Buses are a common mode of transportation in Effingham County and across the state of Georgia. There are school buses transporting children to and from school, public transportation buses that residents use to commute to and from work, and private bus lines like Greyhound and Peter Pan, to name a few. Like all other motorists, bus drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and avoid unsafe driving behaviors that can increase the risk of a serious bus accident. 

Unfortunately, bus accidents do happen, and they can cause very serious injuries due to the massive size of a bus compared to the average passenger vehicle. If you suffered a serious injury in a bus accident, and the bus driver was at fault, it is highly recommended that you contact the Effingham County bus accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law at your earliest convenience. 

What Are the Different Types of Buses?

When you think of a bus, a number of images may come to mind. 

If you have children, you may picture a school bus. If you rely on public transportation to get to work, you may envision a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus. In addition to these common buses, there are buses used to shuttle people to the airport, and charter buses that may be used to transport people to an event like a wedding, a sporting event, or a corporate outing. There are also tour buses and private bus lines like Greyhound, Megabus, and Peter Pan.

Regardless of the specific use, buses are very large vehicles that can be difficult to maneuver. Some require drivers to have a special license to operate a bus. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Effingham County?

Bus accidents are caused by many of the same negligent behavior that causes other motor vehicle accidents in Georgia. Depending on the circumstances, a bus accident can cause substantial property damage and severe injuries and fatalities. 

The following are examples of some of the most common causes of bus accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Operating a bus requires a great deal of focus and attention. If a bus driver is distracted by a phone call, a text message, or anything else that takes their attention away from the road, they are not paying attention to other motorists in the vicinity, pedestrians who may be crossing the street, or other hazards that may appear on the road. This makes it difficult to react in time to avoid a serious bus accident.
• Speeding: It is crucial that bus drivers obey the rules of the road at all times. This includes paying attention to speed, maintaining a safe speed, and slowing down when making turns, during heavy traffic, and when road conditions are hazardous due to inclement weather.
• Drowsy Driving: When a bus driver is extremely fatigued when driving, they can experience symptoms that are similar to being impaired by alcohol. In fact, studies show that being awake for 24 hours straight can cause decreased reaction times, reduced coordination, and compromised decision-making skills.  
• Drunk Driving: Under no circumstances should a bus driver get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Even a relatively small amount of alcohol can cause impairments that can dramatically increase the risk of a serious bus accident.
• Insufficient Training: Bus companies or other organizations responsible for the buses must provide bus drivers with the training necessary to safely operate such a large vehicle. The bus company also has a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are well-rested and familiar with their routes. 
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: In addition to training their drivers, bus companies must also take proactive steps to regularly inspect and maintain the buses to ensure that they are safe and operating properly.

What Types of Injuries Do Bus Accidents Cause?

Due to the massive size of a bus compared to the average passenger vehicle, buses can cause very serious accidents. Oftentimes, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident that suffer the most serious injuries. 

The following are examples of common injuries that are caused by bus accidents:

• Whiplash
• Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Compensation for a Bus Accident

If you are able to prove that the bus driver was responsible for causing the accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. The Effingham County bus accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will assist you with the claims process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to, which may include:

• All medical expenses associated with your injuries
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages if you are unable to return to your job
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Effingham County?

There are a number of parties that may be liable for a bus accident, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, there may be multiple parties that may be liable. Oftentimes, a bus driver’s negligent behavior causes a bus accident, in which case they will be liable for the resulting damages. The following are examples of additional parties that may be liable for a serious bus accident:

• The Bus Company: If the company failed to properly train the bus drivers, ensure that the buses were inspected and maintained, or encourage drivers to operate a bus after getting too little sleep, they could be liable for the damages caused by a bus accident.
• The Bus Manufacturer: If the bus had defective parts that caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable if the bus is involved in a serious accident.
• The Maintenance Company: If the maintenance company fails to identify a safety issue or make the necessary repairs, they may be held liable if the bus is involved in an accident.
• Another Motorist: If another driver cut off the bus, was tailgating, or otherwise driving negligent, they may be liable for the resulting accident.

What Steps Should I Take After a Bus Accident in Effingham County?

The moments following a bus accident can be extremely chaotic and stressful, but if you try to remain calm and take the following steps, this will ensure that police and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrive at the scene as soon as possible:

• Call 911. Report the accident and inform dispatch if there are injuries so that they can send an ambulance to the scene.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries do not seem serious or life-threatening, it is important that you are examined by EMTs so that they can determine the severity of your injuries, provide treatment, and transport you to the closest hospital.
• Collect evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries. If witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Get the bus driver’s contact information, as well as insurance and employer information.
• Keep detailed copies of any relevant paperwork. For example, medical records, lost wages, and other losses you suffered as a result of your accident.
• Contact an experienced bus accident lawyer. The Effingham County bus accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will protect your legal rights, identify all liable parties, and assist you with every step of the claims process. 

Effingham County Bus Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Help Recover Compensation for Victims of Bus Accidents

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a bus accident, do not hesitate to contact the Effingham County bus accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Our highly skilled legal team will thoroughly review the details of the accident, determine who is responsible for causing the crash, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.