New Orleans

Bus

accident lawyer

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New Orleans has a variety of buses operating throughout the city, including public transit buses, charter buses, school buses, and tour buses that transport residents and tourists alike. In bus accidents, multiple parties could be held accountable depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance providers, parts manufacturers, and even government entities responsible for public transit. 

Proving liability in bus accident cases can be complex, as it requires thorough investigation into factors such as driver negligence, mechanical failures, or poor supervision and maintenance practices. This process involves a thorough investigation and analysis of evidence like maintenance logs, accident reports, and black box data, as well as application of legal nuances unique to each type of bus and the entity operating it.

At Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers, our New Orleans bus accident attorney, Walter Gabriel, brings the legal skill and experience needed to handle these complex cases. Media outlets regularly seek his insight because of his reputation for consistently delivering exceptional results for his clients. Walter Gabriel has received numerous accolades, including an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. 

Known for his outstanding professionalism and client service, Walter Gabriel has earned the trust of his clients, who provide glowing testimonials and referrals. With his proven track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in high-profile personal injury cases, you can count on him to fight aggressively for the largest possible financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in New Orleans

Bus drivers and bus companies in New Orleans are held to high standards of care, given the significant responsibility they bear for passenger and public safety. However, negligent actions by these parties may lead to devastating accidents. Our New Orleans bus accident lawyer Walter Gabriel will thoroughly investigate these actions and prove liability in order to hold the bus operator and other responsible parties accountable. Here are the key negligent actions we will investigate:

Negligent Actions by Bus Drivers

  • Distracted Driving: Bus drivers texting, eating, or engaging in other distractions can cause serious accidents. We review cellphone records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts to prove driver distraction.
  • Speeding or Reckless Driving: Driving above speed limits, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield increases the likelihood of collisions. We analyze black box data and traffic camera footage to establish reckless behavior.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment severely impairs judgment and reaction times. We obtain toxicology reports to identify cases of substance abuse.
  • Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can result in drowsy driving. We review driver schedules and logs to check for Hours of Service (HOS) violations.
  • Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Ignoring stop signs, running red lights, or making illegal turns are common violations. We examine the scene and witness reports to demonstrate noncompliance with traffic regulations.

Negligent Actions by Bus Companies

  • Inadequate Hiring Practices: Employing unqualified or poorly vetted drivers puts everyone at risk. We evaluate the company’s hiring process to determine whether they failed to conduct background checks or verify licensing.
  • Lack of Proper Training: Failing to provide comprehensive driver training on safety protocols, emergency response, and vehicle operation can lead to accidents. We investigate the training programs and certifications offered by the company.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Skimping on regular inspections and repairs leads to mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues. We scrutinize maintenance logs and inspection reports to uncover negligence.
  • Overloading or Improper Loading: Excessive passenger loads or improperly secured cargo can affect the bus’s handling. We analyze load documentation and weight limits to expose overloading issues.
  • Failure to Monitor Driver Conduct: Companies are responsible for ensuring that drivers adhere to safety regulations. We examine records of past violations or complaints to prove negligence in supervision.

Negligent Actions by Third-Parties

  • Negligence by Other Drivers: Another motorist’s negligent driving behavior may have contributed to the accident, resulting in injuries to bus passengers. We gather evidence to hold third-party drivers accountable.
  • Defective Bus Parts: Malfunctions caused by manufacturing defects may place liability on parts manufacturers. We consult with engineering and automotive experts to identify tire or product defects.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Government entities or contractors may be liable for bus accidents caused by potholes, missing signage, or other road hazards. We investigate these factors and file claims against the appropriate parties.
  • Inadequate School Board Supervision: School boards can be held liable if they fail to properly maintain their bus fleet, hire qualified drivers, or enforce safety protocols. Liability may also arise if the school board negligently oversees transportation contracts or allows unsafe practices.

 

Walter Gabriel’s comprehensive legal approach ensures that all forms of negligence are investigated and proven. With years of experience, a strong record of achieving settlements and verdicts, and an aggressive strategy, our firm will fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Public Transportation Bus New Orleans

How Our New Orleans Bus Accident Lawyer Prove Liability to Maximize Your Compensation 

Proving liability in a bus accident case requires thorough investigation and the collection of compelling evidence. Walter Gabriel, our experienced New Orleans bus accident lawyer, and his investigative team will move fast to identify and obtain the evidence necessary to build a strong claim for damages.

Accident Scene Evidence 

Collecting evidence from the crash site is critical. This includes photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and weather conditions. We will also gather data from New Orleans traffic cameras, if available, to recreate the accident.

Black Box Data 

Many buses in New Orleans are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), or “black boxes,” which capture vital information such as speed, braking patterns, and engine performance at the time of the accident. This data can help establish whether driver negligence or mechanical failure played a role.

Witness Statements 

Testimonies from passengers, bystanders, or other vehicle drivers can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the crash. We will locate and interview all possible witnesses and secure their statements to corroborate your version of events.

Police Reports 

The accident report prepared by responding law enforcement officers in New Orleans is a key piece of evidence to establish liability. It typically contains details about fault determination, witness accounts, and initial observations about the bus driver’s behavior.

Bus Driver Records 

We will examine the bus driver’s credentials, including their commercial driver’s license (CDL), training records, and employment history, to ensure they were qualified and properly trained. Evidence of prior traffic violations or driving under the influence can also strengthen your case.

