When a bus crash turns your routine upside down, you need an Atlanta bus accident lawyer who understands the city’s transit systems and the complexity of commercial vehicle litigation. Munley Law has more than 65 years of national experience in these cases, and we have built a reputation as one of the top law firms in the country.
Our board-certified personal injury attorneys have represented passengers, pedestrians, and drivers involved in MARTA crashes, school bus incidents, private shuttle accidents, and commercial bus collisions throughout the Atlanta metro area. We have successfully secured multiple eight-figure recoveries for victims of commercial vehicle accidents, including $26 million, $20 million, $19.8 million, and $11 million in cases involving devastating injuries and complex liability disputes.
Bus accident claims often require standing up to powerful institutions, from government agencies and local municipalities to large national insurance carriers. Munley Law has the resources, trial experience, and strategic depth needed to hold these entities accountable and push for the full compensation our clients deserve.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
How a Munley Law Atlanta Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You
The team at Munley Law is here to assist with your Atlanta bus accident case. To each of our clients, we bring:
- Extensive knowledge of the intricacies of bus accidents in Atlanta.
- Specific experience filing claims against major transportation companies and motor carriers
- Excellent resources to help uncover hidden evidence and details on why your accident with a bus took place.
- Trusted support when you need to file a claim and seek compensation against a third-party bus service, private shuttle service, or school bus.
Beyond these core strengths, our firm also brings a level of national recognition that very few personal injury practices can match. Since 1959, we have secured more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for injury victims across the United States. Our attorneys include some of the most respected commercial-vehicle litigators in the United States, and their credentials reflect decades of focused work on complex bus and truck accident cases.
Three of our lawyers are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Marion and Daniel Munley have each chaired the American Association of Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group, and both serve on the Board of Regents at the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Marion and Daniel are also named among the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and all of our partners appear on the NTL’s list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Marion’s record of high-stakes verdicts earned her membership in The Summit Council, an invitation-only group of attorneys recognized for exceptional trial results, and she is also listed among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania. Munley Law is consistently named to Best Lawyers’ list of the Best Law Firms in America, and all five partners are included in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation.
This experience and expertise matter, especially in a city where public transportation is such a central part of everyday life. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) itself is a massive transportation network throughout the Metro Atlanta area. It is one of the largest transit networks in the country. Every day, approximately 106,000 bus riders board at one of MARTA’s 9,000 bus stops to travel throughout the city. Yet when an accident involving a MARTA bus occurs, whether you are a passenger or the driver of another vehicle, seeking fair compensation can be challenging.
When you hire our bus accident lawyers, you gain a confident, trusted, and proven attorney ready to fight for you.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”
Daniel W. Munley
Why a Bus Accident Lawyer Near You Makes a Difference
Choosing a local Atlanta bus accident attorney can make a profound difference in your case. Our legal team has been there. We know how complicated the process can be, whether you are injured on the 817 that runs to and from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or the 196 that takes you to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have helped clients who suffer serious injuries on a number of bus systems and locations on Atlanta routes.
When you work with our local attorneys, we can also help you with other types of bus accidents that happen in the city. We are aware of school bus regulations designed to keep children safe as they travel to and from school. Our team has worked with clients who have faced serious injuries resulting from commercial bus company accidents, including those involving Megabus and Greyhound.
By understanding the local community, the demands of buses in the area, and the most common reasons these accidents happen in Atlanta, we are poised to provide highly accurate and detailed resources to support our clients. Your Atlanta bus accident attorneys know what you are facing as well as just how easily the city, commercial companies, and school districts deny claims.
Set up a time to speak to our bus accident lawyer in Atlanta today. Let us answer your questions.
How Much Is Your Atlanta Bus Accident Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a bus accident claim in Atlanta is dependent on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the types of losses you have experienced that may not improve, and the evidence to back up your claims. Our attorneys will gather critical information about your injuries and losses to build a strong claim for you.
To determine the value of your bus accident claim in Atlanta, we will consider factors such as:
- The at-fault party, whether that is the city, school district, a commercial company, or a third party
- The extent of your injuries and the type of medical care you need to recover
- The loss of recovery and ability to maintain the current quality of life you have due to your injuries
- The cause of the accident, including reckless driving, intoxication, or intentional acts, was the result, potentially increasing the ability to recover punitive damages
- Previous cases like yours, including those that may be in the same area due to unsafe conditions or bus routes
With all this information, our Atlanta bus crash lawyers will build a clear claim that demonstrates who should pay you and how much they owe you. When it comes to determining the value of your Atlanta bus accident case, you can expect us to be comprehensive in considering all possible factors.
