Columbus GA Bus Accident Lawyers

Representing Injured Passengers, Pedestrians, and Drivers

Buses play a vital role in Columbus, Georgia, from school transportation to city transit and private charters. But when these immense vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating.

Bus passengers, pedestrians, and people traveling in other vehicles may suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care. This can lead to long-term financial hardships.

At Butler Prather LLP, we represent people who have been seriously injured in bus accidents. We’ve won some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history for victims of catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one was hurt in a Columbus GA bus crash, our personal injury attorneys are ready to seek justice.

Are You in Need of a Proven Columbus Bus Accident Lawyer?

Bus accident claims can be especially difficult. They often involve multiple liable parties, government regulations, and well-funded insurance companies. You need a lawyer with the experience and resources to take on these challenges.

Butler Prather LLP doesn’t back down from powerful corporations, school districts, or transit agencies. We prepare every case for trial, and our history of multimillion-dollar verdicts shows that we know how to win high-stakes cases.

Why Choose Us Over Other Bus Accident Lawyers in Columbus GA?

• Free consultation
• Over 35 years of experience representing injury victims nationwide
• Ten verdicts over $100 million for clients
• Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2019
• Proven success in courts across 30+ states nationwide
• Partner James Butler has been featured in the Atlanta Bar Association’s Legends of the Bar Series
• You don’t pay unless we win

Call for a Free Consultation Today

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a Columbus GA bus accident, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Butler Prather LLP at (706) 322-1990 today. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.

Who May Be Liable for Your Bus Accident?

Bus accidents often involve more than one liable party. Our attorneys carefully investigate each case to identify all liable parties. This may include:

• Bus drivers who were distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or negligent
• Bus companies that failed to hire qualified drivers and ensure vehicle safety
• Government agencies responsible for public transit safety
• Third parties such as maintenance contractors
• Other drivers who were involved in the accident

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bus Accident

If your injuries were caused by negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to work
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life when daily activities and hobbies are no longer possible
• Property damage to vehicles, bicycles, or personal belongings
• Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or intentional conduct

What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Columbus

After a bus crash, your safety and well-being come first. Here are important steps to take:

1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
2. Document the scene by taking photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
3. Collect contact information from witnesses.
4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

At Butler Prather LLP, we can handle communications with insurers and begin investigating your claim right away.

Speak With a Bus Accident Attorney Today

Do not let a bus company or insurance carrier push you into an unfair settlement. Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Columbus, Georgia

There are several factors that may contribute to a bus collision.

Driver Negligence and Distracted Operation

Bus drivers carry tremendous responsibility for the safety of several people. Unfortunately, negligence behind the wheel is a leading factor in many crashes.

• Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls while operating the bus
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication
• Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections or pedestrian crosswalks
• Aggressive driving, including tailgating or unsafe lane changes
• Fatigue from long shifts or inadequate rest breaks
• Ignoring traffic signals, stop signs, or school zone laws
• Lack of attention when merging or pulling away from stops

Mechanical Failure and Poor Bus Maintenance

Buses require regular maintenance to operate safely. When companies cut corners on safety inspections or delay necessary repairs, they put everyone on the road at risk. In Georgia, bus companies are legally obligated to maintain their fleets in good working order, and when they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for the harm that results.

Mechanical failures that lead to bus crashes include:

• Brake failure – worn-out or poorly maintained brakes that reduce stopping power
• Steering system defects – problems with the steering column, linkage, or power steering
• Tire blowouts – caused by worn tread, underinflation, or manufacturing defects
• Transmission failure – sudden gear issues that affect acceleration or control
• Suspension problems – faulty shocks or struts that reduce vehicle stability
• Lighting or signal malfunctions – broken headlights, brake lights, or turn signals that prevent proper visibility
• Door malfunctions – faulty bus doors that fail to open/close safely during passenger loading
• Windshield wiper failure – impaired visibility in bad weather due to defective or worn wipers
• Fuel system leaks – creating a fire hazard or causing engine failure
• Engine failure – sudden loss of power that leaves the driver unable to control the bus

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bus Collisions

Because of the massive size of buses and the fact that many of these vehicles lack seatbelts or other safety restraints, both passengers and people outside the bus can suffer catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs.

Passenger, Pedestrian, and Driver Injuries

• Bus passengers. The force of a collision can throw them violently inside the bus. Without restraints, individuals may strike hard surfaces such as seats, windows, or railings, resulting in serious head trauma, bone fractures, or spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, these impacts can cause lasting disability or chronic pain that requires long-term medical care.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable when struck by a bus. Given the weight and size of the vehicle, these crashes often result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Survivors may face amputations, severe internal injuries, or traumatic brain damage that forever alters their lives.
• Drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles involved in bus collisions also face extreme danger. A bus’s sheer mass can crush smaller cars, leading to multiple traumatic injuries ranging from broken bones and internal bleeding to life-threatening spinal injuries. Recovery from such accidents is often long and difficult, with significant financial and emotional consequences for victims and their families.

In all these scenarios, the severity of injuries highlights just how destructive bus accidents can be and why those harmed often need immediate medical treatment and strong legal representation.

