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by The Stoddard Firm - October 25th, 2022
When you’re traveling without a personal car, road safety probably isn’t high on your list of concerns. Cities like Atlanta, with a high volume of tourism and business travelers, have services available to get you where you’re going, especially to and from hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Other than figuring out budgeting and scheduling, most visitors don’t think twice about making use of hotel shuttles and similar services. After all, these are established companies, their staff are professionals, and many of them transport hundreds of people every day. It’s reasonable to expect them to know what they’re doing.
Unfortunately, safety violations and serious accidents are more common among commercial passenger vehicles than you might expect.
On the morning of May 24th, 2013, a tractor trailer attempted a U-turn on North Loop Road, in front of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s AirTran hangar.
A hotel shuttle bus carrying 17 passengers from nearby Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn and Hilton hotels braked in an effort to avoid hitting the truck, as it turned sideways across all lanes. The bus skidded 158 feet before ultimately striking the left side of the truck crash The bus driver and all passengers were injured, and at least two of them were admitted to the hospital in serious condition.
Subsequent investigations found a laundry list of negligence on both sides of the collision.
Both drivers were charged with an assortment of offenses, including three shared felony counts of serious injury by motor vehicle. The felony charges against the bus driver were later dropped, but they were replaced with charges against the owner of the shuttle company, MTI Shuttle and Limousine, for allowing a person to operate an unsafe vehicle, and allowing an unlicensed person to operate a vehicle.
Problems were found with both the tires and brakes of the bus, and the driver did not have the full commercial driver’s license she needed to operate a vehicle of that size legally.
The truck driver was also charged with making an improper turn. The trucking company he was driving for, USA Truck, had been cited for 549 unsafe driving violations and 3,027 maintenance violations in the previous two years alone, and was involved in eight fatal accidents.
Either one of these companies could likely have prevented these travelers’ injuries simply by adhering to basic legal safety obligations, without needing to take any extraordinary measures.
Because the MTI shuttle bus crash happened nine years ago, it’s unlikely that anyone involved would be able to initiate legal proceedings now. Georgia’s default statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. This period can be extended for a variety of reasons, including ongoing criminal proceedings, but usually only for a further six years.
However, that crash is just one particularly dramatic example of inadequate safety precautions from travel and transport companies.
Persuading for-profit companies to refrain from dangerous corner-cutting is a perpetual struggle, carried on through legislation, regulation, and civil litigation. The role of litigation is crucial, because most companies are less concerned with the law than they are with the financial consequences of their actions. In order for safety laws to be followed, there has to be a monetary cost to breaking them.
Survivors who sue for compensation help enforce that cost.
If you have been injured by unsafe travel services in the Atlanta area, call or message The Stoddard Firm to discuss your possible next steps.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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