Buses safely transport thousands of people in the Metairie area each day. Most drivers work hard to keep their passengers safe and look out for the safety of other drivers on the road. Still, accidents happen. Sometimes, an accident is outside of a bus driver’s control, caused by the negligence of another driver on the road. Other times, the bus driver’s negligence leads to the collision. The bus owner, mechanic, and manufacturer may also be liable for crashes.
When you or a loved one are hurt in a bus accident, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. Making a claim against a common carrier can differ from making a claim against the owner or driver of a passenger vehicle. A Metairie bus accident lawyer could help you ensure you comply with any additional legal requirements. Call today to speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys about your specific case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Several factors can contribute to bus accidents. Driver negligence is the usual suspect. Driver negligence ranges from distraction to intoxication. A driver who is being aggressive or reckless, distracted, drowsy, speeding, or violating other traffic laws puts everyone on the road at risk. Since buses are so large, they take much longer to stop than other vehicles. Plus, they create much more force in an accident. Bus drivers should keep those factors in mind while driving.
Other drivers are another major cause of bus accidents. Many people drive recklessly around buses. They cut buses off, leaving inadequate space for the bus driver to stop. They tailgate, which can result in rear-ending the bus, especially since buses make frequent stops.
Finally, vehicle malfunctions can contribute to bus accidents. Brake failure, steering failure, and other issues can result in a driver losing control of the vehicle. Identifying the cause of a Metairie bus accident is often a lawyer’s first step when determining who is to blame.
Frequent Injuries in Bus Crashes
Because of their size, buses do a reasonably good job of protecting their passengers. When a bus is in a wreck with another vehicle, the other vehicle is much more likely to experience significant damage and have injured occupants. If a bus crashes into a passenger vehicle, the people in the passenger vehicle could sustain severe injuries. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Bus passengers are vulnerable to the same types of injuries. In addition, they are particularly susceptible to whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries. Whether a person is a passenger on the bus or an occupant of another vehicle in the crash, they may be entitled to damages. A skilled bus accident attorney in Metairie could help victims pursue legal action.
Buses as Common Carriers
Common carriers are businesses that provide public transportation. Public buses, such as city and school buses, and some larger buses, like Greyhound, are common carriers. A common carrier accident has two key challenges: a potentially shortened timeline to file suit and multi-part liability.
Louisiana already has a shorter statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits than most states. People have just one year to file their lawsuits. However, there may be shorter filing deadlines when the defendant is a common carrier. Specifically, this applies to scenarios where the bus is a New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) vehicle. In addition, a plaintiff must file an intent to file a claim with NORTA prior to bringing a lawsuit. Failure to comply with these procedures can result in being unable to bring a claim for compensation.
The second difference is more beneficial to potential plaintiffs. When involved in an accident with a common carrier, several people may be considered legally negligent and, thus, at fault. The list of potential defendants includes:
- The bus driver
- Manufacturers
- The school district
- The bus company or NORTA
- The maintenance company
- Charter or tour companies
In addition, other drivers may be responsible. The potential of additional defendants makes a substantial recovery for an injured person much more likely.
Speak With a Metairie Attorney After a Bus Accident
Bus collisions can be traumatic events with catastrophic injuries. However, you need to pursue legal action as soon as possible since you may be dealing with a shortened time frame. Contact a Metairie bus accident lawyer at our firm as quickly as possible. They could review the circumstances of your case and discuss potential remedies and avenues of recovery.
