New Orleans Bus Accident Lawyer

City, school, tour and charter bus crashes.

BUS ACCIDENTS —

Bus Accident Claims Have Their Own Set of Rules

Buses move thousands of people around New Orleans every day: RTA buses, school buses, airport shuttles, tour and charter buses, and church and hotel vans. When a bus crashes, passengers are often thrown around with no seatbelts, and people in other vehicles or on foot can be badly hurt.

Bus accident claims can be harder than ordinary car wreck claims because of who owns and operates the bus. Stephen J. Hecker helps passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians work through those rules.

Who Can Be Responsible for a Bus Accident?

The bus driver
The bus company or transit agency that employs the driver
A school board or private school transportation contractor
A tour, charter or shuttle company
A maintenance company or parts manufacturer
Another driver who caused the crash

Companies that carry passengers for pay are held to a high standard of care for their passengers’ safety.

Claims Against Public Transit and Government Bodies

In New Orleans, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is a political subdivision of the state. Claims against public bodies in Louisiana come with special rules, including:

A cap on some damages. General damages, such as pain and suffering, are capped at $500,000 per person against the state and political subdivisions. Medical care and lost earnings are handled separately.
No jury, in many cases. Suits against a political subdivision are generally decided by a judge unless the body has waived that rule.
Strict procedural requirements. After a suit is filed, service on the public body must be requested within 90 days, or the case can be dismissed as to that defendant.

These rules are unforgiving. If a public bus or school bus was involved, call early.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Driver fatigue and distraction
Speeding and unsafe turns
Poor maintenance, especially brakes and tires
Sudden stops that throw standing passengers
Unsafe boarding and exiting
Other drivers cutting off or hitting the bus

Deadlines and Fault

In Louisiana, most injury claims from accidents on or after July 1, 2024 must be filed within two years. Injuries before that date generally had only one year. Evidence also disappears fast, so don’t wait.

Louisiana changed its fault rule on January 1, 2026. For accidents on or after that date, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you are less than 51% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your share. Insurance companies know this, so expect them to try to push more of the blame onto you.

What You May Be Able to Recover

Medical bills, past and future
Lost wages and lost earning ability
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
Scarring, disfigurement and permanent disability

Hurt in a bus accident? Call Hecker. Free consultation. (504) 446-1000.

FAQ —

Bus Accidents: Common Questions

Can I sue the RTA after a bus accident?

Yes, claims can be brought against public transit agencies, but special rules apply, including damage caps, judge-only trials in many cases and strict service deadlines. Talk to a lawyer early.

I was a passenger and the bus didn't hit anything, but I was hurt when it stopped suddenly. Do I have a claim?

Possibly. Passenger carriers owe a high duty of care to their riders. Injuries from sudden stops, unsafe driving or unsafe boarding can support a claim.

What if my child was hurt on a school bus?

Get medical care, request the incident report from the school and call us. Claims involving public school boards follow the rules for public bodies.

How long do I have to file?

For most accidents on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file suit in Louisiana, but claims against public bodies have extra steps. Don’t wait.

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