Driver Logs and Hours of Service Compliance 

For commercial bus operators, federal regulations limit the number of hours drivers can be on the road. We will review driver logs, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and timecards to determine if fatigue or hours-of-service violations contributed to the accident.

Onboard Camera Footage 

Many buses in New Orleans are equipped with interior and exterior cameras. We will request this footage to identify the driver’s actions leading up to the crash, passenger behavior, and road conditions. This visual evidence can be pivotal in establishing fault.

Bus Maintenance and Inspection Records 

Poor vehicle maintenance can be one of the causes of bus accidents. Our New Orleans public transportation lawyer will investigate whether the bus company failed to perform routine inspections or ignored known mechanical issues, such as brake failure or tire problems.

Surveillance Footage from Nearby Locations 

Cameras from nearby businesses, traffic lights, or residential areas may have captured the collision. This footage can offer a clear view of the bus accident in New Orleans and serve as compelling evidence in proving liability. In case after case, we have been able to challenge the negligent driver’s version based on this type of evidence.

Bus Driver and Bus Company Staff Statements 

Statements from the bus driver and other staff members can reveal critical details about the events leading up to the accident, as well as any negligent practices or policies that may have contributed to the crash. We have the skills and legal knowledge to obtain key admissions from these potential witnesses.

Accident Reconstructionist Reports 

Accident reconstruction experts analyze the crash dynamics, including vehicle speed, impact angles, and road conditions. They can provide a scientific report that establishes how the public transportation accident occurred and who is at fault.

Employer Records and Policies 

If the bus company in New Orleans employs negligent hiring practices, overworks its drivers, fails in bus driver training or supervision, or enforces unsafe operational policies, these records will be critical in proving corporate liability. 

Third-Party Evidence 

If road defects, malfunctioning traffic signals, or another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, we will investigate these third parties and gather evidence to hold them accountable. This may include traffic engineering reports or vehicle inspections.

Medical Records and Expert Testimony 

To connect your injuries to the accident, we will compile your medical records and, if necessary, bring in expert witnesses such as medical professionals to testify on your behalf. This is critical to ensure that the full extent of your injuries and pain and suffering is accounted for. 

Walter Gabriel uses a strategic and detail-oriented approach to gather and preserve evidence, ensuring no critical detail is overlooked. By leveraging this evidence, we will establish liability and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take if You are Injured in a Public Transportation Accident in New Orleans

If you are injured in a bus accident in New Orleans, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Whether you were a passenger on the bus or someone struck by it, follow these steps to safeguard your rights:

  • Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to 911 so police and emergency responders can arrive at the scene. In New Orleans, the police report will be critical for documenting the incident and determining preliminary fault.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, visit a hospital or urgent care center like University Medical Center New Orleans. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms.

  • Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signals. If you’re a passenger, document the inside of the bus, including the seating area and any visible hazards.

  • Collect Witness Information: Get contact information from other passengers, pedestrians, or drivers who saw the accident. Independent witness statements can play a key role in proving liability.

  • Preserve Evidence: Keep any items that may serve as evidence, such as torn clothing, medical records, or bus tickets. This can help establish your presence and injury during the accident.

  • File a Report with the Bus Company: Notify the bus operator, whether it’s RTA, Greyhound, or a private charter company. Be cautious about what you say, as your statement could be used against you later.

  • Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t provide detailed information or sign anything before consulting an attorney.

  • Get Legal Representation: Contact our New Orleans bus accident attorney Walter Gabriel as soon as possible. With extensive experience in handling bus accident claims, Walter Gabriel will investigate the incident, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Taking these steps promptly after a bus accident can strengthen your case and ensure you receive the justice and financial recovery you are entitled to.

Choose Our New Orleans Bus Accident Lawyer Walter Gabriel to Maximize Your Injury Claim

  • Proven Record of Success: Walter Gabriel has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured victims, demonstrating his ability to deliver results even in the most complex bus accident cases in New Orleans.

  • Aggressive Advocacy: Insurance companies often test a lawyer’s resolve, but Walter Gabriel’s firm has a reputation for going the extra mile. This commitment compels insurers to take your claim seriously and often results in six- and seven-figure settlements.

  • Personalized Approach: We treat every client with care and attention, ensuring that your unique circumstances are fully considered. Walter Gabriel listens to your story, evaluates your needs, and creates a tailored legal strategy to maximize your compensation.

  • Extensive Legal Experience: With a background in personal injury, complex litigation, and prosecutorial work, Walter Gabriel has the skills to anticipate and counter opposing legal strategies effectively, no matter how challenging the case.

  • Awards and Accolades: Walter Gabriel’s exceptional legal skills have earned him numerous accolades, including an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 attorney by the National Trial Lawyers, and a Rising Star designation from Super Lawyers.

  • Comprehensive Resources: New Orleans public transportation accident attorney Walter Gabriel may employ accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other professionals to strengthen your case with compelling evidence and expert testimony.

  • Fair Representation to All: Attorney Walter Gabriel operates with the belief that all people deserve fair representation under the law. Hel has spoken at church events and participated in “Know Your Rights” radio segments. Walter also uses his diverse perspective to provide legal analysis and commentary on Court TV.

  • No Win, No Pay: At Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win financial compensation for you. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees or costs.
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When you choose our New Orleans bus crash lawyer Walter Gabriel, you will have a fierce advocate by your side who has the skill, experience and resources to take on powerful bus companies and large insurance carriers. Walter will not back down until he recovers the highest possible compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at (318) 445-2121.

Involved in a public transportation accident in New Orleans?

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FAQ’s

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

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