Atlanta Bus Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Bus Accident Caused by Negligence in GA?

A rash of bus accidents along the East Coast in recent years has motivated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to review and update bus safety regulations and federal laws.

Although the FMCSA is working to improve bus safety across the country, change takes time, and bus accidents are still all too common in Georgia. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to collect damages under bus accident law for your medical bills, your lost wages, and any additional damages related to your injuries. A knowledgeable bus accident attorney can fight to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about your case, or to ask a question about your bus accident and injury, please contact an experienced Atlanta bus accident attorney at Van Sant Law.

Investigations into these crashes have revealed a number of troubling issues with the commercial busing industry as well as public transit authorities, including:

• Fatigued bus drivers who fall asleep at the wheel
• Improperly trained bus drivers
• Improperly maintained buses
• Bus drivers who drive recklessly, speed, or drive aggressively
• Bus drivers using cell phones while driving or driving while distracted
• Bus drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Bargain bus companies who sacrifice safety in order to offer low ticket prices
• Bus companies that violate rest and driving regulations
• Bus equipment failure

Contact us today at to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta bus accident lawyers.

Common Types of bus Accidents

A bus accident is an incident involving a bus that results in damage, injuries, or fatalities. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as driver error, mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or external factors like other vehicles or pedestrians. Bus accidents can range from minor collisions to severe crashes with significant consequences.

Common types of bus accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions – When a bus crashes into the vehicle in front or is hit from behind by another vehicle. This often occurs due to sudden braking, distracted driving, or tailgating.
• Head-On Collisions – When a bus crashes into another vehicle or object while traveling in opposite directions. These are often severe and may result from driver fatigue, wrong-way driving, or loss of control.
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions – When a bus is hit on its side, usually at intersections, due to failure to yield, running a red light, or misjudging the speed of other vehicles.
• Rollover Accidents – When a bus tips over onto its side or roof, usually due to high speeds, sharp turns, or road hazards. These are particularly dangerous for passengers inside the bus.
• Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents – When a bus hits a pedestrian or a cyclist, often due to blind spots, failure to yield, or distractions.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents – When a bus crashes into a stationary object (e.g., a tree, pole, or barrier) due to loss of control, slippery roads, or mechanical failure.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups – When a bus is involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, often on highways, due to sudden stops, poor visibility, or chain-reaction collisions.
• Mechanical Failure Accidents – When a bus crashes due to brake failure, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or engine issues.
• Weather-Related Accidents – When adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, snow, or ice contribute to a bus losing control and crashing.
• Driver Fatigue or Intoxication Accidents – When a bus driver falls asleep at the wheel or operates under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leading to impaired driving and accidents.

How Bus Accident Injuries Happen in Atlanta

Not all bus accident injuries occur when the bus you are riding collides with another object. In fact, bus accident injuries can take a surprising variety of forms. Here are just a few examples:

Various factors can contribute to the unique nature of bus accident injuries, such as the lack of seat belts and open seating arrangements, which can exacerbate the severity of injuries during a collision or sudden stop. Additionally, buses' size and weight can lead to significant impact even at low speeds, posing serious risks to both passengers and pedestrians. It's important to recognize these potential hazards and seek immediate medical attention in the aftermath of an accident. Furthermore, understanding these risks can aid you and your legal team in crafting an effective strategy to pursue any potential claims through a bus accident lawyer in Atlanta.

Types of Georgia Bus Accidents & Their Impact

Buses have a wide range of uses and come in many shapes and sizes. Most of the bus accident claims we see involve the following types of buses:

The diversity in bus types and their respective operating environments introduces multiple layers of complexity in accident claims. Public transportation buses, for example, often operate under the auspices of government entities, introducing potential sovereign immunity complexities. Charter and tour buses typically cross state lines, posing unique jurisdictional challenges. Understanding these nuances requires a comprehensive approach to investigating the circumstances surrounding each incident. Aside from vehicle types, environmental factors such as road conditions, weather, and driver behavior also play a critical role in the frequency and severity of bus accidents. Recognizing these contributing elements can be vital in pursuing a legitimate claim and achieving a fair resolution with a bus accident attorney in Atlanta.

Georgia Bus Accident Claim Complications

A bus accident injury claim is usually more complicated than a traffic accident involving non-commercial vehicles. Not only is the cause of bus accidents often more difficult to understand, but also the bus's insurance provider often has the power and money to fight back aggressively in order to avoid payouts. In addition, Georgia's sovereign immunity laws may make it more difficult for accident victims to collect fair and timely compensation when it comes to bus accidents involving government entities, such as a transportation authority or department of transportation.

Any information you can gather about the accident, including photographs of the site and witness accounts, may also help with your claim. Do not sign anything given to you by the bus company or insurance adjuster before talking to an experienced bus accident attorney in Atlanta, as you may be signing away your right to fair and proper compensation.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should speak with an experienced bus accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at  to schedule your free consultation.