the responsible parties, gathering the supporting documentation, and filing your claim is a lot to handle on your own. It is not something that should be done without the help of a lawyer with a successful track record who can be the difference between winning and losing.

Contact John Foy & Associates for a McDonough Bus Accident Lawyer

Reaching out to a McDonough bus accident lawyer immediately after being the victim of a bus accident in Georgia is essential. Connecting with a tough attorney that will not back down will ensure you receive the highest compensation possible. They will help ensure that the responsible parties do not take advantage of you and are held accountable for their actions.

At John Foy & Associates, we are called “The Strong Arm” for a reason. We approach every case with force and focus on getting the job done and doing it well. Contact us today to see the difference yourself.