From the daily commute to casino trips and school drop-offs, buses are a common mode of transportation across Louisiana and the Gulf South. While they’re generally safe, bus accidents do happen—and when they do, the injuries can be serious, the legal process can be confusing, and figuring out who’s liable is rarely simple.
Whether you were hit by a bus as a driver, injured as a bus passenger, or your child was harmed on a school bus, this guide will walk you through what you need to know, what steps to take, and how Banck Law can help.
Types of Bus Accidents We Commonly See in Louisiana
1. School Bus Accidents
For many families in St. Tammany Parish, Orleans Parish, and across the state, school buses are a daily part of life. When a school bus is involved in a crash—whether it’s due to driver error, another vehicle, or mechanical failure—it can lead to injuries involving children, which are especially emotional and complex.
Common school bus accident scenarios include:
- Collisions with passenger vehicles
- Children injured while boarding or exiting
- Bus driver negligence or distraction
- Inadequate supervision or safety measures
2. RTA & Public Transit Bus Accidents
In cities like New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and surrounding areas, RTA (Regional Transit Authority) buses carry thousands of passengers daily. Crashes involving these large buses can involve:
- Collisions with pedestrians or cyclists
- Sudden stops causing passenger falls
- Strikes with parked cars or moving vehicles
- Driver negligence, fatigue, or lack of training
Public buses are typically operated by government entities, which adds another legal layer. You may need to file a claim against a municipality, and shortened legal deadlines (sometimes as short as 6 months) may apply.
3. Casino, Charter & Tour Bus Accidents
Louisiana and Mississippi have thriving casino and tourism industries, with many people taking charter buses to casinos in Baton Rouge, Biloxi, and beyond. Accidents involving these large commercial buses often happen on interstates like I-10 or I-12, and may be caused by:
- Fatigued or distracted drivers
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Inexperienced or improperly licensed drivers
- Overloaded buses
Because these buses are often operated by private companies, liability may fall on the bus operator, driver, or even a third-party maintenance provider.
4. Being Hit by a Bus as a Driver, Cyclist, or Pedestrian
Buses make frequent stops, wide turns, and can have significant blind spots. People are often injured when:
- A bus runs a red light or stop sign
- A pedestrian is struck in a crosswalk
- A cyclist is sideswiped by a turning bus
- A driver is rear-ended by a speeding or distracted bus operator
If you were injured by a bus while not onboard, your case could involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, bus company, and government agency.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
Determining fault in a bus accident can be complex. Possible liable parties include:
- The Bus Driver – For negligence like speeding, texting, fatigue, or distracted driving
- The Bus Company or Government Agency – For improper hiring, poor maintenance, or lack of training
- A Third-Party Driver – If another vehicle caused the bus to crash
- A Manufacturer – If a defective bus part caused the accident
- A Maintenance Company – For failing to properly service the bus
At Banck Law, we investigate thoroughly to determine all responsible parties, and pursue compensation from each one if necessary.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Louisiana
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, here’s what to do after being injured in a bus-related crash:
- Call 911 – Always report the crash and ensure medical help is on the way.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you don’t feel injured, some symptoms take time to show.
- Document the scene – Take photos of injuries, the bus, damage, and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information – Talk to witnesses, the bus driver, and other involved parties.
- Request a copy of the police report – This is crucial for your personal injury claim.
- Don’t speak with insurance adjusters alone – They may try to minimize your claim. Talk to a lawyer first.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation or disability
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was lost in the accident)
We will work to recover every dollar you deserve—not just what the insurance company initially offers.
Why Choose Banck Law for Your Bus Accident Case?
Bus accident cases are more complicated than standard car crashes. You may be dealing with multiple defendants, corporate or government entities, and complex insurance policies.
At Banck Law, we have experience handling cases involving:
- School board liability
- Municipal and state agency claims
- Commercial transportation companies
- Charter and casino tour operators
We handle every detail—from investigating your accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and taking your case to court if needed. You focus on recovery—we’ll handle the rest.
Injured in a Bus Accident on the Northshore or in New Orleans? Let’s Talk.
Whether your child was hurt in a school bus crash in Mandeville, you were struck by an RTA bus in New Orleans, or you were injured on a casino bus traveling through Pearl River, Banck Law is ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (985) 900-2440 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
