The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, known as MARTA, is Atlanta, Georgia’s public transportation system. Established in 1971, MARTA has been entrusted with providing safe and efficient transit services. This includes the well-recognized rail system and an extensive bus network that caters to the diverse commuting needs of Atlanta’s residents and visitors. This vast public transportation agency is critical in helping to reduce traffic congestion in a city that continues to experience rapid growth.
Unfortunately, sometimes accidents occur involving a MARTA bus. When these bus accidents occur, they can result in significant injury, long-term disability, and even death. Injured accident victims must know where to turn for help following a devastating MARTA accident.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury on a MARTA or in an accident with a MARTA bus, you need a lawyer from the start. An experienced Atlanta motor vehicle accident attorney can fight for your rights and ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines for filing your claim.
Causes of Bus Accidents Involving MARTA
MARTA, as one of the largest public transportation authorities in the United States, operates an extensive bus network in Atlanta, serving millions of passengers annually. With such a vast system in place, accidents will inevitably occur.
Human error stands as one of the primary causes of bus accidents involving MARTA. Bus drivers, like all individuals, are susceptible to making mistakes. In the context of public transportation, these errors can have severe consequences.
Some common forms of human error that contribute to accidents include:
- Bus driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Inadequate training for operators
Another significant cause of bus accidents is mechanical failures in the vehicles themselves. Buses are complex machines with numerous components that must function flawlessly to ensure safety.
Malfunctioning or worn-out brakes can lead to difficulty stopping the bus, resulting in rear-end collisions or difficulty navigating curves and slopes. A blown tire can cause the driver to lose control of the bus, especially at high speeds, resulting in accidents.
Adhering to State and Federal Safety Guidelines
MARTA complies with a complex web of federal and state regulations designed to uphold the safety of public transportation services. These regulations, often administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and state agencies, set stringent standards for bus operations, including safety, maintenance, and driver qualifications.
- Driver Qualifications: Federal and state regulations mandate specific qualifications for bus drivers, such as commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) with passenger endorsements and medical certifications.
- Vehicle Inspections: Buses must pass regular safety inspections per federal and state guidelines. These inspections assess the integrity of critical components and adherence to safety standards.
- Safety Procedures: Regulators establish safety procedures and protocols that operators like MARTA must follow, including rules for handling hazardous materials and responding to accidents.
- Reporting and Investigation: Regulations also require prompt reporting of accidents and incidents, as well as thorough investigations to determine their causes.
Who is Liable After a Serious MARTA Bus Accident in Atlanta?
MARTA, as a public transportation authority, bears legal liability in the event of bus accidents involving its vehicles. MARTA has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in ensuring the safety of its passengers, employees, and the general public. This means maintaining safe vehicles, employing competent drivers, and adhering to safety regulations. If MARTA fails to meet its duty of care and negligence is established, the authority can be held legally responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from bus accidents.
MARTA can also be held liable for the actions of its bus drivers. The legal doctrine of “respondeat superior” holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment. This means that MARTA can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its bus drivers.
Your attorney will review all the details of your accident to help you collect the money you deserve after a serious MARTA accident.
Contact Our Atlanta Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a MARTA accident, we can help. Our attorneys can investigate your accident and hold the liable parties accountable for the damages you suffered. We can get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 1-404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form, and we’ll call you back. Our lawyers offer a free consultation so you can explore your legal options after a serious bus accident in Atlanta. Call today!
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