Bus Accident Cases Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists

Walking and biking are everyday activities for many people in Georgia. Whether someone is heading to work, exercising, or just enjoying their neighborhood, they have the right to use the road safely. Unfortunately, pedestrians and cyclists are extremely vulnerable in traffic—especially when larger vehicles like buses are involved.

Bus accidents involving those on foot or bike often lead to serious injuries. Because buses are so much larger and heavier than passenger cars, these collisions can be devastating. Victims may face long hospital stays, permanent injuries, or even the loss of a loved one. Understanding what causes these incidents and how liability is determined can help victims and their families take action after an accident.

Why These Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike drivers or passengers in vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists don’t have a steel frame protecting them. When a bus hits someone on foot or on a bike, the impact is direct. Even a low-speed crash can cause major trauma. Buses also have large blind spots, limited maneuverability, and longer stopping distances. That combination creates a serious risk for those sharing the road without a motor vehicle.

In busy areas like downtown Atlanta or near schools and college campuses, foot and bike traffic often mixes with public transportation routes. One moment of distraction or misjudgment by a bus driver can change someone’s life in an instant.

Common Causes of These Crashes

Many different factors can lead to a bus hitting a pedestrian or cyclist. Some of the most frequent include:

• Driver inattention: A distracted or fatigued bus driver may fail to see someone crossing the street or riding beside them.

• Failure to yield: At crosswalks and intersections, pedestrians and cyclists often have the right of way. If a driver doesn’t yield, a collision may follow.

• Unsafe turns: Buses making wide right turns or quick left turns may clip cyclists in bike lanes or pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Speeding: Driving too fast, even just a few miles per hour over the limit, increases stopping distance and makes it harder to react.

• Poor visibility: Bad weather, blind spots, or dark clothing can make it harder for drivers to see someone until it’s too late.

• Improper lane changes: Cyclists riding near bus lanes or the shoulder may be sideswiped if the bus drifts or turns suddenly.

Sometimes, negligence on the part of the city or transit authority also plays a role. If a poorly marked crosswalk, broken traffic signal, or lack of warning signs contributed to the crash, the local government could share liability.

Determining Who Is Responsible

After a bus hits a pedestrian or cyclist, one of the first questions is who should be held accountable. There are several possibilities depending on the facts of the case:

• The bus driver: If the driver was careless, distracted, under the influence, or violated a traffic law, they may be personally responsible.

• The transit company or government agency: If the driver was working for a public or private transportation company, that organization may be liable under Georgia law.

• A third-party vehicle: Sometimes, another car causes the bus to swerve or stop suddenly, triggering the accident.

• The cyclist or pedestrian: In some situations, the person injured may have been crossing against the signal or riding outside the bike lane. Even then, they may still recover partial compensation under Georgia’s comparative fault rules.

It’s also important to investigate whether the bus was properly maintained. Brake failure, steering issues, or defective mirrors could all contribute to a crash.

Injuries Common in These Accidents

The injuries pedestrians and cyclists suffer in bus collisions are often severe due to the size and weight of the vehicle. These may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Multiple broken bones

• Internal bleeding

• Facial trauma

• Road rash and severe abrasions

• Wrongful death

Many of these injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Compensation through a personal injury claim can help cover the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain caused by the crash.

What to Do After a Bus Hits a Pedestrian or Cyclist

If you or someone close to you has been hit by a bus while walking or biking, the actions taken afterward can affect the outcome of a legal claim. Start by calling 911 and getting medical help right away. Even if the injuries seem minor, having a medical record is important. Some conditions may not be obvious at first.

Next, try to gather information at the scene if you are physically able:

• Get the bus number and license plate

• Take pictures of the location, injuries, and damage

• Ask for names and contact information of witnesses

• Make note of any surveillance cameras in the area

Avoid making statements about fault or accepting blame. These comments can be used against you later. If the driver or bus company reaches out, refer them to your attorney instead of answering questions directly.

Why Legal Representation Is Important

Bus accident cases involving pedestrians or cyclists are not the same as a typical car crash. You may be dealing with a public transportation system, a government agency, or a private contractor. Each of these comes with different legal rules, insurance coverages, and deadlines.

For example, if a government entity is involved, Georgia law requires that a notice of claim be filed within a short window—sometimes just six months after the incident. If that step is skipped, you may lose the right to sue. An attorney who handles bus accident claims can ensure that all requirements are met and your case stays on track.

Your lawyer will also work to:

• Collect evidence and accident reports

• Identify all liable parties

• Calculate the full value of your damages

• Handle negotiations with insurers

• Represent you in court if necessary

Most importantly, legal help gives you the time and space to focus on healing while your attorney focuses on getting results.

Conclusion

Getting hit by a bus while walking or biking is something no one expects. These accidents often leave victims struggling physically, emotionally, and financially. If the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you shouldn’t have to bear that burden alone.

In Georgia, injured pedestrians and cyclists have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve lost—and for what you’ll need in the future. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and take the next step toward recovery.