Long-Term Consequences of Severe Trauma

Many victims experience lasting effects such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Chronic pain and loss of mobility
• Emotional trauma including anxiety and PTSD

Don’t Delay! Georgia Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims

In Georgia, victims generally have two years from the date of a bus accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government entity is involved, the deadlines are much shorter. That’s why it’s so important to contact a Columbus personal injury lawyer right away. This also gives your attorney the opportunity to begin collecting evidence before it gets lost or destroyed.

Your Recovery Matters—Let Us Fight for You

Bus accident claims are not simple. With so much at stake, you need a law firm with a proven record of winning catastrophic injury cases.

At Butler Prather LLP, we have the resources and determination to fight for justice for Columbus bus accident victims. Call us at (706) 322-1990 today for a free consultation.

Motor Vehicle Accident Case Results

Commercial Vehicle / Personal Injury

Kayla Kummala and Madison Fortier v. Downey Trees, Inc. and Jeremy Ryan Stephens. On July 14, 2015, Ms. Kummala was the driver, and Ms. Fortier was the backseat passenger of a car stopped at a red light in Forsyth County. A Downey Trees employee, driving a Downey Trees truck, failed to stop at the red light and hit the back of Ms. Kummala’s car, going 67 miles per hour. Ms. Kummala suffered a serious brain injury and spent four days in the intensive care unit. Ms. Fortier was also knocked unconscious and suffered severe physical injuries including the partial amputation of her thumb and multiple facial fractures. Ms. Fortier underwent three surgeries and spent two weeks in Grady Hospital. The striking driver had an extensive bad driving record and was hired in violation of Downey Trees’ company policies. The case settled just prior to trial, with Ms. Kummala and Ms. Fortier recovering the remaining policy limits of Downey Trees’ primary and umbrella insurance policies.

Commercial Truck / Personal Injury

Wagner vs. Tony Cook Trucking Co. and Estate of Beck. On February 18, 2016, Mr. Wagner was the front seat passenger in a Toyota Corolla as the driver attempted to turn left at on a highway in Banks County, Georgia. The Corolla was violently struck by a dump truck. The driver of the Corolla was killed in the wreck. An investigation determined that the dump truck had brakes that were out of alignment. Mr. Wagner suffered severe injuries in the wreck, including a life-threatening brain injury that left him in a coma for seven days. The case settled prior to suit being filed, with Mr. Wagner recovering policy limits from the driver of the Corolla, the owner of the Corolla, and the owner of the dump truck.

What People Are Saying About Us

“A very satisfied client!” - Roy Burns (5-Star Google Review)

My wife was involved in a terrible wreck, hit by a large truck that ran a RED LIGHT! One of my brothers told me about this law firm, Butler Prather LLP! After praying to God to help my wife recover from this wreck, the second best thing was calling [Butler Prather LLP]. This firm operates as a highly professional organization, competent and extremely loyal to its clients. When you are assigned an attorney to work your case, you also meet a team of professionals. And they all come to work for you; my wife and I called it "Total Coverage," from start to finish, your team is hard at work [...] to win your case for you! A very satisfied client!

“I highly recommend this firm in your time of need” -Joe Jones (5-Star Google Review)

[Butler Prather LLP] made our experience so easy after a car accident. They have handled obtaining all records needed for our case, and they have kept us updated on where we are. I highly recommend this firm in your time of need. They truly care about their clients.

Other Injury Cases We Handle in Columbus, GA

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Products Liability
• Trucking Accidents
• Wrongful Death

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a claim after a bus accident in Georgia?

Any injured passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver of another vehicle may be able to pursue compensation.

Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident case?

You have a much greater chance of filing a successful claim when you find the right attorney to represent you. These claims are complex and often involve large corporations or government entities with strong legal teams.

How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?

Generally, two years in Georgia, but shorter deadlines apply for claims involving transit companies or public officials.

What damages can I recover?

When Butler Prather LLP files a bus accident claim, it includes damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. We also pursue noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life.

What evidence helps my case?

Your attorney will collect these types of evidence to support your claim:

• Accident report
• Medical records
• Photos
• Witness statements
• Expert testimony
• Dash cam and surveillance video

Will my case go to trial?

Many cases are settled through negotiations, but our attorneys are always prepared to take your case to trial.

How much does it cost to hire Butler Prather LLP?

Butler Prather LLP works on a contingency fee basis; you won’t have to pay anything unless we win you a settlement or a verdict.

Seriously Injured in a Bus Accident? Protect Your Rights Today

For decades, Butler Prather LLP has fought for injury victims, securing record-setting verdicts and settlements nationwide.

Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

About Our Attorneys

James E. Butler Jr.

State Bar of Georgia License: 099625

James E. Butler Jr. is the founding partner of Butler Prather LLP and a powerhouse trial lawyer with a career that has reshaped Georgia law. Over the course of his practice, he has tried more than 170 civil cases, achieving 10 verdicts exceeding $100 million and securing landmark wins of $1.7 billion in 2022 and $2.5 billion in 2025 against Ford Motor Company.

Ramsey B. Prather

State Bar of Georgia License: 588880

Ramsey B. Prather, a partner at Butler Prather LLP, focuses his practice on False Claims Act litigation, business torts, catastrophic injury, trucking accidents, and wrongful death cases throughout Georgia and across the country. He was part of the trial team that secured a record-setting $280 million jury verdict in a wrongful death trucking case in 2019.

View Larger Map

Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902