Louisiana Bus Accident Attorneys

Speak with Our Experienced Bus Accident Lawyers in Louisiana Today

When a bus is involved in an accident, the results can be devastating. These incidents often leave dozens injured and may even result in multiple fatalities. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we believe that negligent parties who cause bus accidents must be held accountable. However, determining liability can be complex. In many cases, multiple parties—such as bus companies, drivers, or even maintenance crews—are involved. Our legal team meticulously investigates bus accidents and gathers exhaustive evidence from accident reports, eyewitness testimonies, and available video footage to build powerful claims for our clients.

Our Louisiana bus accident attorneys fight for those who have been injured or lost loved ones in devastating collisions. We are ready to build a strong case designed for maximum compensation. Loss of income, lengthy recoveries, and physical and emotional struggles are everyday experiences for bus accident survivors. When innocent people experience these hardships, the bus accident attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward are here to help them recover and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bus crash, call (225) 209-9943 to speak with a bus accident lawyer at our firm. You can also reach us online.

What Makes Bus Accidents So Dangerous? 

The average bus weighs tens of thousands of pounds and carries dozens of passengers at a time. Often, these passengers do not have or do not wear seatbelts, and buses are not usually equipped with airbags for passengers. Furthermore, buses have larger blind spots compared to smaller vehicles, meaning it's harder for drivers to see pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles. Buses also have a high center of gravity, which makes them more susceptible to rollovers, especially when making sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. 

Beyond the design of these vehicles, another significant danger arises from the environment in which buses frequently operate. Urban areas are particularly challenging due to large volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. On highways, buses require much more room to slow down or stop, and school buses must navigate high foot-traffic areas while making frequent stops.

The most common hazards and risks that increase the likelihood of severe bus accidents include:

• Improper Training: Drivers without sufficient training can make critical errors behind the wheel.
• Negligence: Operators acting recklessly or carelessly put passengers and others at risk.
• Improper Maintenance: Poor maintenance and mechanical failures can cause catastrophic crashes.
• Lack of Safety Restraints: The absence of seatbelts heightens injury risks in the event of a crash.
• Impaired Drivers: Impaired driving is a major factor in many preventable bus accidents.

Operating large buses on busy roadways—such as I-10, I-12, and I-49—adds significant risk, especially in congested areas around New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These highways see widespread commercial and passenger bus travel, and any lapse in driver attention or vehicle maintenance can have serious consequences. 

When considering the sheer number of passengers and the speeds at which buses travel, the potential for catastrophic injury increases dramatically. If you or a loved one has experienced an accident on any of these routes, it may be essential to consult a bus accident attorney in Louisiana to determine who is responsible and how best to move forward after such a traumatic event.

Two Major Bus Accidents in Louisiana History

In 1999, a charter bus shot across three lanes of a New Orleans highway and crashed just off the road on the way to a casino in Mississippi. As a result of the accident, 24 people were injured and another 23 tragically died. A judge later found the bus driver at fault, as he had been treated for severe health issues in the months leading up to the accident. The driver sought treatment for nausea and weakness just 10 hours before the accident occurred.

Another tragic incident occurred in August 2016, when a bus carrying workers to Baton Rouge for flood repair slammed into a fire truck. Three people were killed, and dozens were injured. The driver of the bus was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In both cases, drivers who should not have been allowed to operate a vehicle were behind the wheel. The consequences were devastating when their inexperience and lack of qualifications caused an accident. Better driver training and thorough background checks on the part of their employers could have prevented both of these tragedies.

Understanding Louisiana Bus Accident Laws

Comparative Fault in Louisiana: What It Is & How It Works

Louisiana's unique legal landscape influences how bus accident claims work. One notable aspect is the state's comparative fault rule. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation after an accident for which you were partly at fault. However, the victim's compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if someone was found to be 25% at fault for an accident, they would only be entitled to 75% of the total damages they were seeking as a result of the crash. 

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to use this rule to claim that victims are significantly at fault, thereby minimizing (or even denying) payouts. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our Louisiana bus accident attorneys know how to fight back against attempts to place unjust amounts of blame on our clients.

The Statute of Limitations on Louisiana Bus Accident Lawsuits

Another important law to consider when filing a bus accident claim in Louisiana is the state's statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the amount of time someone has to sue for damages.

