Nearly all cities depend on some mode of public transportation. In the New Orleans metro area and Baton Rouge, its residents have two: City buses and streetcars.
While convenient to get through major places like Baton Rouge, Metairie, and New Orleans, bus accidents are actually all too familiar: In fact, just a few years ago, there were more than 65 thousand bus accidents on the highway alone.
This means that navigating through major cities like New Orleans can be dangerous for even the most experienced driver or pedestrian.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT
Schwartz Law is native to the New Orleans area and is no stranger to representing bus accident cases. With more than 20 years of experience, Christopher Schwartz and William Brierre are among the most well-known car and truck accident attorneys in Metairie and Baton Rouge.
Why Do Bus Accidents Happen in New Orleans?
Although most people do their best to avoid an accident, they're sometimes inevitable. If you've been injured in a bus accident, it is likely caused by one of the “Four D's of Hazardous Driving,” which are accidents caused by impairments, such as:
- Drinking
- Drugged
- Drowsy
- Distracted
Of course, the type of accident can vary, with some of the most common types of incidents being caused by:
- Rollovers
- Failure to inspect or maintain buses
- Head-on collisions
- Pedestrian incidents caused by jaywalking or failure to yield
- Unsafe road conditions, like weather or road obstructions
- Other driver's fault, caused by inexperience, speeding, and making unsafe driving decisions
But no matter the reason behind your accident, you deserve to be represented fairly with justice and compensation. A case gone right can help cover any medical bills from your injuries and cosmetic damages caused by the accident. Bus accidents are not only physically dangerous, but they can also cause mental impairment and emotional distress, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Bus Accidents
Some of the most common bus accidents come from major transportation, including city buses,
school buses, subway cars, streetcars, tour buses, and train cars.
City Buses and Streetcars
Streetcars are the oldest operating street railway system in the world, dating back to the early 1830s. With more than 18.6 million annual riders, there are 40 routes that the city buses and streetcars go on every day throughout the city. And although there are no 24/7 services, these buses make their routes several times a day just minutes apart. That means there are plenty of opportunities for an unwanted bus accident to happen.
School Buses
In between New Orleans and Metairie, more than 53 thousand students attend public school. Standard buses have a capacity of 72 passengers, which means that there are at least 860 school buses going through the streets of the bustling city every single morning and afternoon during the week. Unfortunately, school bus accidents are all too common—and Schwartz Law can help you and your family if you've been involved in one.
Tour Buses
One of the most spectacular parts about the New Orleans metro area is the consistent liveliness of tourism. With more than 18.51 million visitors each year, the exciting city is famous for “Hop-On Hop-Off” tour buses. These are convenient to many tourists, but can also be frustrating and immensely dangerous for others trying to move through traffic.
What To Do If You've Been in a Bus Accident
If you've been in a bus accident, there are several steps you should take. But before you do anything, you should seek medical attention immediately, especially if you've been injured. Even if you believe you have an injury that will go away with some bed rest, it's still a good idea to have a professional check it out. You often don't know how serious an injury is until it's too late.
If you are only slightly injured and do not have to seek immediate emergency attention, you should start documenting the incident with photos. Your photos will be used for your case as evidence and proof.
Always remember that even if you don't take pictures, the police will. Having your own record will only better help your case down the road.
While waiting, don't leave the scene or admit any fault. Be sure to call the police to begin writing a report and taking photos as well. In the meantime, gather your documentation and exchange information with the other driver.
Although it's likely the last thing on your mind, contacting a New Orleans bus accident attorney should be next on your list.
Why Should You Call a New Orleans Bus Accident Attorney?
Working with a lawyer might seem overwhelming, but it's the right thing to do—especially if you're hurt. Hiring an expert attorney can bring you peace of mind, as well as help you avoid any issues in your case, such as:
- Insurance companies may try to drive down the value of your claim so that you accept less money than you deserve
- More than one person may be responsible and liable for your injuries and accident
- The other party's lawyers could accuse you of being at fault or not reporting any existing injuries
- Navigating any claim is stressful and challenging without expert help—plus, your lawyer can help identify and prove things that you might not have thought about before
Rated as a top bus accident lawyers in Metairie and Baton Rouge, the experienced team at Schwartz Law can help you right away.
Schwartz Law Can Help With Your Claim Today
No matter how minute the injury, recovering from a bus accident is no small thing. While you might have been injured, your property may also have been damaged, and any emotional trauma could last for years.
If you've been a victim of this type of accident, then it's time to contact the best bus accident lawyers in Metairie in Baton Rouge.
Schwartz Law has got your back: With decades of specialized experience in all-things personal injury, Christopher and William are among the best New Orleans auto accident lawyers in the city.
In severe injury cases, it's vital that you don't wait longer than you have to:Contact Schwartz Law today for a free consultation on your case.
