Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents in Georgia and throughout the nation are on the rise, as are injuries and fatalities that occur from Atlanta bus accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration indicates that thousands of people are injured in bus accidents each year throughout the U.S., which includes school bus accidents, tour bus accidents, Georgia's public transportation bus accidents, privately charted bus accidents, and more.
Who is liable for a Georgia bus accident?
While a bus accident can be the fault of the bus driver due to aggressive driving or speeding, it also can be the responsibility of someone or something else. For example, the bus company, school or school district may be at fault for lack of maintenance, the tire company may be held liable for defective tires, another motorist could be held responsible after crashing into the bus, or a truck driver may be liable for oil spills on the road.
Bus crashes can occur for a wide variety of reasons, including:
- Bus driver negligence
- Drowsy driving
- Use of prescription pills, cough medicine, or other drugs and medications
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
- Failure to yield
- Improper maintenance
- Defective equipment or tires
- Poor weather conditions
- Road hazards or dangerous roadways
What Should I Do if My Child is Hurt in a School Bus Accident?
Georgia drivers need to know the laws regarding school bus stops. The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at The Kalka Law Group give drivers these two reminders:
- All traffic must stop when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off passengers, except if there is a divided highway with a median separation where only the traffic following the bus must stop
- If there is a violation of meeting or overtaking school bus when it makes a stop, it is the duty of the bus driver to report such violation
School buses are making frequent stops in and outside of neighborhoods, so drivers should be extra cautious when driving around school buses carrying children. If your child has been injured from a car accident involving a school bus, contact The Kalka Law Group for a free consultation.
Liability in School Bus Accidents
If the bus driver was found negligent and participating in distracted driving, aggressive driving, excessive speeding, or other careless behaviors, then he or she could be held liable for your child's injuries.
In the case of a school bus accident, schools and school districts may be liable for children's injuries as well. Most often, school budgets are stretched so tight that bus maintenance may not be a top priority. If a lack of maintenance caused the crash, then the school and/or school district may be responsible.
In addition to these groups, there may be other parties that are liable. For example, if defective tires were found to be the cause of the accident, then the tire company may be held liable.
Retain The Kalka Law Group for Representation from a Top-Rated Firm
If you or your children have been injured in an Atlanta bus accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help cover medical bills for the injuries you have suffered, which can include fractures, sprains, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, concussions, head trauma, and more. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, loss of services, physical therapy, ongoing medical care, and more.
Call The Kalka Law Group to discuss your bus accident claim with a skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer today. Our attorneys offer a free consultation, during which they will answer your questions and give you information about your rights.
