At our accident law firm in Duluth, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of an accident. Thousands of people use MARTA daily, while others may take a ride for a special occasion. In addition, people use various other forms of mass transit to travel interstate or internationally each and every day.
Mass transit is a major industry in the United States, and companies bring in billions of dollars on a regular basis. Passengers should be able to trust that buses, trains, and other vehicles are safe for their use and that they will reach their destinations safely. Unfortunately, accidents happen too often involving mass transit vehicles, and many passengers suffer severe and life-threatening injuries.
If you’ve been injured while using public transport, don’t face the challenges alone.
Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Knowing if You Have a Case
To determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim, several key elements need to be present:
- Duty of Care: This means the responsible party had a legal obligation to act with a certain level of care toward others. For instance, drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely to protect other road users. In any personal injury case, it’s essential to prove that the person or entity being sued owed you a duty of care.
- Breach of Duty: To prove a claim, you must show that the responsible party failed to meet their duty of care. This means their actions or inactions were below the standard of care expected in that situation.
- Causation: You must establish that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This means proving that the negligent behavior was a primary factor in the accident and subsequent harm. For instance, if a defective product caused a car crash, you need to show that the defect was directly responsible for the accident.
- Damages: Finally, you need to demonstrate that you suffered actual harm as a result of the breach of duty. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Proper documentation and evidence are crucial to proving the extent of your damages.
If you’re unsure whether your situation meets these criteria, it’s important to consult with a Gwinnett County personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and provide expert guidance.
Damages You Can Recover
When pursuing a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to various types of damages based on the impact of your injury:
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the intangible effects of your injury. They cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships and daily activities.
- Economic Damages: These are tangible, financial losses resulting from your injury. They include medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages due to time off work, and any future medical costs or lost earning potential.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are not intended to compensate you for a loss but to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were especially egregious, to deter similar conduct in the future.
For guidance on your specific situation, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can provide clarity on what you may be entitled to.
How to Get in Touch With Us
Getting in touch with us is straightforward and hassle-free. You have a few easy options:
- Telephone: Give us a call to talk directly with one of our friendly team members at 404.528.2866. They can answer your questions and help schedule a consultation.
- Contact Form: Visit our Contact Us page.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you. Reach out today—we’re ready to help you!
What Clients Think of Us
Our clients’ feedback gives you a glimpse into our dedication and success. Read their stories to see how we’ve made a positive impact on their lives and why they trust us to handle their personal injury cases.
Wonderful Team! Respectful. Prompt!
“David and his wonderful team treat and respect you like you’re their family. So compassionate; very prompt with the case and returning phone calls. This is so rare in most cases now and yet so important to the client. I would use Brauns Law forever”
Quick! Accommodating
“Mr. Brauns and my case manager Haley were absolutely amazing handling my case. It was so quick and they accommodated me so well to my situation. They are absolutely the best firm. I would 100/100 recommend.”
Polite, Detailed!
Braun’s Law handled my car accident claim wonderfully! Once I retained them, they handled everything from the accident report and the doctor’s bills all the way through the settlement. Not once did I have to deal with the at fault’s insurance carrier or the doctor’s bills! Haley and her team were extremely polite and detailed throughout the entire process. Definitely recommend!!
Amazing! Helpful!
“Brauns Law was very easy to work with and helped me deal with the insurance and medical after being rear ended. They were able to make sure I was fairly compensated for my no-fault accident. Haley and Brittany were amazing! Thanks for the help!”
Brauns Law Firm: Mass Transit Injury Attorneys
At Brauns Law Firm, we are dedicated to advocating for individuals injured in mass transit accidents. Our team is distinguished by its deep commitment to clients, extensive legal expertise, and a track record of successful outcomes.
What sets us apart is our unique blend of experience and empathy.
Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom. We actively engage with the community through various charitable efforts and support local initiatives, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact both in and out of the legal arena. We are proud of our accolades, which include recognition from peers and industry groups for our exceptional service and results.
Whether it’s securing fair compensation for our clients or providing compassionate support throughout the legal process, we strive to exceed expectations and deliver justice.
Meet Your Mass Transit Injury Attorney in Gwinnett
David Brauns is the founding partner of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. He focuses exclusively on helping people who have been injured, dedicating his practice to personal injury claims.
