Bus Accidents

Representing Bus Accident Victims in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama

Buses are long and large commercial vehicles that often cannot execute turns without encroaching into another lane or crossing over into oncoming traffic. Bus drivers should be highly trained professionals, especially those transporting children, but this is only sometimes the case, resulting in avoidable accidents that cause serious, life-altering injuries.

At The Hamilton Firm, we have nearly a century of experience helping injured clients hold responsible parties accountable for accidents involving buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Our case results speak for themselves, with over $100 million recovered in judgments and settlements. Our Chattanooga bus accident lawyers are ready to put our extensive knowledge, resources, and meticulous attention to detail to work for you. Our aggressive, effective, and ethical representation includes a personal touch, meaning you will work closely and directly with one of our attorneys from beginning to end. No matter the complexity of your circumstances, our mission is to secure the maximum recovery possible. 

Call The Hamilton Firm today at (423) 634-0871 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our bus accident lawyer attorney in Chattanooga! 

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents, often unpredictable and caused by a variety of factors, can occur in all kinds of environments, from busy metro areas to highways like the I-75 to quieter, rural roadways. This unpredictability underscores the need for legal advice in such situations. 

Many bus accidents that occur in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama are the result of:

• Driver negligence. Even adequately licensed and trained bus drivers are not infallible. Making critical mistakes or failing to observe traffic laws can easily cause a collision in the wrong circumstances.
• Driver fatigue. Bus driving can be a monotonous, exhausting profession. Still, drivers must stay alert and follow applicable rules governing how long they can operate a vehicle before resting. 
• Driver intoxication. No motorist may operate a vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and this is especially true of professional bus drivers who are entrusted with the safety of their passengers. 
• Poor maintenance. State and federal regulations require bus companies to inspect their fleets regularly and conduct routine maintenance. Failure to meet these requirements can result in mechanical failures while on the road, potentially causing a devastating accident. 
• Defective vehicle components. A single component failure can result in a capable driver being unable to control their vehicle or worsen the crash outcome if crucial safety features are not deployed. 
• Weather and road conditions. Bus drivers must exercise extreme caution when forced to navigate hazardous weather and road conditions, as overconfidence or recklessness can lead to tragic outcomes.
• Road design. Buses are inherently cumbersome vehicles that sometimes have difficulty navigating even bare roadways. Poorly designed roadways can create scenarios where a bus driver is forced to engage in dangerous maneuvers with even less room for error. 

If you suffered injuries in a bus accident, do not hesitate to discuss your rights and legal options with our compassionate legal professionals. Contact us online or call (423) 634-0871 today.

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Determining who is responsible for a bus accident tends to be more complex than ascertaining liability in a typical car accident, as multiple parties may be liable. Our Chattanooga bus accident attorneys are prepared to conduct a prompt, thorough investigation into the accident and identify all liable parties you can take legal action against.

Depending on the circumstances of the collision, some of the possible liable parties in a bus accident may include:

• The bus driver 
• The bus company 
• The parties responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting the bus
• A state, city, or local municipality
• The manufacturer of the bus or a defective vehicle component 

Many buses you see on the road are “public,” meaning they are owned and operated by a government agency. Companies like Greyhound and Megabus also run “private” buses. Whether the bus involved in your case is private or public will play a role in determining who can be held accountable for your injuries.

If your accident involved a public transit bus or school bus, the local and/or state government that employed the negligent driver can potentially be sued under certain circumstances. Note that you cannot typically sue an individual driver employed by a government municipality in Tennessee and the damages you can recover are capped. 

A private bus company may also become liable for the actions of its employees. They are also responsible for sufficiently training their employees, verifying their drivers are qualified and properly licensed, and maintaining their vehicles. If a company fails to live up to any of these legal responsibilities or otherwise acts negligently, they often become liable for an accident one of their drivers causes. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bus Accident Claim?

A bus accident lawsuit is intended to get you the monetary compensation needed to restore the financial position you were in before the crash. However, damages are capped in many cases involving government employees or agencies. Damages are not generally capped in cases involving private bus drivers, private bus companies, or other private individuals or entities. When you meet with our team, we will help you understand what the law allows you to recover. 

Our Chattanooga bus accident lawyers will fight to get you the maximum damages available in your case, including compensation for: 

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning potential
• Vehicle and property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Long-term impairment and disability

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Bus Accident Claim in Tennessee? 

Each state enforces time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. The deadlines for your case will usually depend on where the bus accident occurred and whether the bus was privately or publicly owned.

In Tennessee, you typically only have one year to take legal action against parties liable for a bus accident, including the government or a government agency. In Georgia and Alabama, you have two years to file a lawsuit against private individuals, private entities, or government entities.

In each of these states, you may have even less time to start the legal process if your bus accident involved a local municipal government that enforces a shorter time limit, sometimes as brief as six months after the crash takes place. You may also need to provide a notice of your claim to the pertinent government agency, often within twelve months (or fewer) from the accident date. Consequently, you should contact The Hamilton Firm as soon as possible after the collision to ensure you do not miss a deadline. 

Trust in The Hamilton Firm’s expertise and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our bus accident lawyer in Chattanooga!