In Louisiana personal injury cases, this time limit is typically:

• Two years from the date of the accident, if the accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024, or
• One year from the date of the accident, if the accident occurred before July 1, 2024.

If you or someone you love was involved in a bus accident in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or the surrounding areas, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced bus accident lawyers as soon as possible. The sooner we can begin investigating your claim and gathering evidence, the better.

How Bus Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases

Bus accident claims in Louisiana present unique challenges that set them apart from typical car accident cases. The potential involvement of public transportation agencies, tour operators, or private bus companies often means dealing with multiple layers of insurance, complex state regulations, varying timelines, and more intensive investigations. 

Unlike car accidents, bus accidents frequently involve a larger number of injured parties, which can lead to complicated claims and insurance processes. Additionally, if a bus is operated by a city or parish entity, claims may be subject to special notice requirements and shorter deadlines due to sovereign immunity considerations. In some cases, agencies like the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development may become involved if there are questions regarding roadway design or maintenance. Working with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Louisiana is crucial for understanding your rights and the specific procedures that apply when pursuing compensation against government entities or commercial carriers.

Many bus routes in Louisiana pass through busy transportation corridors, including routes around the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and regional hubs like the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Accidents at or near these locations can further complicate liability questions, involving not only the bus operator but also municipal bodies or third-party contractors. 

Speak with a Bus Accident Attorney in Louisiana: (225) 209-9943

When you are harmed by a bus driver or bus company's negligence, you should not have to shoulder the burdens of that negligence on your own. Clayton, Frugé & Ward takes pride in helping the people of Louisiana recover maximum compensation when they are injured by others' negligence. Since our firm's founding, we have recovered over $1 billion for those who needed it most. We strive to be advocates for our clients and build the most robust cases possible as we pursue damages from negligent parties. We understand just how challenging this time is for you and your family. When you hire our attorneys, you don't pay anything until we recover compensation for you.

For a complimentary case evaluation, call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online.

Louisiana Bus Accident Claim FAQ

What Should I Do If I Was Involved in an Accident with a Bus?

The aftermath of a bus accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. But, whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, there are several steps you should take right away:

• Always seek prompt medical attention after a bus accident. Even if your injuries seem minor now, they could become worse over time. For your own safety, and for the success of your future personal injury claim, the best thing you can do is see a medical professional as soon as possible.
• If you are able to, we also recommend documenting the scene of the accident. This might include taking pictures of the crash, getting the names and contact information of any witnesses, and requesting copies of the police report.
• You should also ask for documentation of all medical treatment you received related to the crash, as this can be very useful in pursuing your claim. If you are unable to gather evidence yourself, our team can do it for you. We quickly investigate claims and uncover critical evidence to prove liability, as well as the extent of our clients' damages.

Remember: after a bus accident, avoid speaking to anyone from the bus company or their insurance provider. If they offer you a settlement, do NOT accept it until you have spoken to a lawyer. The best thing you can do to protect yourself after a bus accident in Louisiana is talk to an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Bus Accident Claim?

The amount of time it takes to settle or try a bus accident claim varies based on many factors, such as the complexity of the case and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. While some claims might settle within months, others could take a year or more, especially when liability is contested.

Clayton, Frugé & Ward works to expedite this process while ensuring we build a thorough case. Following the initial investigation, we negotiate aggressively with liable parties to seek fair settlements for our clients. Although timely case resolution is ideal, our priority lies in securing appropriate compensation for our clients.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, determining liability can be complicated because there are usually many parties involved. Often, the bus driver and/or the bus company is held accountable, especially if negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle contributed to the accident. In some cases, liability may extend to third-party maintenance providers or bus manufacturers if faulty parts were involved. Clayton, Frugé & Ward conducts thorough investigations and examines the evidence to ensure that rightful entities are held responsible.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Bus Accident?

The exact compensation you may be entitled to after a bus accident depends on the specifics of your case, but typically includes coverage for medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other related damages. The value of your claim is influenced by many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, and the impact your injuries have had (and will continue to have) on your life.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney After a Bus Accident?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney for your bus accident claim, having qualified legal representation on your side significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Insurance companies and opposing parties often employ experienced legal teams whose primary aim is to minimize payouts. Our attorneys offer a critical advantage, both in negotiating settlements and, if necessary, advocating on your behalf in court. We're ready to manage all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on healing and moving forward.