Have you been hurt in a bus accident in Alpharetta, Georgia? If so, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our Alpharetta bus accident lawyers at (770) 758-4176 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
Our team has more than 50 years of experience helping protect victims after an accident, and we have recovered more than $200 million in compensation for our clients. We understand just how difficult the time after an accident can be, and you should never have to go through it alone.
How Rafi Law Firm Can Help After a Bus Accident in Alpharetta, GA
The time after an accident is never easy. Not only are you dealing with painful injuries, but the stress of your medical bills and other financial consequences only adds to the difficulty of the situation. The Alpharetta personal injury attorneys at Rafi Law Firm can handle every detail of your legal claim while you focus on a healthy recovery.
Our team is ready to help you by:
- Performing a thorough independent investigation of your accident
- Obtaining bus maintenance records, driver logs, and other evidence
- Handling all communications with the bus operating company
- Identifying all potential defendants who may share liability
- Understanding all your damages to put an accurate value on your claim
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement for your claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when negotiations stall
Bus accident claims can be complex, and you need a lawyer on your side who knows how to get results. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with an Alpharetta bus accident attorney and let us help you pursue compensation for your losses.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Georgia?
Bus drivers often put in long hours, and these large vehicles can sometimes be difficult to maneuver. There is often a combination of contributing factors that may ultimately result in a bus crash.
Some of the most common causes and contributing factors of bus accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Large blind spots
- Drug or alcohol use
- Poor weather conditions
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Unsafe passing by other vehicles
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
Identifying the cause of a bus accident can help determine which parties may be held responsible for the crash and resulting injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Bus Accident?
Depending on the type of bus and its operation, the driver or transportation company may be subject to federal and state safety requirements. Violations of applicable rules may be relevant when determining liability.
However, the bus driver is not always the one who is at fault for a bus accident. Determining the at-fault party requires performing a full investigation of the facts of the accident.
Some parties who might be responsible include:
- The bus driver
- Bus or transportation carriers
- Negligent third-party drivers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Bus service or maintenance providers
In some cases, more than one party could share some of the fault. When that happens, you may be able to seek compensation from all the parties who contributed to your accident.
What Types of Damages Can Victims of Bus Accidents Recover?
If another party is legally responsible for a bus accident, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Georgia generally does not cap compensatory damages in ordinary personal injury cases, although certain claims are subject to special rules.
This means that you can seek the full value of your losses, including items such as:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify all the damages that may be available as part of your claim. This can help ensure you are putting an accurate value on your claim and pursuing the full amount of damages available under Georgia law.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit After a Bus Accident in Georgia?
Georgia generally gives injured people two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Missing the applicable deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation through the courts.
However, accidents involving government-operated buses may be subject to shorter notice deadlines and special requirements. For example, claims against municipalities generally require notice within six months, while certain claims against counties or the state generally require notice within 12 months. Different rules may apply depending on the public entity involved.
Exceptions may also affect the filing period, including certain cases involving minors. Identifying the bus operator early can help determine which deadlines and notice requirements apply.
Contact Our Alpharetta Bus Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a bus accident in Alpharetta, GA, contact the experienced team at Rafi Law Firm today. We have extensive experience helping clients get the justice they deserve after all types of devastating accidents, including bus crashes. Let us learn more about your situation and help you understand all your legal rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an Alpharetta bus accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
