Atlanta MARTA Accidents Lawyer
Last updated Thursday, August 4th, 2022
Hurt in a MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) accident? No doubt that you rely on public transportation to help you get to some places in Atlanta. Unfortunately, sometimes public transportation is just not safe and those accidents can cause injury.
MARTA Accident Lawyer – Don’t Give a Statement Before Calling Us
If you’ve been hurt in a Marta accident then you’ll quickly be faced and pressured into an interview by investigators from MARTA. Don’t give them a recorded statement before talking to us.
BEFORE making statements to investigators, you need to know that what you say can (and will) be used against you. So, before giving statements about your injuries, the accident, and specifics, you NEED to get advice from our MARTA Accident Attorney, James Murphy. See how he explains it in the video below:
You want to make sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize having a case or getting your medical bills paid by MARTA’s insurance company.
An attorney will be able to conduct their own independent investigation for you. You’ll want this because the attorney on your side will be looking for evidence that can help prove your personal injury case. It may not be too late to contact an attorney, even if you have already talked to investigators.
You may be required to submit a report confirming that you were a passenger during the collision or injury accident. Our office can help you track down witnesses and provide evidence to prove that you were a passenger. BEWARE: If you wait too long to file your case, witnesses, employees, and evidence can be very difficult to track down.
We are experienced Atlanta MARTA accident lawyers and if you have been injured because you were using the transportation system, contact us today.
You deserve a settlement payment for your injuries.
Call Attorney James Murphy
770-577-3020 for FREE Legal Advice!
What is the MARTA Accident Checklist?
- Make sure you are listed as a passenger on the accident report.
- Get a copy of the accident report
- Take pictures of the accident and your injuries.
- Get your injuries checked out by a doctor.
- Talk to an attorney before talking to the insurance company or investigators.
- Get witnesses’ names and numbers.
- Keep a record of work hours/days you miss due to your MARTA accident-related injuries.
- Save all medical documentation, including prescriptions.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta?
If you are injured in an accident involving a MARTA bus, the first thing you need to do is let the driver know. The driver will then call the police and file an accident report. As soon as possible after an accident, you should begin to gather evidence. Getting the contact information of other passengers or anyone else who possibly saw the accident happen. Take photos if necessary. It is helpful to have this type of information in court if your case proceeds.
Police will prepare a report describing what happened and who was involved after they arrive on the scene. Make sure your name is included in the report. When there are several people involved in a bus accident, it is easy for the police to overlook your name. The police have many different statements to gather, so make sure to share yours and that it is properly documented before you leave the scene.
It is essential to work with an experienced MARTA accident attorney in Georgia, as lawsuits involving accidents on buses are typically quite complex. They will help you get what you deserve.
What can Contribute to a MARTA Bus Accident?
There are four common factors that lead to bus accidents:
- The first and most common one is distractions. If bus drivers are distracted, they aren’t paying attention to the road, increasing their chance of getting into an accident. Distractions from GPS devices, cell phones, or other mobile devices can also cause drivers to lose focus. Unwanted interruptions from passengers are another one of the main causes of distractions on buses.
- Driving too fast can lead to serious injury on a bus. Bus drivers are required to follow a safe speed limit for the road and current weather conditions. Buses are more likely to hydroplane on wet roads because of their large size. In situations like these, controlling a bus can be extremely challenging, which leads to accidents.
- The driver may not be able to react quickly or see what is going on around them when impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not only do these substances negatively affect the central nervous system, but they can also affect the driver’s vision. A driver operating a bus while intoxicated is much more likely to cause an accident. While driving under the influence, one may swerve, make incorrect lane changes, collide with another vehicle, or hit objects on the road. These accidents can result in severe injuries to passengers or bystanders.
- The last cause of accidents is buses turning when it is unsafe. Because buses are so much bigger than passenger vehicles, it can make turning corners challenging. Swinging too wide and crossing traffic or not seeing another vehicle in a blind spot before turning could lead to a collision.
You deserve a settlement payment for your injuries.
Call Attorney James Murphy
770-577-3020 for FREE Legal Advice!
What Injuries Result in Bus Accident Cases?
MARTA buses are not only large, but they also transport a lot of people daily. If an accident occurs, those passengers can sustain serious injuries. The people on MARTA buses, as well as other drivers and pedestrians, can be injured in accidents involving buses or other vehicles. Injuries that we have seen in bus accidents include head injury, broken bones, sprain and strains, burns, damage to the head, neck, and spine causing paralysis, and injury to internal organs.
Injuries can also happen while getting on and off the bus. There have also been cases where the platforms have hazards and are unsafe, causing passengers to slip and fall. The first step for any injury is to file a report with the right people. Then seek medical attention for your injuries. No matter how severe your injuries or how they occurred, make sure that you are fairly compensated for your damages and fight for your legal rights. Finding an attorney to represent you can get you the most for your injuries in a bus or train accident.
Who Handles Bus Accident Lawsuits?
The aftermath of an accident involving a MARTA bus or train can be very confusing. There can be a lot of different statements to go through and the stories may not all line-up. With many different agencies involved (like the city government and insurance companies), there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of.
