How to Handle an RTA Streetcar Accident Case in New Orleans?

Getting Help After an RTA Streetcar Accident in New Orleans

Getting hurt in an RTA streetcar accident in New Orleans can turn your life upside down. One minute you're heading to work or meeting friends, the next you're dealing with injuries, medical bills, and missed work. If you've been in a streetcar accident, you might feel lost about what to do next. The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out alone. 

Understanding Public Transportation Accidents

Public transit accidents can be complicated. Streetcars and public buses are considered common carriers under Louisiana RS 45:162. That means they have a legal duty to keep passengers safe. If you suffer injury while riding a public bus or streetcar, or if you're hit by one as a motorist or pedestrian, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.

RTA is a public agency, and claims against it fall under La. R.S. 13:5106(B) which states that:

“The total liability of the state and political subdivisions for all damages for personal injury to any one person, including all claims and derivative claims, exclusive of property damages, medical care and related benefits and loss of earnings, and loss of future earnings, as provided in this Section, shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars, regardless of the number of suits filed or claims made for the personal injury to that person.”

In most cases, your damages—like medical bills, lost wages, and pain—are capped at $500,000, even if your suffering is significant.

Determining Liability and Building a Strong Case

If you're trying to figure out how to handle an RTA streetcar accident case, one of the first things to understand is how liability works. That means identifying who was at fault and proving it with real evidence. In public transportation accidents, this isn’t always straightforward. You might be dealing with:

• A streetcar operator or bus driver who made a mistake

• A motorist who caused the crash by cutting in front of the streetcar

• Mechanical failure from poor maintenance

• The RTA or city, if poor track conditions or faulty equipment played a role

• Other vehicles involved in the accident

To build a strong personal injury claim, you’ll need to act quickly and stay organized. Here’s what helps:

• Witness statements: Get names and contact info from anyone who saw the accident.

• Police report: Make sure a report is filed and get a copy as soon as it’s available.

• Medical records: If you suffered injury, your diagnosis, treatment, and doctor notes help show the impact of the accident.

• Photos and videos: If you or someone else was able to capture the scene—especially damage, injuries, or the layout near the streetcar tracks—hold on to that.

• Surveillance footage: Ask nearby businesses or request traffic camera footage through legal channels before it’s deleted.

Once you’ve gathered this essential information, you’ll need to determine whether to file a claim directly with the RTA or go to court. Either way, the process can get technical fast, especially because public transit agencies are protected by stricter rules in Louisiana.

Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries

After a streetcar accident or bus accident, your first priority should be getting checked out by a medical professional. Even if you’re able to walk away from the scene, some injuries take time to show symptoms — and failing to get treatment early on can hurt both your recovery and your personal injury claim.

Common injuries in public transportation accidents include:

• Herniated discs from sudden impact or being jolted inside the vehicle

• Broken bones or fractures

• Head trauma and concussions

• Soft tissue injuries like whiplash

• Cuts, bruises, and internal bleeding

Here’s how to protect yourself and your claim:

• Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident involving the streetcar or public bus

• Ask your doctor to explain your condition clearly in the medical record — especially if it affects your mobility or ability to work

• Save all medical bills, treatment records, and receipts related to your care

• Track lost wages if your injury keeps you from working

• Keep a log of how your injuries affect your daily life, from pain levels to missed activities

These steps make it easier to prove your injuries, show the full extent of your financial losses, and fight for maximum compensation from the responsible party. A law firm familiar with public transit accidents can guide you through the legal process, making sure your medical documentation is strong and tied directly to the accident.

Issues With Public Transportation Agencies

Public transportation agencies, including New Orleans' RTA, are responsible for keeping their buses, streetcars, and ferries running safely. But like many systems across the country, they face serious challenges — some of which can directly lead to accidents.

Common issues include:

• Aging infrastructure, such as worn-out streetcar tracks, malfunctioning signals, or outdated vehicles

• Service disruptions that cause confusion for passengers and drivers alike

• Funding shortfalls, which limit routine maintenance, staffing, and safety improvements

When an accident involving a streetcar, public bus, or ferry happens, these problems often play a role — and the public transportation agency may be partially or fully at fault.

