Accidents involving negligent drivers of Metro Atlanta city vehicles have increased in recent years leading to many wrongful deaths and prompting calls for improved safety measures and driver training. In 2018, there were over 690 reported accident victims involving city-owned vehicles, and more than 8,000 crashes in the past decade. Factors contributing to these catastrophic injuries include poor driving habits such as using a cell phone while driving, drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and inadequate training and oversight.
Atlanta has taken steps to improve safety, including an online driver safety training program for all city employees. The program covers defensive driving, distracted driving, and proper vehicle maintenance. Telematics systems are being installed in vehicles to monitor driver behavior and identify dangerous driving. These systems help identify issues such as speeding or distracted driving, allowing for corrective action before accidents occur.
At Marks Law Group our experienced injury lawyers know how to handle cases involving Metro Atlanta city vehicles and will work to secure you the maximum compensation for damages. Call us at 678-251-9309 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your claim.
How Public Transit Accidents Differ From Other Car Accidents
Public transit accidents are different than motor vehicle accidents in that passengers are not as well-protected as in an automobile wreck. In a train or bus, there are typically no seat belts or airbags to help mitigate the severity of an impact; some buses don’t even have seats so passengers have to stand in the aisles, making them more vulnerable.
While most passenger cars weigh around 2,500-4,000 pounds, MARTA buses can weigh almost as much as semi-trucks when fully loaded with passengers; this further increases the momentum of the bus and makes it harder for drivers to control in a collision. Similar to truck accidents, buses are more susceptible to tire blowouts and tipping over due to their height and heavier loads, which can result in severe property damage and pedestrian accidents.
Trains also present their own set of hazards since they can be incredibly difficult to stop quickly due to their high speed and heavy weight. This makes it especially dangerous if someone suddenly appears on or near the tracks while a train is coming through and can lead to passengers being injured, sometimes fatally.
Another major risk posed by trains is derailment because of objects on the tracks or faulty design or engineering – these accident scenes tend to bring catastrophic results due to the lack of protection afforded by a train.
Common Types of Public Transit Accidents
Public transit accidents can harm vulnerable people like children and seniors who travel on crowded buses and trains. Injuries can range from minor scrapes to serious or fatal harm, resulting in lifelong medical bills.
Accidents can involve collisions between public transit vehicles and other vehicles, but there are other risks such as derailments, contact with pedestrians, slips and falls due to hazardous conditions, and collisions at intersections.
These accidents can lead to long-term care, rehabilitation, and medical costs. Being aware of these risks is important to prevent injury or death in the future.
Bus Accidents
Bus accidents involving Metro Atlanta city buses as the negligent party are a major safety concern for the transportation authority and its passengers. In 2019, there were over 100 bus accidents reported in the metro area, mostly involving collisions with other vehicles or objects.
These incidents often result in serious injury or death, affecting their quality of life through emotional distress particularly when smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles become involved in a motor vehicle crash with a large city bus.
FAQ: How can you sue the government for an injury in Georgia?
Metro Atlanta city buses are also prone to rollovers, which can be especially dangerous due to the passengers being thrown around inside the bus. In some cases, these buses may have been improperly maintained or loaded with too many passengers, making them more likely to lose control and tip over. Regardless of how it occurred our Atlanta bus accident lawyers can help you with your claim.
MARTA Train Accidents
Metro Atlanta city vehicles, including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) trains, are prone to accidents. The MARTA rail system is one of the most utilized public transportation systems in the country and experiences its fair share of train-related incidents.
On October 30th, 2019 a MARTA train accident occurred when it derailed after it flew off its tracks due to an apparent mechanical malfunction. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident but it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with traveling on Metro Atlanta city vehicles.
Other train-related incidents have been much more serious, resulting in severe injuries for those involved. Due to the high speed of MARTA trains as well as their large size, these are not ordinary accident claims as they can cause millions of dollars of physical damage when they do occur.
How Long Do You Have to File an Injury Claim Caused by Public Transportation?
If you have been injured in an accident involving a Metro Atlanta city vehicle, such as a bus or train operated by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), you typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim against responsible parties. This is true for most auto accident claim cases involving public transportation.
Time frames for auto accident claims are set by the Georgia statute of limitations, which prevents a person from filing a claim after two years have passed since the incident. If the injury accident was caused by a government agency, such as MARTA, then the time limit may be even shorter. It is important to contact an experienced accident law firm as soon as possible to discuss your legal options for a fair personal injury accident settlement with their personal injury lawyers.
What Should You Do After a MARTA Accident?
If you are a crash victim involved in an accident involving negligent driver behaviors on public transit, it is essential to take immediate steps to ensure your safety is protected. First and foremost, make sure you seek medical attention if necessary and treat any injuries accordingly. After a motor vehicle collision, it is crucial to seek medical attention even for minor injuries, as there may be underlying issues that are not immediately apparent.
Once your physical health has been taken care of, it’s time to advocate for yourself to ensure that all relevant information is recorded in police reports appropriately. Important points of action include making sure the fault driver reports the accident to the police (which police officers are legally required to do), as well as getting their name and badge number for reference for police records later on.
Additionally, gather information from witnesses who may have seen what happened during the incident. This will help insurance claims and ensure that you cannot be taken advantage of at a later date by an insurance company trying to push the blame onto you for the accident.
Compensation You Can Get After a MARTA Accident
When you've been injured in an accident involving a MARTA bus in Georgia, you are entitled to a fair settlement and can recover all costs that relate to the injuries you suffered. Accident injury claims can include both medical and non-medical related expenses.
Medical care costs may include fees from hospitals, doctors, physical therapy sessions, prescription drugs, medical tests, or other medical treatments incurred due to your injury. Under Georgia law, insurance coverage includes the recovery of costs for mental health treatment such as counseling or talk therapy for conditions related to a crash, such as loss of enjoyment and emotional damage due to losing a partner or loved one.
Learn More: How can a personal injury lawyer prove negligence?
Non-medical expenses may include lost wages from missed work due to suffering injuries from a MARTA bus crash or damage is done to vehicles and other property during the accident, funeral costs also fall under the costs that can be recovered from a claim.
Consult With an Attorney Specializing in Public Transport Accidents in Atlanta at No Cost!
If you’ve been injured while riding public transit in Atlanta, you want an auto accident attorney on your side who understands the complex legal process involved. That’s why it’s key to contact an experienced Atlanta Public Transport Accident Lawyer. Having an experienced car accident attorney as your legal representation can make all the difference when fighting for fair and full compensation.
At Marks Law Group, we can provide our accident clients with the representation they need on a contingency fee basis. Our team of Atlanta auto accident lawyers has experience with a wide range of public transport accident lawsuits and will ensure you get the expert guidance needed to navigate settlements and lawsuits involving MARTA or another public transportation provider. Talk to one of our attorneys today for a free consultation.
Just call us or use our contact form to evaluate your case and discuss your options. Get started now and let us help protect your legal rights!