This specialization allows him to give full attention to each case and work tirelessly to help clients in Georgia, get the fair compensation they deserve.
David started his career as an insurance defense attorney, gaining valuable insights into how insurance companies evaluate claims. He has used this knowledge to build a strong practice that is known for its commitment to exceptional customer service, transparency, and teamwork.
The rest of David’s team shares his dedication to these values and is ready to provide the support needed to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Important Initial Advice!
If you’ve been in an auto accident, here’s what you need to do right away to protect yourself and your rights:
- Get Proper Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away. Getting checked out will ensure you get the care you need and create a record of your injuries.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and other parties might use your posts against you. Keep your online activity private to avoid any complications with your claim.
- Get in Touch with a Lawyer: Contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer is so important. They can help guide you through the process, protect your rights under Georgia law, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company: Insurance companies often make quick offers that may not cover all your damages. It’s important not to rush into accepting any settlement without understanding your full needs and rights.
- Be Careful with Language Used in Communications: Be cautious about what you say to the insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed descriptions of your injuries. Stick to the facts and let your lawyer handle the rest.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all the details related to the accident, including photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. This evidence can be vital for your case.
- Keep Track of Expenses: Record all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and any other related expenses. This information will be important for calculating your damages and compensation.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our law firm, we use a contingency fee model, which means you do not pay any upfront costs. Instead, our fees are based on a percentage of the compensation you receive if we win your case.
Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Costs: You do not need to pay any fees before your case is resolved. This allows you to access legal support without worrying about immediate expenses.
- Contingency Fee: Our payment is contingent on winning your case. We only get paid if you receive a settlement or court award. This means our interests are aligned with yours—we work hard to get the best possible outcome for you.
- Percentage of Settlement: The fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered. This percentage is agreed upon before you sign a contract, so there are no surprises.
- Other Costs: While you don’t pay upfront, there might be other costs related to your case, such as court filing fees or costs for obtaining records. These are typically discussed and agreed upon in advance.
By using the contingency fee model, we ensure that our clients receive high-quality legal representation without the financial strain of paying hourly or upfront fees. It’s our way of making sure you get the help you need without the worry of immediate costs.
Gathering Evidence
After an injury, it’s imperative to gather evidence to support your case. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on what to collect:
- Police Documentation: If the accident involved law enforcement, obtain a copy of the police report. This document provides an official account of the incident and is crucial for your case.
- Medical Records: Keep all records of your medical treatment, including hospital visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions. This evidence shows the extent of your injuries and the medical care you received.
- Eyewitness Statements: If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask them to provide written statements. Their observations can support your version of events.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take clear photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged property. Visual evidence can help illustrate the severity of the incident.
- Examples of Driver Negligence: Document any signs of negligence, such as traffic violations or unsafe driving behaviors. This might include things like speeding tickets or records of previous accidents.
- Insurance Communications: Save all correspondence with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and recorded calls. This helps track what has been discussed and can show if the insurance company is being fair.
- Witness Contact Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Their testimonies might be needed to corroborate your claims.
- Accident Reports: If there were any reports from the place where the accident occurred, such as a workplace or public place, get copies of those as well.
- Work Records: If the injury affects your ability to work, keep records of missed workdays and any related communications with your employer. This can be important for claiming lost wages.
Gathering all this evidence might feel overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. We can help manage these tasks and ensure nothing is overlooked. Focusing on your recovery while your attorney handles the paperwork can make a big difference.
That’s why it’s a good idea to contact a lawyer from our firm today.
Don’t Miss Your Deadline!
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. In Georgia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is mostly two years from the date of the accident or injury.
This means you must start legal action within these two years to preserve your right to seek compensation. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to recover damages entirely, regardless of the strength of your case.
While there are exceptions to this rule, it’s essential to act quickly and contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of gathering necessary evidence, meeting deadlines, and building a strong case.
Why Choose Us Over Other Gwinnett County MARTA Attorneys?