Contact an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus Laws in Atlanta, Georgia
Several types of bus systems operate in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area. You could be in an accident with any of them. However, the bus laws and regulations impacting each type of busing system may be slightly different. Sharing the road with a bus is more complicated, and laws are in place to reduce risks.
School Bus Laws in Atlanta
The Georgia Department of Driver Services shares these rules for school buses in the city:
- All drivers must stop when approaching or meeting a stopped school bus that has its lights flashing and is loading or unloading passengers.
- Drivers on a highway that is separated in the center by median strips must stop only if they are following or traveling alongside the school bus in the same direction.
- Drivers must stop as soon as the lights are activated and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights are deactivated, and all loading or unloading of passengers has cleared the roadway.
Violations of these school bus laws include a mandatory court appearance, fines of up to $1,000, and up to six points added to your driving record. If you are convicted of not stopping for a school bus and are under the age of 21, you could have your license suspended.
These laws do not apply to commercial buses. Drivers do not have to stop for the loading or unloading of a MARTA bus either.
MARTA Bus Accident Laws
MARTA is a public authority owned by the counties and cities that it serves. This includes Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties as well as the city of Atlanta. The Georgia Public Service Commission oversees these bus stations and drivers.
If you are hurt in an accident with MARTA, you may hold the city or county accountable for your losses if you can demonstrate they are at fault. Bringing a claim against the city is more challenging. Section 36-33-5 of the Georgia Code states that you must notify the city of your claim within six months of the accident. As a government agency, the handling of your claim will be significantly different than what happens in a traditional personal injury claim with another driver. We encourage you to work with our Atlanta bus accident attorney to file this type of claim. Municipal bus services can be liable for injuries caused by their vehicles or drivers, but you have a limited time to take legal action.
Commercial Bus Company Accidents
Commercial bus companies operate throughout Atlanta. This includes those based in the city, such as Greyhound and Megabus, but also those traveling into the area for tourism or events. If you are in an accident with a commercial bus in Atlanta, you will file a claim for losses against the company that owns and operates the bus. This may include the driver and third parties.
Licensing Requirements in Georgia
Bus driver licensing requirements in Georgia are specific. Drivers must maintain a commercial driver’s license that features a passenger endorsement. If the driver is a school bus driver, they must have a school bus endorsement on their license.
To obtain this, a driver must complete the necessary education and training through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), pass a written test, and then pass a road test. Bus drivers must be at least 18 years of age, have a good driving record with no more than five points, and undertake a professional driver training course. They also must have a medical certification.
Drivers must be able to meet all vehicle inspection requirements for each route and understand passenger safety regulations. Being a bus driver has numerous requirements that, when followed, could reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Compensation and Damages in Atlanta Bus Accident Cases
You have the right to seek fair compensation for any losses you have after a bus accident. However, local insurance companies representing bus drivers and companies in the city will work diligently to minimize any claims you have. Our Atlanta bus accident attorneys will identify all of the losses you have by looking at numerous factors in your case. Some of the most common losses victims have include:
- Medical costs: Medical expenses from emergency care, recovery, rehabilitation, medications, and treatment
- Ongoing and future medical costs expected: This might include in-home care you need, medical procedures in the future, cosmetic repair for injuries, and modifications to your home
- Lost wages: Including any loss of salary or benefits you would have received if you were not hurt, including bonuses and retirement contributions
- Loss of earning capacity: Those with serious injuries that may not heal benefit from loss of earning capacity claims, which aim to replace lost income
- Pain and suffering: Onset and worsening of pain you have at the time of the accident and throughout your recovery
- Property damage: losses related to your vehicle or other assets, either to repair or replace them
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma: Often including the onset of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety
- Loss of quality of life: Impact on your quality of life, including relationships, activities, hobbies, and overall general health
Our objective as your Atlanta bus accident attorneys is to fully document the implications of this accident on your life, health, and financial well-being. We aggressively build a claim in line with what Atlanta courts have provided for victims like you in the past.
