New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, historic neighborhoods, and iconic streetcars. But with thousands of residents and visitors relying on public transit each day, accidents sometimes happen. Whether it’s a bus collision, a streetcar derailment, or a ferry incident, public transportation accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a public transit crash, you may be entitled to compensation. At Dudley DeBosier, our experienced New Orleans attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Types of Public Transportation in New Orleans
Unlike many cities that rely solely on buses, New Orleans offers a mix of modern and historic transit options for residents and visitors:
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
The backbone of the city’s transit system, RTA buses cover dozens of routes throughout Orleans Parish. They serve neighborhoods where cars may not be practical and connect riders to schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.
Streetcars
The New Orleans streetcars are not only functional but also iconic, featured in films, literature, and tourism campaigns. Streetcars are a cultural symbol of New Orleans, but they also create unique safety challenges from sharing road space with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Ferries
Ferry systems like the Canal Street/Algiers Point Ferry and the Chalmette Ferry provide vital connections linking commuters and tourists across the Mississippi River. While ferries are generally safe, accidents can occur during docking, boarding, or in severe weather conditions.
Paratransit Services
The RTA also operates paratransit services for people with disabilities. These vehicles must meet specific safety standards. Any negligence in operating or maintaining paratransit services can have serious consequences.
Together, these transit options highlight the city’s distinctive culture but also illustrate why accidents are more complex here than in many other cities. Each mode of transportation carries different risks, from bus collisions at congested intersections to slip-and-fall accidents on ferry decks.
Common Causes of Public Transportation Accidents
Transit accidents may occur due to:
- Driver negligence: distracted, fatigued, or impaired operators
- Mechanical failures: brake or steering malfunctions, poor vehicle maintenance
- Traffic conditions: busy intersections like Canal Street and Claiborne Avenue
- Weather and road conditions: flooding or poor visibility
- Inadequate safety procedures: improper boarding or securing of passengers
Determining liability in public transportation accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on a government agency, private contractor, or third-party driver.
Because government entities are sometimes involved, claims may require strict compliance with notice and filing deadlines. Our public transportation lawyers have a deep understanding of these laws and can help you navigate the process.
Local Accident Risks in New Orleans
According to the New Orleans Transportation Safety Dashboard, over 1,800 injury-causing crashes happened in New Orleans in 2024. Certain routes and areas are more prone to accidents, including:
- Canal Street Corridor: Congested with buses, streetcars, and heavy pedestrian activity
- Claiborne Avenue near I-10: Frequent site of multi-vehicle collisions
- Algiers Point Ferry Dock: Busy with daily commuters and tourists, increasing risks of slip-and-fall or boarding accidents
Because buses, streetcars, and ferries carry multiple passengers, a single accident can harm dozens of people. Some of those injuries are:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require long-term treatment and may prevent victims from working. That’s why you need an experienced team of attorneys on your side. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers can fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
What to Do After a Public Transit Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bus, streetcar, or ferry accident in New Orleans, take these steps:
- Seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the transit operator and obtain an official record.
- Gather evidence, such as photos, witness contact information, and medical records.
- Avoid speaking with insurance representatives before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an attorney to help protect your rights.
Local Support Resources in New Orleans
These local organizations can provide help to accident victims and their families:
- University Medical Center New Orleans: Level I trauma center providing emergency care
- Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans: Offers rehabilitation and long-term treatment for accident victims
- Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans: Provides peer support and advocacy for people with disabilities
How Dudley DeBosier Can Help
Public transportation accidents can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and ongoing recovery challenges. Our team can investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf with insurers and government agencies.
We know how complex these cases can be, and we can help you pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a New Orleans public transportation accident, don’t wait to seek help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
