Understanding bus accidents in Stone Mountain, GA

Bus accidents can involve many types of vehicles, including tour, commercial, municipal, charter, and school buses. Most of the time, these accidents occur because the driver commits a traffic violation, but bus accidents can have numerous causes. 

Common causes of bus accidents in Georgia

In Stone Mountain, GA, distracted driving leads to many bus accidents. A driver who takes their eyes off the road to look at passengers or fiddle with the GPS puts everyone at risk because they miss hazards and changes on the road.

Speeding can also cause serious bus accidents, potentially leading the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Speeding makes braking in time more difficult when obstacles appear on the road and can cause worse injuries by increasing the force of the crash.

Sometimes, the bus drivers are not at fault. Instead, bus maintenance issues or even malfunctioning parts can be the problem. Road conditions can be a concern, too, with pavement problems potentially causing the driver to lose control of the bus. 

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Elements of a bus accident claim

To be eligible to file a claim after an accident in Georgia, you have to be able to prove a few things. First, you need to show that the person who caused the accident had a duty of care toward you. Then, you must prove that they breached this duty. Anyone driving on the road owes others a duty to follow traffic laws and operate the vehicle safely. If they did anything to compromise that, they breached their duty. Next, you have to show their actions led to your injuries and that you can be compensated. In cases where a part malfunctions, you don’t have to prove negligence because it falls under product liability, which follows strict liability laws in Georgia. In that case, you just need to show that the malfunctioning part led to the accident and your injuries.

Is having a bus accident lawyer in Stone Mountain, GA, necessary?

Filing a claim after a bus accident might seem simple, but it’s not. You must gather lots of evidence to prove who was at fault and then show they’re liable. All that takes effort, and you could be dealing with severe injuries. You don’t want to go through this alone. You also will have to negotiate with the other party’s insurance, and that requires experience and a deep understanding of Georgia law.

To have the best chance of succeeding at your claim, you need to have a bus accident attorney in Stone Mountain. Something else to remember is that if negotiations aren’t progressing, a lawyer can take your claim to court and settle it there. Often, just the threat of going to court is enough to get the other party to cooperate. 

Compensation available after a bus accident in Stone Mountain, GA

You can get both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that relate to monetary losses you’ve suffered, such as medical expenses. And if your injuries need ongoing care, economic damages can cover future medical expenses, too. Lost wages are another type of economic damage. If you missed wages because you were getting treatment for your injuries, you should get compensation. People who can’t return to work can also get coverage for future wages they'll miss out on. Non-economic damages are those that aren’t as easily quantifiable. They can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and even loss of consortium. In the most extreme cases, Georgia also offers punitive damages. 

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How Pendergrass Law can help

At Pendergrass Law, we have years of experience helping people who’ve been in bus accidents in Stone Mountain, GA. We know how difficult this entire process is and will offer the compassionate guidance that you deserve. We begin by assessing your claim.

Not everyone has a viable claim, even if they suffered injuries, so we ensure we can help you before gathering evidence that proves who’s liable. This means acquiring medical records, eyewitness accounts, and more. 

Our team is ready to negotiate with the at-fault party. We know how to have these difficult conversations to get you the compensation you deserve. If necessary, we’ll also take your case to court. 

Get reliable and experienced lawyers in Stone Mountain, GA

If you’ve been in a bus accident, getting help can be a phone call away. Reach out to us at Pendergrass Law to speak with tenacious and dedicated lawyers ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a bus accident lawyer in Stone Mountain

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