Bus Accident Attorney in Louisiana

Have you or a family member been hurt in a school bus accident or injured on a city bus in Louisiana? If so, you might be dealing with problems like expensive medical bills, long absences from work, and deep emotional distress. You deserve compensation for your bus injury, and the hardworking team with The Thibeaux Firm can help you demand it.

People throughout Louisiana know Omar Thibeaux, our founder, as “The 25% Attorney.” That’s because we charge a flat 25 percent fee when we win — which is much less than the 33 to 40 percent most personal injury attorneys charge. That makes our services more affordable and puts more money back into our clients’ wallets.

We’ll take care of all the complex legal work so you can focus on what matters: healing from your injuries and rebuilding your life. Call our bus accident law firm today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Benefits of Hiring a Louisiana Bus Accident Attorney

Hiring a Louisiana bus accident attorney can make a big difference in your case. A lawyer knows how to build a robust bus accident case by gathering important evidence, like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. This helps prove who caused the accident and how much compensation you should get for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be tough because they are not afraid to play hardball to save themselves money. A Louisiana bus accident lawyer can handle these negotiations for you. They know how to deal with insurance adjusters and can argue effectively for a fair settlement. If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair amount, your lawyer can take the case to court and fight for your interests there.

Without a lawyer, you might miss important deadlines or make other mistakes that could hurt your case. For example, you might accept a low settlement offer because you don’t know how much your case is truly worth. Or, you might not gather enough evidence to prove your claim.

Hiring an attorney for a bus accident claim reduces these risks. Your attorney will handle the legal work so you can focus on recovering. With a lawyer on your side, you have a better chance of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Can ‘The 25% Attorney’ Help Me Get More Money in a Bus Accident Case?

With Thibeaux Law Firm, we offer a distinct advantage to the money you could recover in a bus accident.

The way most personal injury law firms work is they instill a contingency fee. This means you’re only responsible for legal fees after the attorney has won an award in your case. The fees come from a percentage of what’s recovered. However, it is common for an attorney to take between 33 and 40 percent of your compensation. That could mean almost half of it could go to your lawyer.

But our law firm is different. As home to “The 25% attorney,” we take a simple and fair 25 percent flat fee on what Attorney Thibeaux recovers for you. If he can’t get any compensation for you in your case, you won’t owe anything, so you have no risk to get your bus accident injury case started.

Who Could Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Determining who caused a bus accident can be complicated, as multiple parties might be at fault. Here are some of the key parties who could be liable for a bus crash in Louisiana:

The Bus Driver – The driver could be responsible if they were negligent. Examples of bus driver negligence include distracted driving, speeding, or not following traffic laws.

The Bus Company or Transit Authority – The company might be liable for poor maintenance, inadequate driver training, or scheduling that leads to driver fatigue. They have a duty to ensure their buses are safe and their drivers have adequate training.

Other Drivers – If another vehicle’s driver acted recklessly or violated traffic rules, they might share responsibility for the crash.

The Bus or Parts Manufacturer – In some cases, the manufacturer of the bus or its parts could be held liable. If a defective part or mechanical failure caused the accident, the company that made the bus or its components might be responsible.

Local Government Entities – Local government entities might be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident. They have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways for all vehicles, including buses.

Why Are Bus Accident Injury Claims So Complex?

There are several factors that often make bus accident injury claims more complex than typical car accident cases. First, bus accidents frequently involve multiple parties. Besides the bus driver and passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists might play a role in a bus crash. These additional parties can make it harder to determine who caused the collision.

Another reason bus accidents are more complicated is the involvement of different entities. Buses are usually operated by public transit authorities, school districts, or private companies. Each entity has its own rules and insurance policies. This means you might have to deal with government regulations or corporate procedures that can be confusing, time-consuming, and bound by red tape.

Additionally, a bus accident may involve many victims with varying degrees of injuries. Handling multiple claims at once adds another layer of complexity to a case. The insurance company or legal team representing the bus operator will likely try to minimize payouts to each victim, making it harder to get fair compensation.

