Injuries that occur on public transportation in Atlanta—whether on a MARTA bus, a train, or a city-operated shuttle—often involve legal issues that are specific to government-run systems. These claims are governed by different statutes, including notice requirements and liability limits, that don’t apply to typical injury cases. That’s why it matters who handles your case. At Butler Kahn, we represent individuals in cases involving serious harm caused by public transportation agencies and their contractors. In this piece, we explain how public transportation accident claims work in Georgia, what kinds of compensation may be available, and how an Atlanta public transportation accident attorney can represent you in seeking full and fair recovery.
Major Types of Public Transportation Accidents
Bus Accidents
Bus accidents are among the most frequent public transportation incidents in Atlanta, especially along major interstates such as I-20, I-75, and I-285, where MARTA buses, Xpress coaches, and private operators like Greyhound or Megabus regularly travel. These roads are congested, often under construction, and known for high-speed traffic. As buses merge, stop, or change lanes in this environment, they’re more prone to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, or jackknifing accidents.
Accidents involving CobbLinc and Gwinnett County Transit also occur in surrounding counties like DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett, where narrow lanes, sharp turns, and limited sidewalks present significant hazards. Suburban roadways not built for heavy bus traffic contribute to collisions with cars, pedestrians, and even rollover incidents.
Additionally, event venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center create traffic surges where buses operate on tight schedules amid heavy pedestrian flows. During large-scale events, the increased bus frequency and congested roads contribute to the risk of crashes and boarding accidents.
Train and Light Rail Accidents
MARTA trains serve as a backbone of Atlanta’s public transit system, with lines running through busy downtown stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center. These are some of the most crowded public spaces in the city, particularly during rush hour. Accidents can occur due to slips and falls on slick platforms, overcrowded stairwells, or sudden braking that causes standing passengers to lose balance.
Train-related incidents may also involve collisions with vehicles or debris at grade crossings, especially in the urban core and areas where MARTA lines intersect with surface roads. Mechanical failures or operator errors can result in derailments or abrupt stops, turning a routine commute into a serious accident in seconds.
Airport Shuttle or Tram Accidents
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a complex network of trams, shuttles, and private vans continuously moves people between terminals, parking decks, rental centers, and hotels. The airport transit zones are often narrow, congested, and fast-moving, making them high-risk areas for shuttle collisions, tram jolts, or boarding area slip-and-falls.
Due to the nonstop flow of vehicles and pedestrians in confined spaces, these accidents tend to involve sudden stops, vehicle congestion, and frequent passenger turnover, increasing the likelihood of incidents during peak travel times.
Rideshare Vans and Hotel Shuttles
Private rideshare shuttles, hotel vans, and non-emergency medical transport vehicles are common in areas with dense traffic and regular crowd surges, like downtown Atlanta, the airport zone, and major event venues. Crashes often happen near convention centers, sports stadiums, or during festivals when traffic control is minimal and demand spikes.
These vehicles operate on tight schedules with multiple pickups and drop-offs, which raises the risk of crashes, particularly during sudden lane changes, last-minute stops, or while navigating pedestrian-heavy zones.
School Bus Accidents
School bus incidents frequently occur in suburban counties like Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett, where infrastructure hasn’t always kept pace with population growth. Roads may lack designated bus lanes or safe turnarounds, making tight corners, narrow streets, and poor visibility significant contributing factors.
Crashes may happen during student pick-up and drop-off, especially in areas with minimal signage or no sidewalks, and sometimes involve other vehicles failing to stop for loading or unloading buses.
Water Shuttle or Ferry Accidents
Boat-related transit is found in recreational areas such as Lake Lanier, a popular destination within an hour of Atlanta. Here, ferry boats and water taxis may experience collisions, equipment malfunctions, or slip-and-fall accidents while boarding or disembarking.
These incidents are more likely during warm months when lake traffic increases, especially during holidays or large events that bring crowds to waterfront areas.
Severe Injuries from Public Transport Accidents
Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and TBIs are common from hitting windows or floors. Even mild head trauma can cause lasting symptoms—always get medical attention.
Spinal and Back Injuries: Hard stops or crashes can cause herniated discs or spinal cord damage. Symptoms may be delayed but could lead to long-term issues, including paralysis.
Broken Bones: With no seat belts, accidents often result in broken arms, legs, or ribs. Recovery may involve surgery and physical therapy.
Soft Tissue & Internal Injuries: Muscle strains, whiplash, or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious but can be serious.
Emotional Trauma: Accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, or PTSD—these psychological injuries are just as real and claimable.
Burns & Exposure: Fires, chemical spills, or electrical issues can cause burns or toxic injuries, especially in rail or airport transit.
Identifying Who’s Liable in a Georgia Public Transportation Accident
The Driver or Operator
If a bus driver runs a red light or a train operator is distracted, they can be personally responsible for causing an accident. But if they were on the job at the time, the agency or company they work for is usually the one legally responsible. In Georgia, employers can be held liable for their employee’s actions (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2). You don’t have to sue the driver directly—in most cases, you sue their employer.
