A damaged bus involved in an accident on a busy street in Atlanta, Georgia, with emergency services attending the scene.
A damaged bus involved in an accident on a busy street in Atlanta, Georgia, with emergency services attending the scene.
A damaged bus involved in an accident on a busy street in Atlanta, Georgia, with emergency services attending the scene.
A damaged bus involved in an accident on a busy street in Atlanta, Georgia, with emergency services attending the scene.

Bus Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia: Laws, Statistics, and Key Cases

Bus accidents are serious and can result in severe injuries, death and property damage. In Atlanta, Georgia public and private buses are a common mode of transportation with thousands of passengers daily. When accidents happen the consequences can be devastating leaving victims with long term physical, emotional and financial burdens. Bus accidents are complex with multiple liable parties making these cases tough.

This article will cover the laws of bus accidents in Atlanta, 2023 stats on bus accidents and a notable bus accident case that has shaped personal injury law in Georgia. We’ll also discuss how victims can get compensation and why you need an attorney to get a good result.

Bus Accident Laws in Atlanta, Georgia

Bus accidents in Atlanta are governed by a complex legal framework of federal and state laws. Bus companies, drivers and even government entities can be liable for accidents depending on the circumstances. Understanding these laws is key for victims seeking compensation for their injuries or losses.

Georgia Bus Regulations

Buses especially those in public transportation or commercial services are regulated by strict federal and state rules. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are the primary regulatory bodies for buses.

Some of the key regulations are:

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Bus drivers must have a valid CDL with a passenger endorsement. This means drivers have received training to operate large vehicles with passengers.
  • Hours-of-Service Regulations: These rules limit the number of hours a bus driver can be on duty to reduce accidents caused by fatigue. Under FMCSA rules bus drivers must rest after a certain number of hours of driving.
  • Vehicle Safety Standards: Buses are subject to regular safety inspections and maintenance. Mechanical parts like brakes, tires and steering system must be in good working order and safety equipment like seat belts and emergency exits must be functioning.

Non compliance with these regulations can result in severe penalties and be a basis for liability if an accident happens due to negligence.

Operator Requirements and Safety Standards

Bus drivers must undergo extensive training and are held to a high standard of care because of the risks involved in operating large vehicles. Their training includes handling emergency situations, controlling the vehicle in difficult driving conditions and understanding traffic laws.

In addition to driver requirements, bus operators whether public transit systems like MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) or private companies must comply with safety standards. This includes regular vehicle maintenance, ensuring buses are equipped with safety features and having policies that promote passenger safety.

How to Prove Negligence in Bus Accident Cases

In Georgia negligence is a key element in bus accident cases. Victims must show that the bus driver, the bus company or another party failed to exercise reasonable care and that’s what caused the accident. Examples of negligence in bus accidents are:

  • Driver error: Distracted driving, speeding or running a red light.
  • Mechanical failure: Buses not properly maintained or ignored safety defects (brake failure) can cause accidents.
  • Failure to follow regulations: If the bus company fails to comply with state or federal regulations it can be deemed negligent.

Negligence must be proven with evidence like accident reports, witness statements and video footage. In some cases expert testimony may be required to explain how the accident happened and who is to blame.

Bus Company Vicarious Liability

In many bus accident cases the bus company can be held vicariously liable for the actions of its employees. Under vicarious liability a bus company is responsible for the negligence of its drivers while they are on the job. If a bus driver causes an accident while working the company can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

This principle means victims are not left without a remedy even if the driver was the direct cause of the accident. It also encourages bus companies to train and monitor their drivers.

Types of Damages in Bus Accident Cases

Victims of bus accidents can recover for:

  • Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost wages: Time off work due to injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: Non economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property damage: Reimbursement for damaged vehicles or other personal property involved in the accident.

If a bus accident results in death the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of companionship and other related damages.

Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Lawsuits

In Georgia victims of bus accidents must file their personal injury claims within the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases including bus accidents the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If you don’t file a lawsuit within this time frame the claim will be barred and you or your family will be left without a remedy.

You need to act fast after a bus accident as gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time.

Bus Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia (2023)

Bus accidents in Atlanta are not as common as car accidents but they tend to involve more victims due to the number of people on the bus. Here are the statistics for bus accidents in Atlanta in 2023.

Bus Accidents in 2023

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) there were approximately 80 bus accidents in the Atlanta metropolitan area in 2023. These ranged from minor fender benders to more serious accidents involving injuries and fatalities.

Bus accidents involved public transit buses, school buses and private charter buses. While MARTA buses were a big part of the incidents, private bus companies and school transportation systems were also involved.

