Alpharetta Bus Accident Lawyer

A Serious Bus Accident Can Change Everything — Our Bus Accident Lawyer Helps You Take Back Control

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Alpharetta, GA, Horst Shewmaker is here to help. As a trusted bus accident lawyer, Horst Shewmaker has the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights. Whether the accident involved a school bus, MARTA bus, or private charter, our firm understands the complexities of these cases.

As your bus accident lawyer in Fulton County, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t face the aftermath of a bus crash alone. Contact Horst Shewmaker today for a free consultation.

Types of Bus Accidents in Alpharetta, GA

At Horst Shewmaker, we handle a wide range of bus accident cases. Whether you were hurt as a bus passenger or a driver in another vehicle, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you.

School Bus Accidents

School bus accidents are especially serious because they often involve children. These accidents can happen due to driver error, poor bus maintenance, dangerous road conditions, or reckless drivers who ignore school bus stop signs.

In some cases, the school district or a private bus contractor may be responsible for the crash. If your child was hurt in a school bus accident, an bus accident lawyer can help investigate what happened and hold the right parties accountable.

Public Transit Bus Accidents

Public buses, such as those operated by MARTA in Fulton County, carry thousands of passengers every day. Public bus accidents can happen at bus stops, on busy streets, or while passengers are boarding or exiting.

These cases can be more complicated because government agencies are often involved. There are strict rules and deadlines for filing a claim against a public transit system, which makes it even more important to speak with a knowledgeable bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Tour Bus Accidents

Tour buses are often used for group trips and long-distance travel. Accidents involving tour buses can be devastating due to the number of people on board and the high speeds involved. These crashes may be caused by driver fatigue, poor training, mechanical failure, or negligence by the bus company. Our bus crash lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation.

Shuttle Bus Accidents

Shuttle buses are common in Alpharetta, especially around airports, hotels, corporate campuses, and event venues. These smaller buses often make frequent stops and operate in areas with heavy traffic. The company that owns or operates the shuttle may be responsible for the injuries caused. A skilled bus accident lawyer can help determine who was at fault and pursue a claim on your behalf.

Liability for Bus Accidents 

Bus accidents can involve many different parties, and figuring out who is responsible isn’t always easy. In Fulton County, liability depends on the details of the crash. That’s why working with an experienced bus accident lawyer is so important.

Here are some of the parties who may be held liable:

• Bus Driver: If the bus driver was distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence, they may be personally responsible.
• Bus Company: The company that owns the bus has a duty to hire qualified drivers and maintain the vehicle. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable.
• Government Entities: If a MARTA or school bus is involved, the government agency that operates it may be to blame. These cases have special rules and deadlines.
• Other Drivers: Sometimes another driver causes the bus to crash. In that case, their insurance may be responsible for your injuries.
• Bus Manufacturers or Maintenance Companies: If a mechanical failure caused the crash, the company that made or serviced the bus could be liable.

Proving Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim

To win a bus accident case, you must prove that someone else was negligent, which means they failed to act with reasonable care. Your bus accident lawyer must show four key things:

1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal duty to keep others safe. For example, a bus driver must follow traffic laws and drive safely.
2. Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to meet that duty. Maybe they were speeding, texting, or failed to fix a known issue with the bus.
3. Causation: Their actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered real harm, such as physical injuries, medical bills, or lost wages.

At Horst Shewmaker, we have the experience to investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to prove negligence.

How a Bus Accident Lawyer Fights for You

Bus accident claims can be incredibly complex, but with Horst Shewmaker’s bus accident lawyer advocating for you, you gain a legal team that knows how to stand up to multiple parties and insurance companies that try to avoid responsibility.

Gathering Evidence for a Strong Case

We start by launching a full investigation into your accident. Our team gathers important evidence like:

• Police accident reports
• Surveillance video or dashcam footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Maintenance and inspection records
• The bus driver’s driving history
• Black box or GPS data from the bus

This information helps us build a solid case that shows who was at fault and why.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line. They may try to offer you a quick settlement that doesn’t cover all your damages. Our bus accident lawyers handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. We fight to get you a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of the accident.

Calculating Damages

Our legal team carefully calculates all the ways the accident has affected your life. This includes:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

We consult with doctors, financial experts, and other professionals to make sure no detail is overlooked.

Representing You in a Lawsuit

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will present your case clearly and powerfully in front of a judge or jury. We’re prepared to fight for you every step of the way.

Compensation in a Bus Accident Case

If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These damages are meant to cover your losses and help you move forward.

Economic Damages

These are the financial losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. They include:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgery, physical therapy, and medications
• Ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
• Lost wages from missing work
• Future lost income if you can’t return to your job
• Repair or replacement costs for damaged property

We collect documentation and work with experts to prove economic damages.

Pain and Suffering

Bus accidents often cause more than just financial losses. Victims can experience physical pain, emotional trauma, and a reduced quality of life. Georgia law allows accident victims to recover money for:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Sleep disturbances or fear of riding in vehicles
• Loss of enjoyment of life or hobbies
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

These damages can be harder to calculate, but we make sure your emotional and physical suffering is taken seriously.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, Georgia courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you but to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or dangerous behavior.

Examples of conduct that may justify punitive damages include:

• A bus driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• A company knowingly ignores serious mechanical problems
• Deliberate violation of safety regulations

If the other party’s behavior was especially outrageous, Horst Shewmaker will pursue all available options to hold them fully accountable.

Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Bus Crash

If you lost a loved one in a fatal bus accident in Alpharetta, GA, we are truly sorry for your loss. No amount of money can bring them back, but a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial support and a sense of justice for surviving family members.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Medical expenses related to their final care
• Loss of companionship, care, and support

Horst Shewmaker offers compassionate legal guidance during this difficult time. We handle every detail of your claim so you can focus on healing with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions