Bus Accident Attorney in New Orleans

Louisiana’s Trial Lawyers for Complex Bus Accident Claims

Bus accidents in New Orleans often involve a web of potentially liable parties: transit agencies, private operators, employers, and maintenance contractors. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we represent clients in exactly these kinds of multi-party cases throughout Louisiana, backed by a record that includes over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements and Louisiana’s largest single-injury verdict: $117 million on behalf of a single plaintiff. If you’ve been hurt in a bus crash in Orleans Parish, we’re ready to discuss your case.

Reach out to our New Orleans bus accident lawyers today. We offer free consultations and can help you understand your legal options before time runs out. Call (225) 209-9943 to get started.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a New Orleans Bus Accident?

Identifying the right defendants is one of the most consequential steps in any bus accident claim. Buses operating in Orleans Parish are run by several different types of entities, and each carries different legal exposure. For example, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates public streetcars and buses. Private charter and tour companies serve the city’s large-events market, and school districts run fleets for students. Meanwhile, national carriers move passengers across state lines. This matters, because the type of operator shapes how a claim is structured and pursued.

When a driver causes a collision while working, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2320 allows an injured party to hold the employer vicariously liable for that employee’s negligent conduct. Public buses and streetcars are also treated as common carriers under Louisiana law, which imposes a duty to keep passengers reasonably safe. In practice, a single bus accident can produce claims against the driver, the operating company or agency, and any contractor responsible for maintaining the vehicle.

Special Rules for Claims Against the RTA & Government Transit Agencies

The RTA is a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, and claims against it don’t follow the same path as claims against a private bus company. Under the Louisiana Governmental Claims Act, government transit agencies carry procedural protections, including notice requirements that differ from standard personal injury claims. Missing those steps can jeopardize your case before it begins.

There’s also a financial cap to understand. Under La. R.S. 13:5106(B), the total liability of the state and its political subdivisions for personal injury to one person is capped at $500,000, exclusive of property damages, medical care and related benefits, and loss of earnings. Private charter and national bus companies aren’t subject to that cap, which can significantly affect your strategy and the total recovery that may be available.

Filing Deadlines & Comparative Fault in Louisiana

Louisiana’s prescriptive period for personal injury claims depends on when the accident occurred. For injuries sustained on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the accident to file. For accidents before that date, the deadline is one year. Missing this window typically ends your ability to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your claim is. When a government agency is involved, procedural requirements can create even earlier practical deadlines.

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system under Civil Code Article 2323. If you were partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and insurers often argue that share is higher than it actually is. Having an attorney who knows how to challenge that argument can make a meaningful difference in the final number.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in New Orleans

The steps you take in the hours and days after a bus accident shape what could be available to you later. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, the priorities are the same:

• Seek medical care promptly. Some injuries don’t produce obvious symptoms right away. Medical records created soon after the accident document your condition before it can be disputed.
• Report the accident and get a copy. An official report from NOPD or another responding agency gives you a foundational document for your claim.
• Collect evidence at the scene. Photographs, witness names, and contact information are often difficult or impossible to recover later.
• Talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to any insurer. Insurers for transit agencies and large carriers are experienced at minimizing claims. A bus accident attorney in New Orleans can protect your position before you say anything on the record.

Why Clayton, Frugé & Ward Takes on Bus Accident Cases Other Firms Won’t

Multi-party claims against large, powerful defendants, like municipal agencies or insurance companies, take significant resources to pursue. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we believe these cases are worth pursuing. It might feel like the opposing party has all the power, but we're here to level the playing field in your favor.

We accept tough cases that other law firms turn away, and we have the investigative resources and trial experience to manage complex liability disputes against large organizations. Our record reflects what we can do: a $411 million verdict, a $171 million verdict, and the $117 million result that stands as Louisiana’s largest single-injury recovery. While we can't guarantee a specific outcome for any given case, we can assure you that we will fight for you. It's as simple as that.

Talk to a New Orleans Bus Accident Attorney at No Cost

If you or someone you love was involved in a bus accident in New Orleans or any of the surrounding areas, we encourage you to reach out to our team as soon as possible. Our attorneys are waiting to talk to you about your legal rights and options. There is absolutely no cost and no obligation when you speak to a member of our team, and if we take your case, you don't pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Clayton, Frugé & Ward today to schedule your free consultation. Call (225) 209-9943 and let’s talk about what happened.