Causes of Bus Accidents

The most common causes of bus accidents in Atlanta in 2023 were:

  • Driver fatigue: Long shifts and irregular hours cause driver fatigue which is a leading cause of bus accidents. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, have slower reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel.
  • Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone or other distractions can lead to catastrophic accidents when bus drivers are not fully focused on the road.
  • Speeding: Although buses are big and hard to maneuver, speeding is a big factor in many accidents. In high traffic areas like downtown Atlanta speeding can easily lead to accidents.
  • Mechanical failure: Buses need regular maintenance to ensure critical components like brakes and tires are functioning properly. Mechanical issues from lack of maintenance were a big part of bus accidents in 2023.

Injuries and Fatalities in Bus Accidents

Of the 80 bus accidents in Atlanta in 2023, 45 resulted in injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to serious injuries that required hospitalization. Some victims had broken bones, head trauma and spinal cord injuries which can lead to long term disability.

5 fatalities were reported in bus accidents in 2023. Fatalities usually occurred in accidents involving multiple vehicles or when pedestrians were struck by the bus.

Bus Accident in Atlanta

One of the most notable bus accident cases in Atlanta in the last decade was a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). The case was Johnson v. MARTA and showed the severe consequences of negligent bus operations and set a precedent for holding public transportation authorities accountable.

Case: Johnson v. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)

Summary:
Sarah Johnson, a 38 year old Atlanta resident was severely injured when a MARTA bus hit her car at an intersection. The bus ran the red light and hit Johnson’s car causing a multi car pile up. Johnson had multiple fractures, internal injuries and permanent nerve damage.

The investigation showed the bus driver had been working long hours and was likely fatigued at the time of the accident. Also the bus had not gone through the required maintenance and the brakes were not functioning properly.

Outcome:
MARTA was found liable for the accident, the court ruled that the bus driver’s negligence and MARTA’s failure to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition caused the crash. Johnson and other victims in the accident were awarded settlements in excess of $5 million. This included medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and future care needs.

Legal Takeaways and Outcome

The Johnson v. MARTA case shows the importance of driver training, hours of service and regular vehicle maintenance. Public transportation authorities like MARTA have a duty to ensure their drivers are well rested and their vehicles are safe to operate. This case also reaffirmed the doctrine of vicarious liability where MARTA is accountable for its employee’s actions.

The settlement not only helped the victims but also made MARTA review and improve their safety protocols so similar accidents would not happen in the future.

Bus Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Bus accident cases involve multiple parties, complex issues and large settlements. Victims of bus accidents need experienced legal representation to navigate these cases and get the compensation they deserve.

At Keller Swan Injury Attorneys we specialize in bus accident cases and work hard for our clients.

Case Evaluation and Evidence Collection

Our team at Keller Swan will investigate each bus accident case and collect:

  • Accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Surveillance footage (if available)

We also work with accident reconstruction experts to figure out what happened and who’s at fault. We leave no stone unturned in building the case.

Customized Legal Approach for Maximum Recovery

Every bus accident case is different, at Keller Swan we develop a customized legal strategy for each client’s case. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies, settle cases and go to court if necessary.

We want to get compensation for all economic and non-economic damages including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical care
  • Emotional distress

Client Support and Advocacy

At Keller Swan we know bus accidents can affect victims and their families deeply. Our team will support our clients throughout the process, inform them, empower them and treat them with respect.

How to Prevent Bus Accidents in Atlanta

Preventing bus accidents requires active safety measures and compliance by bus companies, drivers and public transportation authorities. Here are:

Driver Training and Compliance

Bus drivers need to be trained regularly to keep their skills up and follow traffic laws. Drivers should also be monitored for hours of service compliance so they are well rested and fit to drive a bus.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Protocols

Buses need to be maintained and inspected regularly so they are in good condition. Companies that neglect maintenance or skip inspections put passengers, pedestrians and other drivers at risk.

By being safe and following the protocols bus companies and public transportation authorities can minimize the risk of accidents.

Keller Swan Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Atlanta, contact Keller Swan Injury Attorneys to help you with your case and get the compensation you deserve.

What We Can Do For You

We offer:

  • Case evaluation
  • Evidence collection and analysis
  • Negotiation with insurance companies
  • Representation in court

Get in Touch

Contact Keller Swan today to schedule an appointment.

Bottom Line

Bus accidents in Atlanta can be catastrophic for victims, from serious injuries to big financial loss. Navigating bus accident claims requires knowledge of the laws governing bus operations and the ability to collect and present evidence. Reviewing recent stats and looking at recent cases will help victims and their families understand their options.

Keller Swan will get you expert legal help for bus accident victims. We provide case analysis, customized approach and client support to get you the compensation you need. If you or a loved one was in a bus accident, call us now. We’ll help you get justice.