In claims made against the city, you may find it more challenging to recover non-economic damages. When you meet with our bus accident lawyer in Atlanta, we will discuss the value of these claims with you.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Atlanta
With a wide range of potential causes, bus accident victims often suffer needlessly. Most accidents that occur in the city of Atlanta involving buses are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Bus drivers who are engaged with those in the bus, navigation devices, calls coming in, or anything other than the road
- Speeding: Drivers who are speeding can put others on the road with them at risk
- Blind zones: Buses have larger blind spots on either side of the vehicle, directly behind the vehicle, and directly in front of it, making it hard for the driver to see people or vehicles in this area
- Driver fatigue: Often common in long-trip bus accidents, such as tourism business and commercial vehicles traveling significant distances,
- Poor road conditions: Limited visibility, poorly maintained roadways, and limited turning radii due to poor route selection
- Mechanical failures: Due to poor maintenance and upkeep, a lack of visual inspections before use, or manufacturer defects and faults
- Inadequate training: In some cases, the bus driver lacks enough training, even if they have a CDL, or the hiring organization fails to make sure they have an active CDL in place
These are some of the most common causes of Atlanta bus accidents that we see. However, our lawyers will speak to you about any risks you face. If you are in an accident with a bus on I-20 or I-75 that is trying to merge in an unsafe manner, or you are struck by a bus driver who fails to stop while you cross the street, we want to help you recover fair compensation.
Types of Bus Accidents in Atlanta
Bus accidents can occur for various reasons and in multiple ways. Some examples of the accidents our team sees include:
- Passenger accidents due to unsafe driving conditions or processes, including passenger falls
- Pedestrian accidents involving a person getting on or off the bus or someone near the bus
- Bicycle accidents involving those who are crossing the street or those who are traveling alongside a bus that does not see them
- Other vehicles on the roadway that are damaged by a bus driver’s actions
We seek fair legal action against all parties responsible. This may include other drivers, third parties, the city, and bus drivers themselves.
What Injuries Are Most Common in Georgia Bus Accidents?
The type of injury a person has determines the amount of compensation owed to them. Our Atlanta bus accident attorney does not recommend settling a claim with any company or the city unless you know the full extent of your injuries and the implications on your life. This is true in any situation. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists 578 injuries occurring in 615 bus crashes in Georgia in 2024, a reminder of how often these accidents result in harm. If you have any of the following serious injuries, we encourage you to speak to our attorneys immediately before you seek a claim.
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash from being struck and dragged
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including lacerations
- Broken and crushed bones
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
If your family member lost their life in a bus accident, we strongly encourage you to speak to our wrongful death attorney in Atlanta before you settle your claim. We work closely with victims to seek fair compensation and justice for lost loved ones.
Talk to an Atlanta Bus Crash Attorney Now
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Bus Accidents
What Should I Do After an Atlanta Bus Accident?
Move to a safe location and call 911 so first responders can assess the situation. If you can, gather basic information such as the bus route number, the driver’s name, and contact details for any witnesses. Photograph the scene, your injuries, and the position of the bus. Ask the responding officer for the incident number, because you will need it to request the official report.
You can obtain that report through the Atlanta Police Department’s Open Records Request page, which allows you to submit your information online. Once you have received medical care, contact an Atlanta bus accident lawyer so they can protect evidence and guide you through the next steps.
What if I am Partially to Blame for My Accident?
According to Section 51-12-33, Georgia observes modified comparative negligence laws, which allow injury victims to seek damages for their injuries as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. If you contributed to your accident, your attorney can help you manage your liability to recover as much compensation as possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for My Bus Accident?
Section 9-3-33 of the Georgia Code sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims at two years from the date of the accident in most cases in Georgia.
What if My Claim is Against an Atlanta School Bus?
In situations where you are taking legal action against the city or a city entity, such as a school system, you must notify the city of the legal action and claim you plan to take it within six months. This is far shorter and requires faster action by your Atlanta bus accident lawyer.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Injured as a Bus Passenger in Atlanta?
Yes. Passenger injuries in Atlanta often involve large transportation networks and agencies that operate under their own rules and timelines. MARTA buses move hundreds of thousands of riders through the city each week, and claims involving public transit can require strict notice procedures and detailed evidence. Commercial carriers such as Greyhound and Megabus bring their own insurers and risk teams into the process as well. An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can help you secure the police report, gather route and vehicle data, obtain any available camera footage, and communicate with the city, county, or private company involved. With this support, you have a clearer path to the compensation your injuries may warrant.
Contact an Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Your future is on the line. When a bus accident puts you at risk and you have financial losses, do not wait to contact our Atlanta bus accident lawyer. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we provide comprehensive legal guidance to our clients. We have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1764 Rockland Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 949-8249
Get Directions
