Bus drivers have a strong responsibility to keep their passengers safe. Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers if you were injured in an accident in Metairie involving a:
- Public transit bus
- School bus
- Charter bus
- Tourism bus
- Party bus
- Shuttle bus
- Double-decker bus
You might be owed compensation for damages you incurred in a bus accident, such as for medical expenses or income loss. If you lost a loved one in a bus accident and are a qualifying family member, you might be able to receive compensation for the final expenses related to your loved one’s death, as well as financial compensation for the effects of their absence.
A Metairie bus accident lawyer may assist you with your case throughout your legal journey. To learn more about the personal injury litigation process, call our law firm at (504) 777-7777 for a free consultation with a member of our team today.
Bus Accidents Can Be the Result of Negligence or Poor Judgment
Thankfully, bus accidents do not occur at a high rate in Louisiana, but when they do, people can sustain severe injuries. Some reasons bus accidents occur in the state include:
- Poor weather and road conditions: Certain weather conditions, like rain and snow, can make the roads slippery. If a bus driver does not adjust their speed or remember to increase their braking distance, they might crash into other vehicles when coming to a stop. Slippery roads can also provide less traction for bus wheels, and foggy weather can reduce visibility.
- Blind spots: Buses have larger blind spots than standard passenger vehicles, so bus drivers must take extra precautions when merging or turning. If they do not check for other traffic, they might cause a side collision.
- Driver inexperience: Bus drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a bus in Louisiana. However, the chances of getting into an accident are higher in a driver’s first year of experience. Bus drivers with a lack of experience might still be adjusting to their vehicle’s dimensions, weight, and mechanics.
- Speeding: Like trucks, buses carry a different center of gravity, meaning they need longer stopping distances and must approach certain driving maneuvers slower than smaller vehicles. Bus drivers who speed put passengers and other road users at risk of getting into a rear-accident or losing balance when making turns.
- Alcohol consumption: All CDL drivers are forbidden from operating their vehicles at 0.04 percent or higher, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Alcohol consumption can reduce a driver’s judgment, motor skills, and reaction responses.
School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents are rare. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are 70 times safer going to school via a school bus than by car. So, if your child was involved in a school bus collision, it is important to pinpoint the cause of the accident and determine whether the school bus driver was negligent.
School bus drivers must make sure to:
- Put warning signals up for children getting on and off the school bus, especially if children need to cross lanes.
- Look out for small children when backing up, such as when leaving a garage or driveway.
- Reduce their speed when driving near other children or pedestrians in general, especially in school zones.
- Stay alert for children who suddenly dart out into the street.
If your child was hit by a school bus or was inside the bus when it got into a collision, you might be entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. If they passed away in a bus accident, a wrongful death lawyer in Metairie, LA, will help you file for compensation.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientYou Must File Your Bus Accident Lawsuit on Time
According to Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you have one year to file your lawsuit about the bus accident. This is a short timeframe that can go by quickly, especially if you are up against a bussing company and their insurer.
Remembering the filing deadline can be difficult when you also have to deal with recovering from your injuries, keeping track of your case progress, and handling legal obstacles that come your way. Your Metairie bus accident lawyer can manage your case in its entirety, which includes filing your case by the statutory deadline.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we pay attention to these details so that our clients can have peace of mind. Let us handle your case for you. Call (504) 777-7777 today for a free consultation.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientYou Might Demand Multiple Damages
For your bus accident, whether it involved you or a loved one, you might be able to get compensated for the following:
- Bills for medical treatment
- Bills for property repair costs if your vehicle was involved in the accident
- Psychological trauma, such as for a child who got hit by a bus and has now developed a phobia
- Income loss if you needed to take time off from work to heal or take care of your child
- Pain and suffering
This is not a conclusive list, so feel free to ask your Metairie personal injury lawyer about what other damages you might be able to pursue.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientOur Team Can Review Your Bus Accident Case
Whether your bus accident involved a public transit bus, a school bus, or a charter bus, your case might qualify you to receive compensation. Have a team member at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers review your accident details and listen to your side of the story. Our team might also be able to investigate your accident further and determine if other parties might be liable for your damages.
Call our firm at (504) 777-7777 today for a free case evaluation. If you decide to work with a Metairie bus accident lawyer from our team, you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless they win your case. Our team works on a contingency-fee-basis, so we only charge for our services when we win our cases. Contact us for more information about our legal services.
