Douglasville Bus Accident Lawyer

Did you or someone you love get hurt in a Douglasville bus accident? It’s natural to worry about how to cover your medical expenses and what steps to take next. A skilled lawyer from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can help you explore your options, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Types of Buses Could Be Involved in a Douglasville Bus Accident?

Many types of buses transport people in Douglasville and throughout Georgia, ranging from privately owned buses to public shuttles. Pursuing a personal injury case will mean identifying the laws and regulations that apply to your case along with the relevant insurance available to compensate you.

Types of buses commonly involved in Georgia bus crashes include:

• School buses
• City transit buses
• Coach buses
• Charter buses
• Airport shuttle buses
• Tour buses
• Private shuttle buses
• Hotel courtesy buses
• Party buses
• Church buses
• Intercity buses
• University campus buses
• Prison transport buses
• Limousine buses
• Non-emergency medical transport buses
• Cross-country buses
• Trolley buses
• Senior living buses

What Are Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Douglasville?

Douglasville bus accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding the common causes of these collisions can be helpful in determining fault and seeking justice. While every bus accident has unique details, many of the same factors frequently contribute to these incidents, such as:

• Distracted driving – Bus drivers who divert their attention from the road, even for a few seconds, can cause devastating accidents with serious injuries.
• Driver fatigue – Fatigued drivers, especially interstate bus operators, may struggle to stay focused on monotonous trips, significantly increasing crash risk.
• Speeding – Buses need more time to stop than passenger vehicles. High speeds reduce the time available to respond effectively to sudden hazards, and the larger size and weight of the bus increases the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities in a high-speed crash.
• Mechanical failures – Buses that miss routine maintenance can suffer from problems like brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine issues.
• Reckless driving by other motorists – A bus driver may be unable to avoid a collision if a careless driver cuts them off, tailgates, or otherwise drives recklessly.
• Poor road conditions – Roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, or unclear markings make it difficult for buses to maneuver safely.

What Are the Different Types of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents take many forms, each with its own set of dangers:

• Bus vs. car – Collisions between buses and cars are common and can cause serious damage to both vehicles, often resulting in injuries to passengers and drivers alike.
• Bus vs. pedestrian crashes – Bus accidents involving pedestrians can occur in busy areas or near crosswalks, with pedestrians facing high risks of severe injuries.
• Bus rollovers – Rollovers happen when a top-heavy bus tips onto its side, often due to sharp turns or when traveling at high speeds.

Injuries from bus crashes can range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries like brain injuries and spinal cord damage. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can calculate your losses and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and other crash-related losses.

How Do You Prove Who Is At Fault for a Bus Accident?

You will need substantial proof to establish liability in a bus accident claim. An experienced bus accident lawyer can gather and analyze evidence to demonstrate who is at fault for the crash and your subsequent injuries.

Common evidence to support liability claims include:

• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Cell phone records
• Toxicology reports
• Hours-of-service logs (in some instances)
• Accident reconstruction analysis and reports
• Medical records

After gathering the evidence for your personal injury claim, your lawyer can send a demand letter to the insurance company to initiate settlement negotiations.

What Are the Differences in a Claim If the Bus Is Privately Owned vs. City Owned?

The type of bus ownership can affect the process and complexity of a bus accident claim. If a private bus company owns the bus, the claim typically involves working with the company’s insurance department or provider. Private companies often carry specific commercial policies, which usually cover higher limits due to the bus’s passenger capacity.

The claim will likely involve different rules if a city or another government entity owns the bus. Claims against the government usually have shorter filing deadlines and unique procedural rules. An attorney who understands these distinctions can effectively handle your claim properly based on the bus’s ownership.

What Types of Compensation Might You Be Able to Receive?

A successful bus accident injury case can provide various types of compensation to cover the effects of your injuries and losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could seek compensation for:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life

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

In Georgia, you have two years from the date of a bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a privately owned company or entity.

However, claims involving government-owned buses, like city or county buses, have shorter deadlines. You must file a notice of claim with the government agency within a much shorter time frame — often within six to 12 months — depending on the government entity. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Contacting a knowledgeable Douglasville bus accident lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to submit a timely claim.

Contact a Douglasville Bus Accident Attorney

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a severe injury, choosing the right legal team matters. At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we have more than 85 years of combined experience making a difference in the lives of Georgia injury victims. Past client Lorrie Barger writes, “My daughter was seriously injured in a horrible school bus crash in Carroll County… [Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.] was able to get my daughter a settlement against the School Board as well as another insurance company involved. The combined payments took care of my daughter’s medical bills, future treatment, and all that she went through in this tragic case.”

If you’re ready to learn how Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can help with your bus accident case, contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation.

Visit Our Douglasville Bus Accident Law Offices