Can You Sue After an Accident Involving a MARTA Bus?

Every day, MARTA buses ferry thousands of people around the Atlanta area. While buses are a fairly safe form of transportation, accidents can and do happen. Given the enormity of their size, bus accidents often cause serious injuries to passengers and non-passengers alike.

If you were injured in a MARTA bus accident, you are probably wondering if you can recover financial compensation for your losses. By and large, the answer is yes. It is worth mentioning, however, that these claims do tend to be more complicated than typical vehicle accident claims. An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you determine who may be liable for your damages.

Who can be held responsible for a MARTA bus accident?

Responsibility depends on the accident. It may be the fault of the bus driver. Drivers are tasked with taking passengers from Point A and safely depositing them at Point B. While doing so, they must obey driving laws and be aware of road conditions. If the bus driver was speeding, drunk, or otherwise careless, they may be liable for the crash.

In other cases, MARTA itself may be to blame. This can happen when drivers aren’t properly vetted and trained, or the buses aren’t properly maintained. Liability can also follow third-party companies if faulty parts or deficient repair work had something to do with the crash.

Lawyers will review accident reports, maintenance records, witness statements, videos, photographs, and any other evidence gathered to determine exactly what happened. A comprehensive investigation can uncover the parties responsible and bolster the injured person’s claim for compensation.

Is MARTA considered a government entity?

MARTA is a public transportation authority created under Georgia laws. Claims involving MARTA may be subject to special legal rules that don’t apply to many ordinary car accident cases.

A major problem is that some notice requirements may have to be met before a lawsuit can be filed. These rules may differ from the deadlines that apply in regular personal injury cases. Failing to meet a notice deadline can jeopardize a claim, even where the injured person would otherwise have a valid claim.

In some situations involving a municipal defendant, injured victims may have as little as six months to provide formal notice of a claim. This deadline can arrive long before the two-year statute of limitations that generally applies to many Georgia personal injury lawsuits. Because missing a required notice deadline can seriously affect your ability to recover compensation, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a MARTA bus accident. Notice requirements will change depending on the facts of the accident and who was involved. An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you ensure that all required notices are filed on time.

What types of accidents involve MARTA buses?

A MARTA bus accident can happen in many ways. Some accidents occur at intersections where a bus strikes another vehicle. Others happen when a driver doesn’t yield, makes a bad lane change, or follows too closely behind another car.

Even in the absence of an actual collision, passengers can still be injured. Sudden stops and sharp turns can cause passengers to fall or be thrown from their seats. Because of their size and numerous blind spots, pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in a bus accident. Determining liability in a MARTA bus accident usually requires a detailed investigation.

What compensation may be available after a MARTA bus accident?

It’s common for bus accident victims to experience extreme degrees of financial and personal loss. In some instances, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription drugs, and ongoing medical treatment related to the injury.

Injured victims may also be able to recover lost wages if they miss time from work while recovering. If the injuries impact the person’s ability to earn money in the future, compensation for loss of earning capacity may be available.

Georgia law may also permit recovery of non-economic damages. Such damages include, but are not limited to, physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages to which no specific dollar amount has been assigned. If a bus accident results in a death, Georgia law may allow the surviving family to file a wrongful death claim.

What should you do after a MARTA bus accident?

Medical attention should be sought after any accident. Some injuries may not be obvious immediately, and early medical care is important to your health and your legal claim. Try to collect as much evidence as possible. Photos, witness contact information, accident reports, and medical records can all be important later.

Don’t assume that the claims process will be smooth sailing. Public transit systems can present unique legal challenges, especially when special notice requirements are involved. The sooner an attorney can begin investigating the accident, the better the chances are of preserving important evidence and meeting any applicable deadlines.

Why is legal help important in a MARTA bus accident case?

Bus accident cases tend to be more complicated than normal car accident claims. Insurance companies and sometimes defense counsel will seek to defend claims or dispute the extent of the injuries suffered by a victim. It often takes a detailed investigation and meticulous preparation to obtain full compensation.

An attorney can assist you in collecting evidence, determining all potentially liable parties, calculating damages, dealing with insurance companies, and making sure that all legal requirements applicable to the claim are met.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a MARTA bus, you should contact an experienced Atlanta bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to help you understand your rights and legal options. The team at Harris Lowry Manton LLP can evaluate your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.