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Sandy Springs MARTA Bus Accident Lawyer
An experienced Sandy Springs bus accident attorney can help injured bus accident victims recover compensation for an accident involving a MARTA bus accident in Sandy Springs or Atlanta, Georgia.
Due to Sovereign Immunity laws, it can be difficult to pursue litigation against a public authority like MARTA. The Sandy Spring bus accident attorneys at Ashenden & Associates are here to help victims of MARTA bus accidents seek justice against this public entity.
Call our personal injury law firm at 770-394-8909 and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced bus accident attorneys. Our Sandy Springs bus accident injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so bus accident injury victims won’t owe any legal fees unless their personal injury claim is successful.
What is MARTA Public Transportation?
MARTA, which stands for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, is a public transportation system that services Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding areas. The bus company provides residents and visitors with multiple train lines and bus lines throughout most of the greater metropolitan area.
The MARTA bus company utilizes over 110 different routes and covers over one thousand miles of road in total. Their largest buses can carry up to about 80 bus passengers at a time. All MARTA buses are wheelchair accessible, but certain Mobility Buses are specially equipped to help those who are still unable to easily or safely access the existing city bus system.
Common Causes of MARTA Bus Accidents in Atlanta, GA
Like with all auto accidents, there are a number of different factors that could cause a MARTA bus crash. Below are some of the most common causes of bus accident cases both in Atlanta and across the country.
If you have suffered from personal injuries as a result of a bus accident, the Sandy Springs personal injury lawyers at Ashenden & Associates are here to represent you. Call our Sandy Springs bus accident lawyers at 770-394-8909 and schedule an appointment to discuss your case with a legal professional at our personal injury law firm, free of charge.
Bus Driver Fatigue
Bus and truck driver fatigue can be a significant contributing factor in MARTA bus crashes. The demanding schedules and long hours that bus drivers often face can lead to decreased alertness and slower reaction times.
A tired bus driver will have a decreased ability to make quick decisions and respond to road conditions or unexpected hazards. To mitigate driver fatigue, it’s crucial for bus companies to enforce strict guidelines on work hours and rest periods for their bus drivers.
Bus Driver Error
Just like with cars and other smaller vehicles, driver error can play a significant role in MARTA bus accidents. These mistakes include misjudging road conditions, failing to adhere to traffic laws, or being distracted while driving.
In an urban environment like Atlanta, the complexity of traffic patterns, pedestrian crossings, and other factors make it essential for bus drivers to maintain constant vigilance. Training programs that focus on defensive driving techniques and adherence to safety protocols can help reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by driver error.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious concern in regard to all vehicles, but especially in the context of MARTA buses. Operating a bus under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only endangers the lives of passengers but also poses a significant risk to other road users.
Strict policies, regular testing, and legal consequences can help deter this behavior and reduce the risk of bus accidents caused by drug or alcohol-impaired drivers. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of drunk driving, combined with stringent enforcement of laws, can help ensure public transportation systems like MARTA are safe for passengers and others on the road.
If you have sustained serious injury because of a drunk driver, schedule a free consultation with a Sandy Springs drunk driving accident attorney today. Our Sandy Springs personal injury lawyers have extensive experience with these types of personal injury cases.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure can also cause MARTA buses to crash. Issues such as brake failure, steering problems, or tire defects can lead to dangerous situations on the road and cause bus accidents. Regular and rigorous maintenance of buses is essential to ensure their safe operation. This includes routine inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to the manufacturer’s service recommendations.
Additionally, training for drivers on how to handle unexpected mechanical issues can help mitigate the impact of such failures. By prioritizing vehicle maintenance, MARTA can significantly reduce the risk of bus accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Distracted Pedestrians, Bicyclists, or Scooter Riders
MARTA buses often share the busy streets of Atlanta with pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter riders. When these individuals are distracted, fail to adhere to traffic signals, or refuse to follow road safety rules, they can cause a bus accident.
Public awareness campaigns promoting road safety and the importance of being alert can be instrumental in reducing such accidents. Additionally, implementing and enforcing designated lanes for different modes of transportation can help in organizing traffic flow and minimizing the chances of accidents involving MARTA buses and other road users.
If you were a pedestrian or a bicyclist and sustained a bus accident injury, be sure to reach out to Sandy Springs pedestrian accident attorneys and Sandy Springs bicycle accident attorneys to learn more about your legal options.
