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Bus accidents are rare, but when they happen, the results can be life-changing. Whether it’s a METRA city bus crash on Veterans Parkway, a Muscogee County school bus accident on Macon Road, a tour bus collision on I-185, or a shuttle transporting soldiers near Fort Moore, bus collisions often involve multiple victims, severe injuries, and complex legal issues.
At Ted Law Firm, our Columbus bus accident lawyers help injured passengers, pedestrians, drivers, schoolchildren, and families navigate the aftermath of these devastating crashes. We hold negligent drivers, bus companies, school districts, government agencies, and manufacturers accountable fighting for the medical care and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Columbus bus accident, act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses are hard to track, and Georgia deadlines can be short. We are ready to protect your rights today.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Columbus experiences bus traffic across the city through:
- METRA Transit System buses
- Muscogee County School District buses
- Greyhound & charter buses
- Casino & church buses
- Private shuttles serving Fort Moore & downtown hotels
Accidents commonly occur on:
- Veterans Parkway
- Macon Road
- Buena Vista Road
- Whittlesey Boulevard
- Manchester Expressway
- JR Allen Parkway / US-80
- I-185 and I-85 connectors
- Uptown Columbus & Riverwalk districts
Many collisions involve:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding in heavy traffic
- Unsafe lane changes
- Improper bus maintenance
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Mechanical failures
- Dangerous road conditions
We know Columbus, and we know how these accidents happen.
Understanding Bus Accidents in Columbus, GA
Bus accidents are more complicated than other crashes because:
- Multiple parties may be responsible
- Buses may lack seatbelts
- Children are often involved
- Government agencies may be liable
- Federal and state regulations apply
- Insurance coverage is layered and complex
Victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck & spinal injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Emotional trauma & PTSD
- Wrongful death
Because buses are large and heavy, even low-speed crashes can cause serious and permanent injury.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Most bus accidents are preventable. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving — texting, dispatch screens, or passenger distractions
- Driver fatigue from long shifts
- Speeding to stay on schedule
- Poor bus maintenance leading to brake or tire failure
- Lack of driver training
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Improper loading or weight distribution
- Mechanical malfunction
- Unsafe turning in narrow Columbus roads
- Failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists
Our investigation identifies exactly what went wrong.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on:
1. The Bus Driver
Distracted, careless, speeding, or impaired behavior.
2. The Bus Company
For negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance.
3. METRA Transit System
Public transit accidents involve special rules under Georgia law.
4. Muscogee County School District
School bus accidents involve children and government liability laws.
5. The Bus Manufacturer
Defective steering, brakes, tires, or structural components.
6. Maintenance Contractors
Faulty repairs or skipped inspections.
7. Other Drivers
In multi-vehicle crashes.
8. Fort Moore Shuttle Operators
Private contractors with complex insurance layers.
We hold ALL responsible parties accountable to maximize compensation.
Public vs. Private Bus Claims in Georgia
Georgia has different rules depending on who operates the bus:
Public Buses (METRA, School Buses)
These claims fall under Georgia’s sovereign immunity laws.
You must:
- File an ante-litem notice (often within 6–12 months)
- Meet strict procedural rules
- Follow damage caps for government entities
Private, Charter, or Tour Buses
These cases follow standard personal injury rules:
- Two-year deadline to file
- No damage caps
- Full access to company insurance policies
Understanding which category your case falls into is essential.
Common Injuries in Columbus Bus Crashes
Because buses typically lack restraints, injuries are severe:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
We work with medical and vocational experts to document the full extent of your losses.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
Victims of bus accidents may recover:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery & hospitalization
- Rehabilitation & therapy
- Lost wages
- Future earning loss
- Long-term care needs
- Transportation expenses
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain & suffering
- PTSD, anxiety & emotional distress
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
For drunk or reckless drivers.
Wrongful Death Damages
For families of loved ones tragically killed.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Columbus
- Call 911 immediately
- Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles & injuries
- Collect witness names
- Report the accident to police & transit authorities
- Do NOT give statements to bus company insurers
- Keep all medical records
- Contact Ted Law Firm before signing anything
Early action strengthens your case and protects your rights.
Why Legal Help Matters
Bus companies and government agencies often:
- Deny responsibility
- Hide maintenance records
- Blame other drivers
- Minimize injuries
- Offer fast, low settlements
We intervene by:
- Securing maintenance logs
- Obtaining black-box data
- Reviewing driver history
- Gathering camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Filing government notices correctly
- Negotiating aggressively
You deserve a team experienced in complex, high-stakes bus litigation.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Buses are repaired or moved quickly
- Video footage may be erased
- Government deadlines expire fast
- Witnesses disperse
- Black-box data can be overwritten
Do not wait to protect your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the bus company automatically at fault?
Not always, but they often share liability.
2. What if my child was hurt on a school bus?
You may file a claim against the school district.
3. What if the bus was operated by METRA?
Government filing rules and damage caps apply.
4. Can multiple people file claims?
Yes, each injured passenger may bring an independent claim.
5. What compensation is available?
Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
6. What if another driver caused the crash?
We pursue all responsible parties.
7. How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing upfront, you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Us Columbus Bus Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident in Columbus, or anywhere in the Chattahoochee Valley, you deserve a legal team that understands the complexities of bus litigation, and fights aggressively for your recovery.
At Ted Law Firm, we stand with victims, families, and schoolchildren impacted by these devastating events. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
