Buses provide mini transportation options to daily commuters and tourists in Alpharetta. Because of the size of buses and the force involved, accidents involving buses can be catastrophic.
Fortunately, an Alpharetta bus accident lawyer can help you figure out how to get the compensation you need. There are several different types of buses that operate in Alpharetta, each providing different services for the public. Some buses are operated by private busing companies and can possibly be held liable along with their drivers. Other busing companies are government-operated and can only be held liable for their drivers’ negligence in rare situations. However, it will still be possible to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver to recover damages.
If you were injured in a bus accident, our Alpharetta bus accident lawyers can help you develop the right legal strategies to litigate your case successfully. Contact Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357 for a free case evaluation.
Types of Bus Accidents That Occur in Alpharetta, GA
Several different types of bus accidents can occur in Alpharetta. Each type of bus accident case presents its own challenges depending on the type of bus involved. However, each type of bus accident can cause severe injuries.
Common Carrier Bus Accidents
Many bus accidents involve common carrier buses. Common carrier buses are those that offer transportation services in exchange for money. Megabus and Greyhound are typical examples of common carrier buses. However, buses operated by a governmental agency and school buses could also be considered common carriers.
Common carrier bus drivers are held to a higher standard of care than regular drivers. Bus drivers are expected to exercise extraordinary diligence while operating a bus. When they fall below this standard, they can be held liable. This standard also typically applies to other types of bus drivers as well.
Public Transit Bus Accidents
Many communities in Alpharetta take advantage of affordable and reliable public transportation options. City buses and their drivers travel several miles daily, providing transportation services for thousands of residents. It comes as no surprise, then, to learn that accidents involving public transit buses are quite common. In these cases, the bus driver can typically be held liable for their negligence. Still, there might be hurdles to overcome before you can hold the public transit company responsible.
School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents are another unfortunate but common type of bus accident that can occur in Alpharetta. Parents rely on school buses to safely bring their children to and from school. But accidents are bound to happen with the many children bused back and forth each day.
Shuttle Bus Accidents
Shuttle buses are another common source of Alpharetta bus accidents. Businesses like hotels and transportation hubs like airports usually use shuttle buses to carry several passengers from one location to another. For instance, many hotels use shuttles to send customers to and from the airport. However, a shuttle bus driver might have a lower experience level than other bus drivers, increasing the likelihood of causing an accident. Our Alpharetta bus accident lawyers can help you with your case regardless of the type of bus that caused your accident.
Parties that Could Be Held Liable for an Alpharetta, GA Bus Accident
Depending on the bus involved in your accident, several parties could be liable for your injuries. You will also have several options to recover compensation. Georgia is an at-fault insurance state, meaning an injured person can be compensated for their injuries from the negligent party’s insurance. You can also file a claim with your car insurance to recover damages. However, filing a lawsuit will be the best way to recover the full range of damages you could be entitled to. Because Georgia is an at-fault state, you can forgo insurance and instead file a lawsuit against any of the following parties that contributed to causing your injuries.
Bus Drivers
In many cases, the bus driver will be directly responsible for causing an accident. While bus drivers are responsible for safely operating the bus, they are also accountable for any passengers who get beyond their control and injure someone. Most bus drivers must also perform a safety inspection of their bus before taking it out to ensure there are no maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Bus drivers that fail to meet the high standards applied to them can be held liable for the accidents they cause.
Busing Companies
The busing company that the driver works for can also be held accountable in certain circumstances. The legal theory of vicarious liability will typically apply if it is a private busing company. Put simply, an employer can be held vicariously liable for their negligent bus driver if the driver caused the accident while performing their normal job functions. For instance, if a greyhound bus driver caused an accident because they were speeding, the driver and greyhound could be sued. However, suppose the busing company is a local, state, or federal bus. In that case, there are legal requirements that could have a significant impact on whether a busing company of this kind can be held liable.
Government Busing Companies
If a bus was government-operated, it might not be possible to file a lawsuit against the busing company for their driver’s negligence. State and local agencies enjoy what is known as sovereign immunity, meaning that they are generally not subject to a civil lawsuit. Suppose a government-owned busing company has sovereign immunity. In that case, you will need to show that the bus driver’s conduct was grossly negligent to bring a lawsuit against the government-operated entity.
If the government busing company is not shielded by sovereign immunity, the Georgia Tort Claims Act still places several requirements on victims before filing a lawsuit. In most cases, bus accident victims need to notify the government busing company of their intention to file a lawsuit, followed by a waiting period before filing. In certain cases, a victim might even need permission to sue the government agency from the court. Our Alpharetta bus accident lawyers can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and address any additional requirements you must meet to file your lawsuit successfully.
Our Alpharetta, GA Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were a victim in a bus accident, our Alpharetta bus accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve from the negligent party responsible for your injuries. For a free case review, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