Common Bus Accident Injuries in Georgia
Bus accidents, due to their scale and the number of passengers involved, can result in a range of personal injuries, some of which can be serious and even life-threatening. Common bus accident injuries include:
Soft tissue injuries
Whiplash
Broken bones
Lacerations
Contusions
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Wrongful death
If you have suffered serious injuries from a MARTA bus accident or a school bus accident, allow our Sandy Springs MARTA bus accident lawyers to fight for your justice. Our Georgia bus accident lawyers can help you determine the long-term costs associated with your bus accident injury and help you file a personal injury claim.
What To Do After a MARTA Bus Accident in the Atlanta Area
A bus crash can be a stressful and sometimes grave situation to be in. If you ever find yourself in a MARTA bus crash, you should:
Call 911
Seek medical attention
Exchange information with witnesses
Document the accident scene
Call an experienced bus accident attorney
These steps can help preserve your well-being and the well-being of others, as well as help you recover compensation in a future bus accident claim.
Call 911
The first step after a MARTA bus crash is to call 911. When you call, provide clear information about the accident’s location and nature. The dispatcher will send the necessary emergency services, including police and medical assistance, for any serious injuries.
A police report is crucial for a personal injury claim and insurance purposes. It serves as an official record for bus accidents, detailing the circumstances and any immediate observations about the cause and impact of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel immediate pain or see serious injuries, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bus accident. Some personal injuries, like neck and back injuries or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Additionally, adrenaline from bus accidents can mask the pain of more serious injuries, making them harder to detect in the moments after the accident.
A thorough medical examination can help identify these hidden injuries early, which is crucial for your health. Medical records will also provide essential documentation if you need to pursue a bus accident lawsuit or raise a claim with your insurance company related to the bus accident case.
It’s also important that other injured bus accident victims receive medical attention. If you are able, try to help them in any way that you can.
Exchange Information With Witnesses
If you are able to do so, try to gather contact information from witnesses at the scene. This includes other bus passengers, pedestrians, or drivers who might have seen what happened. Their accounts can be invaluable in piecing together the events leading up to the bus accident and can provide crucial evidence for bus accident cases in the event you need to file a claim with your insurance company or bring a personal injury claim against negligent parties.
Keep a note of their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Additionally, if there are nearby businesses or buildings, jot down their names and consider asking if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident. This evidence could help in a future bus accident case.
Document the Accident Scene
After ensuring your safety and calling 911, if you are able, begin documenting the scene. Take photos from various angles, capturing the positions of the vehicles and bus involved, any visible damage, nearby street signs, and the condition of the road. If there are skid marks, traffic signals, a stop sign, or any environmental factors that might have contributed to the accident, photograph these as well.
Also, take notes or record a voice memo detailing your immediate recollections of the accident, including the time, location, and how it occurred. This information can be extremely valuable in piecing together the events and establishing facts, especially for your insurance company or for a personal injury claim.
Call a Sandy Springs MARTA Bus Accident Attorney
Contacting an experienced Sandy Springs bus accident attorney is a crucial step. It’s important that you find a law firm that specializes in MARTA bus accidents, such as Ashenden & Associates, since the legal team will understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to the situation.
A Sandy Springs bus accident attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed, especially in dealing with the insurance company and potential legal claims. They can also help protect your rights and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for serious injuries and damages sustained.
Once your immediate health and safety concerns are addressed, it’s important that you call a Sandy Springs MARTA bus crash lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your bus accident case is handled effectively from the start. From there, they can begin to collect evidence and take the necessary steps to help you receive financial compensation.
The Sandy Springs bus accident lawyers at Ashenden & Associates, P.C. are prepared to put in the work to ensure you and your family receive justice and financial compensation after your bus accident. Call our bus accident injury lawyers at 770-394-8909 for a free case evaluation to discuss your potential bus accident case.
Possible Liable Parties in a Georgia MARTA Bus Accident
In any accident, there are a number of different people who could be at fault, meaning that they were responsible for the accident and can be held liable for any damages the accident caused. Below are some of the possible liable parties in a MARTA bus crash.
If you are in a bus accident, a Sandy Springs bus crash lawyer can examine the evidence and help determine who was at fault for the bus accident. They can also help ensure that you recover compensation for your losses from negligent bus companies.
The Bus Driver
Many bus accidents are caused by driver error, which occurs when the driver of the bus acts negligently while behind the wheel. Examples of this negligence include distracted driving, failure to adhere to traffic laws, driving under the influence, or fatigue due to overworking. If an investigation reveals that the bus driver was at fault, they could be held responsible for the accident.
