LTS Bus Accident Attorney in Lafayette

The Lafayette Transit System (LTS) helps many people get around the city for work, to visit friends and family, and more. Unfortunately, LTS buses can be involved in accidents, especially when bus drivers, others on the road, or government agencies act negligently. LTS passengers, drivers in other vehicles, and others frequently suffer horrific injuries in bus crashes.

If you recently sustained a bus injury in Lafayette, Attorney Omar Thibeaux and the team at The Thibeaux Firm can help. Our determined and respectful bus accident law firm can take care of your legal case while you heal and rebuild your life. We’re ready to help you, so call or email us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Lafayette bus accident attorney.

Benefits of Hiring a Lafayette Bus Accident Attorney

When you work with a Lafayette bus accident lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm, you get a hardworking, caring attorney who knows the law and understands how to handle a bus accident claim. We can guide you through the claim process and help you understand what to expect at each step.

With Attorney Thibeaux on your side, we can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and talk to witnesses. We know how to build a strong case to prove who caused your injuries. This gives you the best chance to obtain fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.

Another benefit of having an attorney is that they will handle the insurance companies for you. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible in a bus accident case, but your lawyer will fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Attorneys know how to negotiate and can often get a better settlement than you would on your own.

Finally, if your case goes to court, it’s crucial to have an attorney by your side. They will represent you, present your case to the judge and jury, and work to get the best outcome possible.

And, at The Thibeaux Firm, we make sure you get the best value possible. People throughout Louisiana know Attorney Thibeaux as “The 25% Attorney.” That’s because he only asks for a flat and reasonable 25 percent fee for the personal injury cases where he wins compensation for his clients. This is much less than the 33 to 40-plus percent other law practices charge for their services, so more money stays in your pocket.

Why Are Bus Accident Injury Claims So Complex?

Bus accident injury claims are often more complicated than other personal injury claims because of the number of people involved. These motor vehicles often carry many passengers, so there are usually multiple injury claims from a single accident.

Another complicating factor is the numerous different parties that might be liable. In a bus accident, the bus driver, the bus company, the bus manufacturer, or other drivers on the road could all have played a role in the collision. Figuring out who is liable for your injuries requires a thorough investigation and knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations.

Bus accident claims also require different types of evidence. To win your case, presenting passenger statements, traffic camera footage, and maintenance records for the bus as evidence might be necessary. Collecting and analyzing these various elements can be time-consuming and require specific knowledge.

Additionally, government entities or large corporations are often the ones who own or maintain buses. These organizations have legal teams and insurance companies with extensive experience handling accident claims. They might use tricky tactics to delay or deny claims, making the process more challenging for individuals to handle without legal representation.

With Attorney Thibeaux and The Thibeaux Firm, you’ll have dedicated advocates who can sort through and determine the accident cause and responsible parties, then demand maximum compensation for your injuries.

What To Do After a Bus Accident

If you’ve been in a bus accident, taking the right steps afterward is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do once you’ve left the crash scene and sought medical attention:

• Document Everything – Keep a record of all your medical treatments, expenses, and any missed work. Take photos of your injuries and write down how the accident has affected your daily life. This documentation is important for any future legal claims.
• Report the Accident – Make sure to report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the bus company. Provide them with accurate details but avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident.
• Gather Evidence – If possible, get copies of the police report. If witnesses were listed, contact them to see whether they’ll provide statements about what they saw. This evidence can support your claim and help establish who was at fault.
• Consult an Attorney – Reach out to Attorney Thibeaux, a reputable bus accident lawyer in Lafayette, to discuss your case.
• Avoid Talking About the Accident – Don’t discuss the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and lawyers may use your posts against you.

Who Could Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?

These parties could be potentially liable in a bus accident claim:

• Bus Driver – The bus driver could be responsible if they were careless while driving. Some examples of bus driver negligence include driving recklessly, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Bus Company – The bus company might be liable for failing to properly maintain the bus or for hiring unqualified drivers.
• Other Drivers – Sometimes, another driver on the road might cause a bus accident. If another vehicle’s driver was speeding, running a red light, or driving carelessly at the time of the crash, they could be responsible.
• Bus Manufacturer – If a defect in the bus or one of its systems or parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
• Government Entities –The Lafayette Consolidated Government operates LTS buses, which means they might be responsible for a collision. They have a duty to ensure the buses are safe and the drivers are properly trained.
• Maintenance Contractors – If the bus company outsources maintenance to another company and that company fails to keep the bus in good condition, the maintenance contractor could be liable.

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

Your potential bus accident compensation depends on how significant your injuries are, your medical bills, and other factors. The best step you can take to maximize your compensation is to work with an experienced Lafayette bus accident attorney who can help you seek money for the following:

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

Some states do not allow you to recover compensation after an accident if you partly caused it, but Louisiana is not one of those states. State law says that if you contribute to an accident, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if your losses from a bus accident amount to $100,000 and your share of fault for the crash is 10 percent, you would lose 10 percent of your compensation, or $10,000. As long as you are not solely to blame for the accident, you can likely recover some compensation for your injuries.

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

Louisiana law sets a strict time limit for filing a bus accident lawsuit after a collision. Typically, you have one year from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. However, if your injuries stem from a school bus accident or you were injured on a city bus, you may have a claim against a government agency. There are additional legal requirements in these cases, and you may have a shorter window to file a claim. It’s imperative to contact Attorney Thibeaux right away after a bus accident to preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

What Are Common Types of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can happen in many different ways, each with its own set of challenges and dangers. Common types of bus accidents in Lafayette include:

• Rear-End Collisions – These occur when a bus hits the vehicle in front of it or gets hit from behind. Sudden stops or traffic congestion often cause these accidents.
• Side-Impact Crashes – Also known as T-bone accidents, these happen when another vehicle hits a bus from the side, usually at intersections. Buses can also cause T-bone accidents when they collide with the side of another car.
• Rollover Accidents – Buses have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over, especially when taking sharp turns at high speeds.
• Pedestrian Accidents – Sometimes, buses hit pedestrians while turning or stopping at bus stops.
• Head-On Collisions – These occur when a bus collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Due to the high speeds involved, head-on collisions are often devastating.

What Injuries Can Someone Sustain in a Bus Accident?

Because buses weigh several times more than passenger cars and ride higher off the road, they tend to cause more severe injuries when collisions occur. Some common bus accident injuries in Lafayette include:

Contact a Lafayette Bus Accident Lawyer Today

You have urgent medical and financial needs after a bus accident in Lafayette, so don’t wait to talk to Attorney Thibeaux about your case. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review. Discover how a compassionate and determined bus accident lawyer in Lafayette from our law firm can pursue compensation for you.