Atlanta MARTA Bus Accident Lawyer
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is a government entity that operates hundreds of busses throughout the Atlanta area. These busses provide essential transportation services to countless passengers. Still, harmful accidents involving MARTA busses can occur.
It is crucial that you seek legal support in the immediate aftermath of a MARTA bus accident in Atlanta. Assigning fault for such an accident can be difficult. Furthermore, the process for filing a claim against a government entity like MARTA can be especially complicated. Our legal team is prepared to review the specifics of your case and explain the appropriate course of action.
Get support from our Atlanta MARTA bus accident lawyers today by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
Who to Sue After a MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta
There are multiple parties who may be liable for your bus accident. Our Atlanta MARTA bus accident attorneys can help determine the strength of your claim against any of the following parties:
Bus Drivers
A high number of bus accidents occur because of bus drivers’ negligence. For instance, a crash may happen because a tired bus driver ran a red light or committed an improper turn. If your accident was caused by a negligent bus driver, then you may be able to sue them directly for the damages you sustained.
MARTA
You may also be able to sue MARTA for your bus accident injuries. There are multiple ways that MARTA may be liable for a crash. For instance, MARTA may be responsible for a collision that occurred because they failed to perform necessary maintenance on one of their vehicles. Alternatively, MARTA may be liable for a crash that happened because they failed to properly train one of their drivers.
Since MARTA is a government entity, there are specific legal procedures and deadlines that must be followed when filing a claim against them. Our attorneys can ensure that such deadlines are followed in your case. That way, you may focus on healing while knowing that your claim is being handled by our experienced team.
Third-Party Drivers
Some bus accidents happen because of careless behavior exhibited by third-party drivers. For example, a catastrophic accident may occur because a negligent driver veered from their lane and forced a large bus into oncoming traffic. If you suspect that a third-party driver is responsible for your accident, then you may sue them for the damages you sustained.
Manufacturers and Sellers of Defective Parts
In some cases, MARTA bus accidents occur because vehicles are equipped with defective parts. For instance, a bus passenger may be injured because their bus crashed into the back of a car with a defective tail light. Further, a bus may suffer a devastating rollover because its brakes malfunctioned.
Our lawyers can investigate your accident to determine if it was caused by a defective part. If so, then you may be able to file a claim against that part’s seller or manufacturer. However, such a claim can be highly complicated. You may need to present an array of expert witness testimony in order to prove that a defective part is to blame for your crash.
City of Atlanta
Finally, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta after suffering a MARTA bus accident. For instance, if your crash occurred because of poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals, then the city may be liable.
Similar to filing a claim against MARTA, filing a claim against the city of Atlanta required adherence to specific notice requirements and deadlines. Our team will ensure that these requirements are met in your case.
Deadline to Sue for a MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta
The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia is set forth by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. You will generally have two years from the date of your bus accident to sue for the injuries you sustained. If you miss this deadline, then you may miss your chance to recover monetary damages.
Also, as previously mentioned, there are more pressing deadlines that apply to bus accident cases filed against government entities like MARTA. According to O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5(b), you will have to provide MARTA with notice of your claim against them within 6 months of the date your injury occurred.
In conclusion, you should not hesitate to take legal action after suffering a MARTA bus accident in Atlanta. Delaying action could inhibit your ability to obtain payment for injuries you suffered.
Considering Settlement Offers in MARTA Bus Accident Lawsuits
If you file a bus accident lawsuit, the defendant will probably attempt to entice a cheap and quick settlement agreement before a trial occurs. By accepting a settlement offer, you agree to dismiss your case in exchange for a specific amount of financial compensation. There are reasons you may want to settle early. For example, reaching a settlement agreement may allow you to recover payment more quickly and save on certain costs that would be incurred at trial.
However, the defendant’s initial settlement offer will not likely reflect the full value of your case. Support from our skilled lawyers can be very helpful when attempting to negotiate for an acceptable agreement.
Still, if an appropriate offer is not presented, then you should go to trial to acquire the monetary damages you are owed. After consulting with our legal team, you can confidently decide whether accepting an offer or going to trial is best for you.
Importance of Prompt Medical Treatment After a MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta
If you were injured as the result of a MARTA bus accident, then you should see a doctor right away. You will need medical documentation of your injuries in order to recover damages in a personal injury case. If you wait for your injuries to heal on their own, then obtaining this documentation may become difficult.
Contact Our Attorneys After Suffering a MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta
Seek help from our Atlanta MARTA bus accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by dialing (410) 694-7291.