The Other Party Involved in the Accident
If the bus accident involved any other vehicles, it’s possible that the accident was caused by the driver of another vehicle. Other drivers can be negligent in many of the same ways that a bus driver can be negligent, like by blowing through stop signs or driving under the influence.
In these bus accident claims, determining liability will depend on the specifics of the accident, including road conditions, traffic signals, and witness statements. If the other driver is found to be at fault, they, along with their insurance company, may be responsible for compensating the victims for damages and injuries.
The Bus Company
In the event of a MARTA bus accident, the bus company itself may be held liable. This can occur in situations where the accident is linked to operational shortcomings of the bus companies, such as inadequate driver training, poor maintenance of the fleet, or failure to adhere to safety regulations.
If it is found that the bus company neglected its duty to ensure safe and reliable service for its passengers and others, the company could be responsible for damages. This is particularly relevant in bus accident cases where systemic issues, rather than individual errors, are the underlying cause of the bus accident.
It’s important to note that private companies, like those that own and operate charter buses, differ from government entities that own and operate public transport, like city buses and school buses.
It can be difficult to pursue compensation from government entities due to sovereign immunity laws, which protect them from litigation unless they open themselves to litigation. With experience overcoming sovereign immunity claims, the personal injury lawyers at Ashenden & Associates are prepared to file bus accident lawsuits against bus companies like MARTA, which is a public entity.
The Bus Manufacturer
Another potentially liable party in a MARTA bus accident is the bus manufacturer. If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes, steering issues, or tire failures, the manufacturer of the bus involved in the accident could be held responsible. Product liability claims may arise if it is determined that the bus had inherent design flaws or manufacturing defects that contributed to the accident. In these bus accident cases, the manufacturer may be required to compensate victims for their injuries and damages and potentially issue recalls or make changes to prevent future incidents.
What is the Average Bus Accident Settlement in Georgia?
Determining the average settlement for a bus accident can be complex, as each case varies significantly based on its unique circumstances. While there is no “average” settlement amount due to these varying factors, settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars.
It’s important for individuals involved in a bus accident to consult with a qualified Sandy Springs bus accident attorney who can evaluate their specific case and help them understand what compensation they may be entitled to. An experienced bus accident lawyer will know how to calculate both past and future medical expenses, ensuring the victim’s medical bills are paid for. Serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, tend to be vastly more costly than bus accident victims assume, so the assistance of a personal injury lawyer is critical for securing maximum compensation to cover medical bills.
Beyond maximum compensation for medical bills and ongoing medical expenses, an experienced Sandy Springs bus accident injury lawyer can help calculate and advocate for compensation for non-economic damages.
Complex bus accident lawsuits like ones filed against MARTA require a skilled and experienced legal team. The Sandy Springs MARTA bus accident attorneys at Ashenden & Associates, P.C., are prepared to prove liability and help victims recover maximum compensation. Call us at 770-394-8909 to schedule a free initial case review with a bus accident lawyer on our team.
Damages in a Sandy Springs MARTA Bus Accident Lawsuit
Victims can recover a number of different kinds of damages in a MARTA bus accident lawsuit. These damages are meant to compensate bus accident victims for their losses and suffering due to the accident. Some of these damages include:
Past and future medical expenses;
Lost wages;
Property damage;
Loss of earning capacity;
Physical pain and suffering;
Emotional distress; and
Funeral expenses in the event of a wrongful death. For more information about the types of damages you could receive in a wrongful death claim, reach out to a Sandy Springs wrongful death attorney today.
Sandy Springs MARTA Bus Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a MARTA bus accident, it’s crucial to get the best bus accident lawyer possible who can help you navigate the Georgia legal system. At Ashenden & Associates, P.C., our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping bus accident victims get the justice and financial compensation they deserve, even when facing entities like MARTA.
Our Sandy Springs personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a bus accident can have on individuals and families. Our injury lawyers are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal assistance, combined with aggressive representation, to protect your rights.
Our bus accident attorneys will also fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your bus accident injury or injuries, removing financial worries from the equation and allowing you to heal physically, emotionally, and financially from the situation.
Our Sandy Springs bus accident injury lawyers represent injured victims of various auto accidents and personal injury cases, such as city bus, charter bus, and school bus accidents, as well as victims of other motor vehicle accidents like truck accidents, car accidents, and more. No matter what bus accident injury or personal injury you’re facing, our personal injury law firm is here to help.
Call 770-394-8909 or contact us online and schedule your free case evaluation with one of the experienced attorneys on our legal team.