When choosing a MARTA attorney in Gwinnett County, it’s important to find a firm that stands out for its dedication, expertise, and client-focused approach. At Brauns Law Firm, we pride ourselves on several key aspects that set us apart from other firms:
- Extensive Experience with MARTA Cases: Our team has significant experience handling MARTA-related injury cases. We understand the complexities involved in mass transit accidents and know how to navigate the legal landscape to achieve the best results for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: Unlike larger firms where clients may feel like just another case number, we provide personalized attention to each client. We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
- Proven Track Record: Our track record demonstrates our ability to secure fair compensation for our clients, whether through settlements or courtroom victories.
- Comprehensive Support: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle all aspects of your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we manage the legal complexities on your behalf.
- Commitment to Transparency: We believe in clear and honest communication. You will always be informed about the progress of your case and the options available to you.
- Client-Centered Approach: Our commitment goes beyond legal representation. We are dedicated to supporting you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel heard and valued.
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With Brauns Law Firm, you can trust that you are getting top-notch legal expertise and compassionate support.
General Information on Gwinnett County MARTA Accidents
Public transportation is often a convenient way to get around and, for some people, it is their primary form of transportation. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the major source of mass transit in and around Gwinnett County, and consider the following MARTA statistics:
- The MARTA system serves 1.7 million people in the Atlanta metropolitan area
- About 500,000 people use MARTA transportation each weekday
- Since it started in 1979, MARTA bus and rail vehicles made more than 5 billion trips
- MARTA has 338 rail cars servicing 38 stops
- MARTA has 550 buses on 101 routes
- MARTA provides 173 lift vans for mobility services
Liability for Your Losses
Transit companies are supposed to do everything in their power to ensure that passengers will be safe on their ride. This also includes safety in train stations, airports, bus depots, and other loading and unloading areas.
Drivers and operators should always be thoroughly qualified, well-trained, and operating the transit vehicle in a safe and lawful manner. Companies and all employees should always be in full compliance with all applicable safety rules and laws, including those set out by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the state of Georgia.
Even the safest transit companies can have people who make errors and cause accidents. When a crash and injuries happen due to a common carrier’s negligence, injured victims have the right to financial recovery.
Some examples of negligence commonly involved in mass transit cases include:
- Hiring untrained, unqualified, or potentially dangerous drivers
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving with certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Violating traffic laws, including speeding or running traffic signals
- Dangerous lane changes and failing to check blind spots
- Failing to maintain vehicles, tracks, or other equipment
- Violating any safety regulations
In addition, when an accident does occur, additional injuries may result if emergency doors are not working, if luggage is not properly secured, or if there are other dangerous conditions aboard the vehicle.
Different parties can be liable for your losses from a mass transit crash. For example, our attorneys and federal investigators may determine that a train operator fell asleep at the wheel due to untreated sleep apnea (which has happened in multiple recent U.S. train accidents).
While the operator was the negligent party, the transit company that employed the operator can also be strictly liable for any injuries and losses under the law.
Perhaps we then learn that the train tracks did not have properly working safety mechanisms to avoid a crash under these circumstances, which can lead to third-party liability. As you can see, these cases can become quite complex very quickly.
Common Types of Mass Transit Accidents
Accidents can occur involving vehicles owned by both public and private transportation companies. Some of these vehicles include:
- Public buses
- Charter buses
- Tour buses
- Light rail trains
- Subways
- Heavy rail trains
- Commuter trains
- Trolleys
- Vans
- Shuttles
- Airplanes
All of these vehicles are considered to be common carriers because they transport people for a fare. Common carriers have the highest duty of care of anyone in the transportation industry, and the law requires them to take all possible measures and act in a manner that ensures the safety of their passengers at all times.
An honest mistake of a regular driver may result in liability for a common carrier if it causes injuries to passengers. For this reason, injured mass transit passengers are often able to recover compensation for all of their losses from transit companies, and they should consult with an experienced lawyer right away.
Locations We Serve
Our accident attorneys are proud to offer our dedicated legal services across a wide range of locations. Whether you’re in the heart of Atlanta or in the surrounding communities, our team is here to provide expert legal support for your personal injury needs.
We serve clients in:
- Atlanta
- Cumming
- Decatur
- Duluth
- Gwinnett County
- Lawrenceville
- Peachtree Corners
- Stone Mountain
- Suwanee