Bus Accident Attorney in Peachtree Corners, GA

Bus accidents can be devastating events that leave victims facing serious injuries and financial turmoil. Unlike typical vehicle collisions, bus accidents often involve complex liability issues and heightened safety standards due to the size and passenger capacity of these vehicles. At The Scott Pryor Law Group, we understand how challenging the aftermath of a bus accident can be, and we are committed to helping Peachtree Corners residents secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

• Understanding Bus Accident Cases in Peachtree Corners, GA
• Determining Liability in Bus Accidents
• What to Do After a Bus Accident in Georgia
• Pursuing Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries
• Why Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Peachtree Corners?

Understanding Bus Accident Cases in Peachtree Corners, GA

Bus transportation plays a vital role in Peachtree Corners and the surrounding metropolitan area, serving thousands of passengers daily through various transit systems. When an accident occurs, the results can be tragic. In 2024, 13,452 bus accidents occurred nationwide, resulting in 12,532 injured individuals and 171 fatal accidents.

Accidents can affect all types of buses, including:

• Public transportation: Gwinnett County Transit and MARTA buses serve Peachtree Corners residents. When public transit accidents occur, they often involve government entities with specific legal procedures and potential sovereign immunity considerations that require experienced legal guidance.
• School buses: Georgia ranks among the top three states with the highest number of school bus crashes and fatalities. School bus accidents present unique legal challenges due to governmental immunity laws and strict procedural requirements.
• Charter and private buses: These vehicles often travel longer distances and may cross state lines, potentially involving federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions in accident cases.
• Shuttle services: Hotels, airports, medical facilities, and corporate campuses rely on shuttle services to transport passengers. These smaller buses still pose significant risks due to their size and the frequency of stops they make in high-traffic areas.

The most common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver error and negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, failure to check blind spots, improper lane changes, and violations of hours-of-service regulations that lead to driver fatigue
• Vehicle component failures, including brake failures, steering malfunctions, and tire blowouts due to deferred or inadequate maintenance
• Road conditions, including construction zones and inadequate road maintenance
• Failure to adapt to inclement weather conditions
• Inadequate training and supervision

Determining Liability in Bus Accidents

Multiple liable parties may be involved in bus accidents, including:

• Bus drivers who violate traffic laws, fail to follow safety protocols, or operate under the influence
• Bus companies or operators who fail to train their drivers adequately, have substandard maintenance histories, place their employees under unrealistic schedules, or fail to conduct proper background checks on drivers
• Municipalities and government agencies, such as public transit authorities and school districts (Special procedural requirements often apply when suing government entities.)
• Other motorists who cause bus accidents through reckless or negligent behavior

Under O.C.G.A. § 46-9-132, common carriers like buses owe passengers “extraordinary care,” a higher standard than typical negligence cases. This elevated duty means bus operators must exercise the highest degree of care consistent with the practical operation of their vehicles.

Complex bus accident cases often require collaboration with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and transportation safety professionals. Our legal team will work with these experts to build a comprehensive case that establishes liability and demonstrates the full extent of your injuries and losses.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Georgia

After suffering injuries in a bus accident, be sure to:

• Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor initially, some conditions may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical evaluation creates necessary documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
• Document the scene: If you are physically able, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Report to authorities: Police reports provide official accounts of the incident and may include important details about contributing factors and initial fault determinations.
• Collect necessary evidence: Obtain copies of police reports, medical records, employment documentation showing lost wages, and any video surveillance from the bus or nearby businesses. Our legal team will help preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
• Contact a bus accident lawyer quickly: Georgia’s statute of limitations requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the accident date. However, cases involving government entities may have much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as little as six months. 

Pursuing Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries

After suffering injuries in a bus accident in Peachtree Corners, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any ongoing care requirements related to your injuries.
• Loss of income from missed time at work
• Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries or disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule with a 50 percent bar. Under this rule, if you are found less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any alleged fault on your part while maximizing the accountability of other parties.

Bus accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including the bus company’s commercial liability coverage, the driver’s personal insurance, and potentially your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Understanding how these policies interact requires experienced legal guidance to ensure maximum recovery.

Why Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Peachtree Corners?

Working with a local attorney after suffering injuries in a Peachtree Corners bus accident can offer many advantages, including:

• Experience with local laws and regulations: Our familiarity with Georgia transportation laws, local court procedures, and the specific challenges of Peachtree Corners traffic patterns provides distinct advantages for our clients.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and attorneys focused on minimizing payouts. Our experienced attorneys will level the playing field and fight for fair compensation that genuinely reflects your losses.
• Securing optimal settlements or verdicts: The Scott Pryor Law Group has a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for injury victims. We will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

The Scott Pryor Law Group has decades of combined experience and is recognized among the top one percent of trial attorneys nationwide. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.