Charter buses are popular transportation options for group travel in Sandy Springs and all throughout Georgia. However, when an accident happens, a fun trip can quickly turn into a lot of pain and stress. If you were injured in an accident while riding a charter bus, you’ll want to speak with a Sandy Springs charter bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
If you were not at fault for the accident that injured you, you should not have to bear the costs. At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to getting injury victims like yourself the compensation they need and deserve. We have more than 20 years of experience working these types of injury cases, and we know what it takes to win.
Contact us today and we’ll give you a FREE consultation. Plus, we don’t get paid unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
What to Know About Charter Bus Accidents in Sandy Springs
Charter buses are large vehicles reserved by a business, group, or organization to transport a group to a certain destination. Rather than traveling on a set bus route with stops for other travelers, a charter bus takes the private group directly to their intended destination. Charter buses can be a lot of fun—unless they get into an accident.
When a charter bus is fully loaded, it can be almost as heavy as a semi-truck. Charter buses are also top-heavy compared to other vehicles, which increases the risk of rollovers in an accident. In addition, a charter bus involves many passengers at one point that are often not protected by seat belts or other safety features.
Charter Bus Accidents Versus Other Accidents
Charter bus accidents in Sandy Springs are also different when it comes to liability:
- In a collision involving two or more passenger vehicles, the liable party is typically a driver. The driver’s auto insurance company is responsible for the damages.
- In a charter bus accident, the charter bus company is typically responsible for injuries that occur on the vehicle because of company negligence. This can make the insurance claim process more complicated.
Charter bus collisions are also different than accidents that happen on state-run public transport. Public transportation will often have large insurance policies for these types of occurrences. In contrast, charter bus companies are typically not required to carry huge insurance policies, so there may not be as much coverage available to cover your damages.
To know your legal options, it’s best to contact an experienced charter bus accident lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. They can investigate the collision and determine what you need to do to seek the fullest compensation possible.
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Situations that Lead to Charter Bus Accidents
Charter bus accidents often happen when someone has been negligent. In Georgia, the negligent party in an injury accident is legally liable for the damages. So, to know who is ultimately responsible for your damages, you will need to understand exactly what caused the accident or incident that harmed you.
Charter bus accidents can happen due to situations like:
- Poor training or background checks on charter bus drivers
- Overloaded charter buses (with passengers, baggage, or both)
- Drivers who are distracted or under the influence
- Inadequate maintenance on the charter bus
- Defective bus parts or
- Bad weather conditions
These are just a few common examples. Every case is different, so your lawyer can investigate deeper into your accident to determine what caused it and who was responsible for what occurred. To discuss the details with one of our experienced Sandy Springs charter bus accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Common Damages from Charter Bus Accidents
If you are hurt in a charter bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for all of the costs of your injuries. You may be able to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to seek financial recovery. Other times, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit for your damages.
Most of the time, a case can be settled through an insurance claim, and it’s best to have a lawyer on your side from the beginning. They can handle communication with the insurance adjuster and work to negotiate for more if the insurer tries to lowball your settlement amount.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover after a charter bus accident:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If a loved one was killed in a charter bus accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on the loved one’s behalf. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate this situation, as well.
Six Things to Do After a Sandy Springs Charter Bus Accident
After a charter bus accident, it’s important to first make sure you are safe. Then, if you are well enough to do so, you can begin gathering information to show what happened and how you were affected. Some ways you should do that include:
- Calling the police to report the accident (if the charter bus driver or someone else hasn’t already done it).
- Getting any emergency medical attention you need right away.
- Taking pictures of the damage, your injuries, and the entire accident scene.
- Talking to any witnesses to the accident and getting their contact information.
- Noting anything specific about the driver, such as signs of impairment.
- Getting to a doctor as soon as possible after you leave the scene, even if you feel okay.
You’ll also want to contact a charter bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you with all of the above steps and more. Charter bus accidents can be complicated, but a lawyer can help you navigate the legal side of things so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Charter Bus Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t get left paying for the costs of a charter bus accident that was not your fault. At John Foy & Associates, we are here to help you. With more than 20 years of experience helping injury victims win what they deserve, we are not afraid to fight for your rights. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you.
To get a FREE, no-obligation consultation today, call us now at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call and get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