Most of these companies involved are solely focused on protecting themselves and not what is best or fair for you. Before talking to any insurance provider, it is vital to hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
When filing a claim after a bus accident, you have a certain amount of time before you can no longer claim injuries from the accident. After this window, it’s no longer possible to file for compensation. All accident claims are required to be filed with insurance companies.
When a city is involved, there may be several insurance companies involved. All of them are primarily focused on paying as little as possible and closing the claims quickly. When talking with any insurance agent, make sure your attorney is with you, you have the right for them to represent you. The insurance company will have a lawyer watching over the case, so you should too. Make sure your rights are the top priority with one of our attorneys to help you get the compensation you deserve.
MARTA bus accident attorneys who have handled similar cases before can help you assemble a team of experts so that you can demonstrate the damages you deserve and prove who is liable.
What Recourse Do I Have if My Child is Injured in an Atlanta School Bus Accident?
A school bus accident should be handled in the same way as other bus accidents. A report to the bus driver and other adults on the school bus should be the first thing done if your child gets injured. Children should tell their parents as soon as possible if they are injured.
In cases where the bus driver’s actions contributed to the accident, you might have a strong case. Sovereign immunity can sometimes be a problem in school bus cases. This means that before you can file a lawsuit against a government entity, they must agree to be sued. In most cases, communities have insurance in place to deal with situations like these.
The City of Atlanta, for example, has a $25,000 insurance policy. Your child’s injuries may also be covered by your insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. No matter with which insurance company we file a claim, we want to make sure you are compensated.
Your child deserves justice for their injuries.
Call Attorney James Murphy
770-577-3020 for FREE Legal Advice!
What are the Different MARTA Case Classifications?
Buses operated by MARTA can be found along highways, residential streets, and even in the downtown area of Atlanta. Passengers, drivers, and pedestrians can be injured in bus accidents. Depending on where the accident or injury happened, a claim can become complicated fast. With many different laws and regulations for each entity involved, there is a lot to work with on a case.
For many of the accidents, there are cameras in the area capturing the exact time and how the incident occurred. Use the evidence for your case to back up your statements. These accidents can impact your quality of life in major ways – a complete change in your life, sometimes even causing pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help make sure the right people are held accountable for your injuries and damages.
MARTA Bus Accidents
Some important things to remember after a bus accident with MARTA. The process of seeking compensation directly from MARTA is very different from filing a typical auto accident claim. You will most likely need a lawyer to take on MARTA because they put up resistance to claims like these.
When a bus accident happens, they will send out an inspector to gather as much evidence as possible. Taking pictures and interviewing people involved are the primary focus. The cameras on the front, back, and both sides of the MARTA bus will capture the wreck when it happens – showing what lead to the accident and who is at fault.
This is important in piecing the accident and all the statements of the people involved together. Both your attorney and the insurance companies will be able to use this video evidence in bus accident claims. You still need to be sure to report your statement about what happened and seek medical care if you need it for your injury.
MARTA Train Accidents
MARTA Train AccidentsTrain accidents don’t occur often, but when they do, it usually ends in serious injuries. Many times, they involved pedestrians being hit by a train as they were passing by. Passengers getting on and off the train can also be injured.
Another reason a train accident may happen is due to defects or mechanical errors. The arms at crossings could fail, or traffic on a route may be different. There are also margins for electrical failures with the doors or systems aboard the trains. If the operators don’t maintain the highest level of care for the machines, they could be held liable.
Just like with buses, the trains and stations have cameras all around to catch videos. There may be evidence on film showing that a MARTA train is at fault in the accident. Trains usually have a black box that also keeps track of things on board like if the brakes were used or if the horn was used to warn bystanders. This is vital especially when the accident involves pedestrians.
MARTA Escalator and Elevator Accidents
In Atlanta, MARTA operates several bus terminals and train stations. Any of these places can be a site of accidents. In cases involving escalators or elevators, an expert is usually called in to investigate. They find out what caused the malfunction in the equipment. A lot of times it is because the equipment was not properly taken care of by the contractors.
If a person were to slip and fall that could also fall under “slip and fall accidents”. When the platforms are not cleared of any obstructions, or a step isn’t clearly marked, there could be an accident where someone could fall and break a bone.
If you do get an injury while on an escalator or elevator in a MARTA bus station, make sure you find someone to report it to immediately. To give your statement, it may be best to have the police or paramedics come to check on your injury before you leave the scene. This way you don’t miss the specific time you have to report the incident, potentially missing out on getting damages for your injury. For MARTA to remain in compliance, its property must be well-maintained and free of hazards that could cause injury.
Other Public Transit Services in Georgia
- MARTA
- BCPT (Milledgeville)
- CTS (Athens, University of Georgia)
- Xpress
- APT (Augusta)
- METRA (Columbus)
- Paratransit Van Service
- RCT (Richmond County Transit)
- CCT (Cobb County Transit)
- Vanpool
If you or a family member has suffered as the result of a MARTA accident in Atlanta, Georgia, Murphy Law Firm may be able to help you. We help injured bus passengers recover the just and fair compensation for their injuries. Contact Attorney James Murphy for a FREE Consultation (770) 577-3020.
