The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) maintains over 100 buses that run 91 separate routes throughout the Atlanta area. While the vast majority of trips occur without incident, accidents involving MARTA buses occasionally occur, sometimes causing serious injury. Fortunately, in many cases, victims of MARTA bus accidents can recover for their losses through a Georgia personal injury lawsuit. In order to determine whether you have a claim, you should consult with one of the Atlanta personal injur attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC as soon as possible after your accident occurs. You can reach us by calling (404) 869-8600.
Common Causes of MARTA Bus Accidents
Accidents involving public buses can occur for a number of reasons. Among the most common are the following:
- Bus driver error – Driver error is the cause of the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents. While most MARTA bus drivers are well-trained professional drivers, errors are bound to happen. An attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you as to whether you have a legal claim and against whom that claim may be filed. Additionally, as a common carrier, MARTA owes its passengers a heightened duty of care. This means that it may be easier to recover for your losses if you are injured as a passenger on a MARTA bus than it would be if you are injured as another vehicle that is in an accident involving a MARTA bus.
- Poor weather conditions – As anyone who has driven a vehicle is aware, poor weather conditions can make it extremely difficult to control a vehicle. Poor weather does not excuse driver negligence, however, and drivers may still be held liable for negligence that occurs during a storm or other weather event. In some cases, conduct that would not be considered negligent in the absence of poor weather, such as driving at the posted speed limit, may be considered negligent in light of the contemporaneous circumstances.
- Poorly maintained vehicles – As mentioned above, MARTA maintains a fleet of over 100 buses. The agency has a duty to the public to ensure that its vehicles are safe to operate each day – when this does not occur, they may be liable for any injuries that result. Examples of accidents that may be the result of poor maintenance include those caused by brake failures, tire blowouts, stalled vehicles, or improperly functioning signal lights.
- Negligence on the part of other drivers – MARTA buses share the roads with thousands of other vehicles each day. Nothing can protect even the most careful bus driver from the negligence of another driver. When a 3rd party causes an accident and injures passengers on a MARTA bus, several parties could potentially be held liable, and you should be certain to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine whether you have a legal claim.