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Last Modified on Mar 27, 2026
For many people, public transport is a part of their everyday life. However, accidents involving buses and trains do happen. Victims are able to file a claim after MARTA bus and train accidents in Atlanta, but the legal process can feel overwhelming. Learning about your legal options and the claims process is essential if you have been injured on a MARTA service.
With new trains rolling out soon, it is important to understand
An Overview of Bus and Train Accidents in the Atlanta Area
Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides an extensive network of bus and rail lines that help thousands of residents and visitors commute safely and efficiently every day. MARTA bus and train services provide direct access to and from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Downtown Atlanta, and to nearby, smaller cities.
Public transport, such as buses and trains, is 170 times safer than driving, yet there are still accidents. In 2023, there were 32 bus occupant fatalities. While MARTA generally provides safe transportation options, accidents can occur due to driver or train operator error, mechanical failures, poor maintenance, negligent management, or hazardous weather and railway conditions. Common types of transit accidents are listed below:
- Bus collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians
- Train collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, particularly at railroad crossings
- Sudden stops cause passenger injuries
- Train derailments
- Accidents occurring on platforms or stations during boarding
Understanding When Transit Authorities Are Responsible
In an accident involving a transit authority like MARTA, it can be difficult to know if you are able to file a claim against the entity as a whole versus individuals. An Atlanta train accident attorney can explain if you are able to file a claim against MARTA, which may be the case if any of the following circumstances are true:
- The train operator failed to properly maintain the bus or train.
- The train operator ignored safety protocols.
- Hazardous conditions in the train, bus, or at the station were ignored.
- A driver or operator acted negligently.
- An unqualified driver or operator was hired to operate the train.
To succeed in a bus or train accident case, you must prove that MARTA failed to exercise reasonable care, and that this failure directly led to the injuries and damages you suffered.
Key Legal Considerations When Filing a Claim Against MARTA
There are specific bus and train accident laws and potential challenges you must keep in mind when filing a claim against a transportation authority like MARTA. If you hire a train accident lawyer, they can provide specific guidance for your case, so your claim properly adheres to Georgia’s train accident laws.
One of the biggest differences between a claim against MARTA and a general car accident claim is that you are filing a claim against a government entity. MARTA has immunity for certain negligence claims that may limit your ability to recover damages. Additionally, you are required to notify MARTA of your intention to file a claim soon after an accident has occurred.
Since public transportation accidents often involve multiple passengers, you may have to consider how multiple claims from other victims affect your claim. Your lawyer can explain how insurance coverage limits apply to your case and your options for recovery, such as filing claims against multiple at-fault parties or an aggressive litigation strategy.
The Georgia Department of Transportation State Safety Oversight Program’s published Program Standard: Rail Transit Safety and Security and Program Standard Revision 14: Rail Transit Safety and Security Oversight govern rail safety and security oversight throughout Georgia. If you think you have a valid claim for your train accident injuries, contact a reputable Atlanta train accident attorney to discuss your case.
How Filing a Claim Can Support Your Recovery
Bus and train accident injuries can leave you with more than just physical pain. By filing a claim, you can recover damage for the losses you have suffered, including:
- Economic damages. These damages are the financial losses you have suffered. Common examples of economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages. These damages are the intangible damages. They can include pain and suffering, psychological disorders, and a lowered quality of life caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the transportation authority for extreme negligence rather than to make up for a specific loss you have faced. For example, if the crash was caused by MARTA’s failure to properly screen its train operators, it may be required to pay punitive damages.
Why Choose Us?
If you’ve been involved in a catastrophic injury as a result of a train accident, there’s one name in Atlanta that is synonymous with exceptional legal representation. That name is Attorney Stephen T. LaBriola. He is known for his hard work and track record for results. Over the course of 30 years, he has helped clients receive tens of millions of dollars for the injuries they’ve incurred as a result of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims.
FAQs
Can You File a Claim for an Injury on a Bus?
Yes, you can file a claim if you are injured on a bus if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. For example, if your injury was caused by poor driving, an unsafe vehicle, or a lack of compliance with safety procedures. To file a claim, you should hire a train accident lawyer who can explain the specific rules for filing a claim involving a public transportation entity, such as MARTA.
How Do You File a Claim With the City of Atlanta?
To file a claim with the City of Atlanta, you must submit an ante litem notice within six months of the incident. This notice has details about the accident and the damages you’re seeking and is required in order to file a claim. If it is denied or unresolved, you are then able to proceed by filing a claim to resolve the case through litigation.
What Do the MARTA Police Do?
The MARTA Police are responsible for providing security in MARTA buses, trains, and transit stations. When it comes to a train accident case, the MARTA police can respond to the accident, investigate the cause, and protect the safety of passengers. Your lawyer may use official reports from the MARTA police as evidence in your claim.
Why Should You Hire a Train Accident Lawyer
Working with an Atlanta train accident lawyer is important to build a strong case and prevent your case from being hindered by the unusual complexities that claims against government entities involve. A lawyer can navigate government immunity rules and notice and filing requirements to protect you from losing your ability to recover damages.
An Atlanta train accident lawyer can also raise your chances of receiving fair compensation through evidence-based arguments and negotiations.
Work With a Skilled Atlanta Train Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a public transportation accident can make it difficult to know what to do next. Attorney Stephen LaBriola has years of experience defending victims’ rights in the courtroom and is ready to guide you through the legal process of filing a claim. Contact Stephen LaBriola to set up an initial case consultation to learn how important working with an experienced lawyer is when recovering from a train accident case.
