Bus accidents can involve multiple parties and serious injuries, whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our Atlanta bus accident lawyers are ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Call 770-205-8887 to set up a free consultation and find out how we can assist with your recovery.

What You Need to Know About Getting Compensation After a Bus Accident in Atlanta

Bus accidents are different from regular car crashes. When a large vehicle like a city bus, school bus, or charter coach is involved in a collision, the consequences can be severe. Passengers often have no seat belts. Some may be standing when the crash happens. The size and weight of a bus also increase the likelihood of serious injuries for everyone involved.

If you were injured in a bus accident in Atlanta, you may be dealing with medical bills, lost income, and confusion about your rights. Getting compensation is possible, but these claims often involve more complicated legal steps than a typical accident case. Knowing how the process works can make a big difference.

Who can file a claim after a bus accident?

In most accidents involving a bus, multiple people may be eligible to seek compensation. This includes:

• Passengers on the bus

• Drivers and passengers in other vehicles

• Pedestrians or cyclists hit by the bus

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a distracted driver, a poorly maintained vehicle, or a dangerous road—you may have a right to compensation.

Different types of buses and how they affect your case

The type of bus involved can affect how your case is handled. Accidents involving MARTA buses or school buses are often considered government-related cases, which means different rules and deadlines may apply.

• Public transit buses (like MARTA): Claims may need to follow the Georgia Tort Claims Act. This requires early notice, usually within six months.

• School buses: If the bus is operated by a public school system, the case could involve state or local government liability.

• Private charter buses: If a private company owns the bus, then traditional personal injury rules may apply, though commercial insurance is usually involved.

The entity responsible for the bus—whether it’s the government or a private business—plays a key role in how your claim proceeds.

Common causes of bus accidents

Like any motor vehicle, buses can crash for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Driver fatigue

• Speeding

• Distracted or impaired driving

• Inadequate training or supervision

• Poor vehicle maintenance

• Unsafe road conditions

• Faulty brakes or tires

When a crash happens, investigators usually look at driver logs, bus maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to figure out what went wrong. Identifying the cause helps determine who is at fault—and who should pay.

Injuries that may qualify for compensation

Due to the lack of safety restraints and the size of the vehicle, bus accident injuries can be serious. Common examples include:

• Head and neck injuries

• Broken bones

• Spinal cord damage

• Internal bleeding

• Cuts and bruises

• Whiplash

• Emotional trauma

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to seek medical attention. Delayed symptoms are common, and documentation will help support your claim later on.

What Compensation May Cover

A personal injury claim allows you to recover damages related to the crash. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)

• Physical therapy or rehabilitation

• Lost income if you can’t work

• Reduced earning ability

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Long-term disability

• Property damage (if applicable)

Every case is different. The amount you’re eligible to receive will depend on how badly you were hurt, how your life has been affected, and who was responsible for the accident.

Steps to take after a bus accident

The steps you take after the accident can affect the success of your claim. Here’s what you should do:

• Get medical care – Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries take time to appear.

• Report the incident – If you were on a public bus, make sure the driver knows you were injured. Ask for a copy of the incident report.

• Collect information – If possible, get names and contact details of other passengers or witnesses. Take photos of the scene and your injuries.

• Keep records – Save all medical bills, receipts, time missed from work, and any communication with the bus company or insurance providers.

• Talk to an attorney – Bus accident claims can get complicated fast. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and deal with the insurance companies.

Proving fault in a bus accident

Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. The amount you receive will be reduced based on your share of fault.

Proving who was at fault may involve gathering:

• Surveillance footage from the bus or nearby buildings

• Testimony from eyewitnesses

• Vehicle maintenance logs

• Data from the vehicle’s black box (if available)

• Expert analysis or accident reconstruction

Because many buses are operated by government entities or large companies, there are often multiple layers of insurance and liability. Having the right documentation is key.

Deadlines you need to know

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a government entity—like a MARTA bus or school district—the deadline to give notice can be as short as six months.

If you miss a deadline, you may lose the right to pursue your claim. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly and get legal advice early.

Why legal representation matters

Filing a claim against a large bus company or a government agency isn’t easy. These organizations often have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests. You don’t have to take them on alone.

A personal injury attorney can help:

• Investigate the accident

• Determine who is liable

• Calculate fair compensation

• Handle all negotiations

• Represent you in court, if necessary

You focus on recovery. Let your legal team focus on building your case.

Bus accidents are not like typical fender benders. There are more people involved, more serious injuries, and more complex legal issues. If you’ve been hurt in a bus crash in Atlanta, you may have the right to recover compensation for what you’ve lost.

Consult a Dedicated Bus Accident Attorney in Atlanta

Injuries from bus accidents can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. Let a bus accident attorney from Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. review your case and explain your options. Call 770-205-8887 today to schedule a free consultation and start the process of pursuing compensation.