The Transit Agency or Government
When you’re hurt on a MARTA train or city-owned bus, you’re dealing with a public agency. That means different rules apply. Under the Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20 through § 50-21-37), the government can be held liable, but only in certain situations. Also, you must follow a strict process that includes giving written notice of your claim. For cities like Atlanta, this notice must be sent within six months of the accident under O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5. If you don’t follow this timeline, your case may be dismissed—even if it’s valid.
The Bus or Train Manufacturer
Sometimes the accident is caused by a problem with the vehicle itself, like faulty brakes, steering issues, or electrical system failure. In those cases, the manufacturer might be responsible under Georgia product liability laws (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.1). This type of case takes a detailed investigation, including expert review of maintenance records and the equipment involved. If there’s a defect, you may be able to bring a separate claim against the manufacturer.
Maintenance Companies or Contractors
Public transportation systems often outsource vehicle maintenance to private companies. If a maintenance crew missed something they should have caught—like worn-out tires or faulty doors—that company may be held liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-5. These claims depend on what the contract says and whether the city or agency was still overseeing the work. Proving fault may require records showing skipped inspections or ignored repair orders.
Private Operators and Shuttle Services
If you’re hurt while riding in a hotel shuttle, airport van, or intercity coach owned by a private company, then that company is responsible under ordinary Georgia negligence laws. You don’t need to follow the same short deadlines required for government claims, but you still need to act quickly. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Multiple At-Fault Parties
In many cases, more than one party shares blame. For example, a shuttle company may have poorly trained drivers, but a city-owned road may have contributed to the crash due to missing signage. When multiple parties are responsible, Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault, but you can still recover if you’re less than 50% responsible under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33.
Compensation in Public Transportation Accident Cases
Insurance Claims vs. Lawsuits
If you’re hurt in a public transportation accident, you can usually start by filing an insurance claim. This might be with MARTA’s insurance provider, a private bus company’s carrier, or a third-party driver’s auto insurance, depending on who was at fault. Insurance claims are often quicker, but they may offer low settlements that don’t fully cover your injuries. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers too little, you can file a lawsuit. In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If you’re filing against a city like Atlanta, you must first give written notice of your claim within six months under O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5. If you miss that deadline, the court may throw out your case entirely.
You can ask for compensation for any money you’ve lost because of the accident. That includes your medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of physical therapy or medication. Non-Economic Damages aren’t about money you paid but the pain and suffering you’ve gone through. This can include things like permanent scarring, loss of mobility, anxiety, depression, or overall lower quality of life.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one died in a public transportation accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2) allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents to bring a claim for the “full value of the life” of the deceased. That includes both financial value—like lost income—and intangible things, like time with family. Funeral and burial expenses can also be included. Just like personal injury claims, wrongful death suits must be filed within two years, but if you’re dealing with a government agency, you’ll still need to meet the shorter six-month notice rule first.
Role of a Public Transportation Accident Lawyer
Public transportation injury claims follow special rules, often involving MARTA, city buses, or airport shuttles. These cases fall under strict deadlines like the Georgia Tort Claims Act or city-specific notices. Missing a deadline or technical step could get your claim dismissed.
Proving fault isn’t easy—was it the driver, poor maintenance, or equipment failure? An experienced attorney investigates thoroughly using crash reports, maintenance logs, video footage, and open records.
You’ll face tough opposition from government lawyers or large transportation companies trained to minimize payouts. You need someone who knows how to fight back and present a strong case.
These cases often involve multiple parties, and a skilled lawyer can ensure each is held accountable under Georgia’s modified comparative fault law. Transit accidents can cause lasting harm. A lawyer focused on these cases will work to secure compensation that fully reflects your physical, financial, and emotional losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transportation Accidents in GA
What should I do right after the accident?
Get medical help, take pictures if you can, and report the accident to the transit authority.
Can I sue MARTA or the City of Atlanta?
Yes, but you must give written notice within six months under O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You generally have two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, but government claims require earlier notice.
Should I hire a lawyer for this type of case?
Yes. Public transportation cases follow different rules than regular injury claims.
What if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover money if you were less than 50% at fault under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33.
Can I file a claim if I was standing when injured?
Yes. Transit agencies must protect both seated and standing passengers.
What if the driver who hit the bus caused the crash?
You may still file a claim against that driver’s insurance or in court.
Will the government pay for my medical bills right away?
No. You usually have to prove your case first before any money is paid out.
What happens if the bus or train had a defect?
You may have a case against the vehicle or parts manufacturer, but further investigation is needed.
What if someone I love died in the accident?
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, depending on your relationship.
Atlanta Public Transportation Accident Attorney
If you were injured on a MARTA train, bus, airport tram, or another form of public transit in Atlanta, your case involves more than just proving fault—it involves strict legal deadlines, immunity protections, and government procedures that don’t apply to private defendants. At Butler Kahn, we represent people in serious public transportation cases where the stakes are high and the legal process is complicated. We don’t file claims just to settle them—we prepare each case thoroughly and pursue it with the attention it deserves. If you want to speak directly with an experienced attorney about your rights, contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or reaching out online for a free consultation.
