Bus Accident Attorney in Athens

Have you been injured in a bus accident in Athens, Georgia? You might feel overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. But you shouldn’t have to face this situation alone. As an accident victim, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, and an Athens bus accident attorney from R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, can help you demand it. Contact our firm today to get started with your free initial consultation.

What Types of Injuries Happen in a Bus Accident?

Whether a bus accident involves a collision with another vehicle, a rollover, or an abrupt stop, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers can suffer severe injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Herniated discs
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Face and eye injuries
• Dental injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Bus Accident?

If you get hurt in a bus accident in Athens, GA, the actions you take afterward can affect your ability to receive compensation for your physical injuries and other losses.

If you were injured in a bus accident, you should:

• Seek immediate medical attention even if you think your injuries are minor.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to ensure proper recovery and documentation.
• Document the accident by taking photos or videos of the bus, other vehicles, and visible injuries.
• Gather contact information from witnesses, the bus driver, and other involved parties.
• Keep all medical documentation related to your treatment to support your injury claim.
• Track your missed workdays and lost income to include these in your compensation claim.
• Consult an Athens bus accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
• Notify your insurer about the accident promptly after consulting a lawyer.
• Refrain from discussing the accident on social media to avoid jeopardizing your case.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Determining responsibility is essential for pursuing a successful claim and recovering the compensation you deserve after an Athens bus accident. Our Athens bus accident lawyer is here to help.

Depending on the circumstances, several parties could bear responsibility for bus accident injuries:

• Bus Drivers – Bus drivers might be liable if their actions or inaction caused the accident. This could be true if they were speeding, driving while impaired, or failing to obey traffic signals.
• Other Drivers – Another driver could be liable if their behavior contributed to the bus accident. For example, if a driver ran a red light or suddenly cut off the bus, causing the bus driver to swerve and crash, that driver could be responsible for the wreck.
• Private Bus Companies – A private bus company could be liable if it failed to maintain the bus properly or provide adequate training to the driver. If the company neglected regular inspections or ignored safety issues, it might be responsible for the accident.
• Government Entities – A government entity might be liable if a city, county, or state operates the bus involved in the accident. This includes public transit buses and school buses. Additionally, if the accident occurred due to poorly maintained roads or traffic signage, the government entity responsible for the road conditions could be liable.
• Bus Manufacturers – The manufacturer of the bus or its parts could be liable if a defect in the bus contributed to the accident. For instance, if faulty brakes, steering systems, or other components fail and cause a crash, the manufacturer might be responsible for the resulting damage.

What Compensation Can I Recover for an Athens Bus Accident?

The compensation you can receive from a bus accident injury claim in Georgia depends on who is responsible for the accident.

Here’s what you can expect based on the liable party in your bus accident injury claim:

• Claims Against Private Entities – If a private company or individual is responsible for the bus accident, you can claim compensation for any resulting financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. You can also seek compensation for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.
• Claims Against the State of Georgia – If the state of Georgia or a state agency is responsible, you can recover up to $1 million per person and up to $3 million per incident.
• Claims Against Counties in Georgia – If a county in Georgia is liable for your injuries, your compensation depends on the nature of the claim. For most claims, the county’s liability is capped based on the county’s insurance coverage or specific statutory limits. For example, in auto accident claims involving county-owned vehicles, the cap is typically $500,000 per person and $700,000 per incident.
• Claims Against Cities in Georgia – For claims against cities in Georgia, the compensation rules are similar to those for counties. Compensation is typically limited by the city’s insurance or local laws. If the city has liability insurance, you could recover compensation up to the insurance limit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, the amount of time you have to file a bus accident lawsuit depends on who is liable for your injuries. Contact our Athens bus accident lawyer today.

Claims Against Private Entities

If a private company or individual caused your bus accident injuries, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue for compensation.

Claims Against the State of Georgia

If the state of Georgia or a state agency is responsible for your injuries, you must follow specific rules to file a claim. First, you’ll need to file a notice of claim. You have 12 months from the injury date or the date you discovered your injury to submit this notice. After you submit the notice, you must wait either 90 days or until the state denies your claim before filing a lawsuit. You must file the lawsuit itself within two years of the date of injury or discovery. If you have questions, contact our Athens bus accident attorney.

Claims Against Georgia Counties

If a Georgia county is liable for your injuries, you must give the county written notice within 12 months of the injury. If you do not provide this notice on time, you cannot file a lawsuit. After giving notice, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your injury.

Claims Against Georgia Cities

If a Georgia city is liable, you must provide notice of your claim within six months of the accident to file a lawsuit against the city. After submitting the notice, you must give the city 30 days to respond. You can file a lawsuit only after this period, and you must do so within two years of the injury date.

Contact an Athens Bus Accident Attorney

If you get hurt in an Athens bus accident, now is the time to take action. Contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, today for a free initial consultation with an Athens Bus Accident lawyer. We will listen attentively to your story, address your concerns, answer your questions, and help you explore your legal options.