Gathering evidence in a bus accident case can also be challenging. You might need to obtain bus maintenance records, driver logs, and surveillance footage. This evidence is crucial to proving negligence, but it can be difficult to access without legal help.

Moreover, the severe nature of many bus accident injuries often leads to high medical costs and other severe long-term effects. Calculating the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost income, requires detailed knowledge and experience.

With a Louisiana bus accident attorney by your side, you’ll be able to focus on healing, not the legal complexities.

What To Do After a Bus Accident

Your health is your top priority after a Louisiana bus accident. If you have not done so already, your first step is to seek medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show symptoms right away. A doctor can check for any hidden injuries and provide the necessary care. Make sure to follow their advice and keep all medical records and bills.

After addressing your immediate health needs, report the accident to the relevant authorities if they are not already aware of the crash. This could be the police, the bus company, or your insurance provider. Filing a report creates an official record of the accident, which is essential for your claim.

Collecting evidence is also crucial to building a successful claim. If possible, take photos of your injuries and any damage to personal belongings. Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident, including medical visits, missed work, and any other expenses you incur.

You should contact a Louisiana bus accident attorney as soon as possible after the collision. They can advise you on your rights, build a case on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies and other liable entities, and effectively pursue the money you deserve.

Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your lawyer. Insurance adjusters might try to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Stick to the facts, and let your attorney handle communication with insurance companies and other parties involved.

What Compensation Can I Expect to Recover in a Bus Accident Claim?

The key to maximizing the value of a bus accident claim is to work with a knowledgeable attorney. They can accurately assess your losses and protect your rights during negotiations with the insurance companies. With a lawyer’s help, your bus accident compensation could include money for:

Past and future medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Emotional distress

Reduced future earnings
Diminished quality of life
Damaged personal property

What if I Am Partly at Fault in a Bus Accident?

You can likely recover some compensation after a bus accident, even if you are partly at fault for the crash. Louisiana’s comparative fault law says that if you played a role in an accident, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. So, as long as you are not solely responsible for a bus crash, you can still recover compensation for your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Louisiana?

In most cases, Louisiana law says you have one year from the date of a crash to file a bus accident lawsuit. There may be additional requirements and deadlines when the defendant is a government entity. This tight deadline emphasizes the importance of hiring a lawyer soon after a crash to protect your right to compensation.

What Injuries Can Someone Sustain in a Bus Accident?

Louisiana bus accidents often result in devastating injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
Whiplash and other neck injuries
Ruptured discs and other back injuries

Broken bones
Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
Severe lacerations
PTSD and other mental health conditions

Client Testimonial

“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? The settlement amount of my case was $40,000. I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.”

- Brooke H.

What Are Common Types of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting unique risks and challenges. Here are some common types of Louisiana bus accidents:

Rear-End Collisions – These occur when a bus hits the vehicle in front of it or gets hit from behind. Such accidents can cause significant injuries, especially to passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Side-Impact Crashes – Also known as T-bone accidents, these happen when another vehicle strikes a bus on its side, often at intersections. This type of accident can lead to serious injuries due to the large surface area of the bus.
Rollover Accidents – Buses have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns or during high-speed maneuvers. Rollovers can result in severe injuries and fatalities.
Pedestrian Accidents – Sometimes, buses collide with pedestrians, usually due to the driver not checking their blind spots, being distracted, or failing to yield. These accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries to the pedestrian.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups – Buses involved in chain-reaction crashes can cause multiple-vehicle pile-ups. The size and weight of the bus can lead to extensive damage and numerous injuries.

Contact a Louisiana Bus Accident Lawyer Today

You have enough to worry about after a bus accident without the hassle of a complex legal battle. The Thibeaux Firm can handle your case for you and ease some of your burdens during this challenging time. Plus, with “The 25% Attorney,” you’ll have someone dedicated to keeping more of any financial compensation we recover in your pocket.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a bus accident lawyer in Louisiana.

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