Savannah Bus Accident Attorney
Millions of Americans rely on local buses to get around every day, and there are many types of public and private buses used for local public transit, interstate travel, and other purposes.
In Savannah, Georgia, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) transports over 2 million bus passengers every year.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are injured or killed in bus crashes. In fact, there are nearly 60,000 bus accidents in the United States every year. Bus accident victims face unique challenges when seeking compensation for their injuries, including complex rules and strict filing deadlines.
At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve been helping people in Savannah, Georgia, for over 35 years. We’ve won nine verdicts that exceed $100 million and over 60 verdicts and settlements of over $10 million.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a bus accident, give our Savannah auto accident attorneys a call at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free case review today.
What Causes Bus Accidents?
Buses are extremely large and difficult to maneuver. They have much bigger blind spots than regular passenger vehicles, and the stopping distance for a bus is about two football fields long.
It takes experience, maturity, and training to safely navigate a bus full of passengers. Private businesses, school districts, and public transit authorities must hire safe, qualified, and experienced bus drivers. It’s also important to perform regular vehicle maintenance and inspections to make sure all buses are safe.
Factors that contribute to bus accident injuries include:
- DUI
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Negligent hiring
- Poor maintenance
- Inadequate driver training
- Dangerous maneuvers
- Sudden stops
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Sharp turns
- Stopping too far from the curb
- Accelerating before passengers are seated
What To Do if You’re Injured in a Savannah Bus Accident
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a Savannah bus crash, there are steps you can take to help ease your recovery and strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Call 911.
- Report your injuries to the police investigating the accident or file your own police report.
- Collect contact information from anyone who was involved in or witnessed the accident.
- Use your cell phone to take video and pictures of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage if you were traveling in a vehicle when the collision occurred.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Even when they don’t seem severe, injuries such as concussions, whiplash, and nerve damage can grow worse over time.
- Contact Butler Prather LLP.
- Don’t reveal details about the accident on social media or talk about it to anyone other than your auto accident lawyer.
- If an insurance company agent tries to get you to make a statement about the accident or sign an agreement, politely refuse and inform them that your attorney will be contacting them.
Dangerous Maneuvers That Cause Bus Accident Injuries
Safely operating a bus is a lot different than driving a car. Everything a bus driver does has the potential to harm several people, including passengers, people traveling in other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders.
There are special procedures and precautions that bus drivers must take in the following situations to help protect everyone on the road:
- Backing is one of the most delicate activities that bus drivers perform, and it’s crucial to make sure no one is behind the vehicle before attempting this maneuver.
- Changing lanes. Buses have large blind spots on both sides and behind the vehicle. Drivers must signal in advance of all lane changes and make certain that the lane is not occupied.
- Intersections. Bus drivers must always approach intersections with caution and be prepared to stop or slow down when traffic lights change.
- Pulling into traffic. Bus drivers can’t simply expect other vehicles to yield when they enter traffic. They must wait for a gap to emerge that allows them the necessary space to match the speed of traffic.
- Pedestrians. Bus drivers must keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially children, at all times, particularly at crosswalks and near bus stops.
- Railroad crossings. Drivers are required to come to a complete stop at all railroad crossings and check to make sure the coast is clear before proceeding.
- Weather conditions. All drivers are required to slow down to a safe speed during rainy, foggy, snowy, or icy weather conditions, but this is especially important for bus drivers due to the extended stopping distance that buses have.
- Turning. Bus drivers must look out for oncoming traffic when making a left turn and avoid swerving out of their lane when making a right turn.
Who Is Liable for Bus Accident Injuries?
Butler Prather LLP will investigate your accident and file a claim against anyone whose negligent actions caused your injuries. This may include:
- Bus drivers
- Transit authorities
- School districts
- Other drivers involved in the accident
- Manufacturers and designers of defective vehicles
- Subcontractors hired by government agencies
- Private bus company owners and employees
How Your Savannah Bus Accident Attorney Can Help
It takes considerable resources to prove liability in a bus accident claim or lawsuit, but that’s what we do at Butler Prather LLP. Our firm has won record-breaking judgments against some of the most powerful interests in the nation, including large corporations and major automakers.
Our investigators will gather forensic evidence, interview witnesses, subpoena company documents, and consult with expert witnesses to build a strong case. If the other side isn’t willing to make a reasonable settlement offer, Butler Prather LLP is always prepared to take them to court.
A bus accident injury claim or lawsuit may include the following types of damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Surgeries
- PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Medical devices
- Emergency room treatment
- In-home nursing care
- Lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Wheelchair ramps for your home
- Wrongful death
We’ve Won Over a Billion Dollars for Our Clients
Butler Prather LLP is one of the most distinguished and successful personal injury law firms in the country. We have won tremendous settlements and verdicts for clients in over 30 states.
We understand how important your case is to you, and we’ll always treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Reach out to our Savannah bus accident lawyers at (706) 322-1990 to learn more today. We’re standing by to see how we can help.