Time Limits for Filing a Public Transportation Accident Claim

If you’re planning to file a personal injury claim after a streetcar accident or bus accident, time is not on your side. Louisiana law has strict deadlines for these types of claims — and missing them means giving up your right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Here’s what to know:

• In Louisiana, if your accident occurred before July 1, 2024, you only have one year to file your personal injury claim

• If it happened on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file, thanks to a change in state law

• Claims against public agencies like the RTA may have additional notice requirements that apply even sooner

That may sound like plenty of time, but legal cases move slowly. You need time to collect witness statements, medical records, police reports, and evidence from the scene. Waiting too long also makes it harder to connect your injuries to the accident, which can hurt your chances at maximum compensation.

Types of RTA Accidents

The RTA operates several types of public transportation in New Orleans, and there are many ways accidents can happen. Some involve other vehicles, others involve pedestrians, and some are the result of unsafe conditions on or near streetcars, buses, or ferries.

Here are some common (and not-so-common) examples:

• Car crashing into RTA streetcar

• Truck crashing into RTA streetcar

• Boat or ship crashing into RTA ferry

• Trip and fall hazards inside or outside an RTA streetcar (broken steps, slick floors, poor lighting)

• Car crashing into RTA bus

• Truck crashing into RTA bus

• Pedestrian struck by RTA streetcar

• Pedestrian struck by RTA bus

Other examples you may need to know:

• Motorcycle or scooter rider hit by RTA streetcar or bus

• Passenger thrown during sudden stop or swerve inside a streetcar or bus

• Defective handrails or malfunctioning doors causing injury during boarding or exiting

• Cyclist hit by bus or streetcar

• Children injured at or near RTA stops due to poor signage or driver error

• Electric or mechanical failure causing the vehicle to stall in traffic or derail

Each accident has its own set of facts, parties, and legal questions — especially when common carriers like the RTA are involved. Knowing the type of accident is key to building a strong claim and proving liability.

Finding Representation for Your Public Transportation Accident Case

Finding the right legal representation is a critical step. You’ll be going up against city agencies, insurance companies, and sometimes even private contractors. These cases aren’t like your typical car accident — they involve common carriers and additional layers of responsibility and regulation under Louisiana law. Here’s what to look for:

• A law firm that understands how to handle public transit accidents, including cases involving bus drivers, streetcar operators, and other vehicles

• Attorneys who have successfully helped clients recover maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

• A team with experience holding responsible parties accountable in accidents caused by negligence, poor maintenance, or unsafe streetcar tracks

• A firm like Burnham Law Firm, which offers a free consultation and has a track record of winning tough public transportation cases

You don’t have to face the process alone. The right attorney will gather evidence, identify the defendant, manage the claim, and fight for every dollar you’re owed — while you focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m involved in a public transportation accident?

If you’re injured in an accident involving a public bus, streetcar, or any other form of public transportation in New Orleans, the first step is to stay calm and document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, including the streetcar tracks, all vehicles involved, your visible injuries, and anything else that might be useful later. Call 911 immediately so the police can file an official report and emergency services can evaluate your condition. Once you’re safe, call a trusted personal injury attorney. Early legal representation makes a difference, especially when public transportation agencies are involved and evidence needs to be preserved quickly.

How do I file a personal injury claim for a public transportation accident?

After calling 911 and speaking with the police, you’ll want to collect the names and insurance details of the streetcar operator, bus driver, and any other motorists involved. If you’re unable to do this due to your injuries, an attorney can handle that for you. Filing a personal injury claim is more than just paperwork—it involves proving liability, understanding the role of public agencies, and determining which insurance policies apply. A law firm experienced in public transportation accidents can walk you through the process and make sure your claim is based on solid evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and the police report.

What are the time limits for filing a public transportation accident claim?

In Louisiana, the deadline for filing a claim depends on the date the accident occurred. If the accident happened on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. If it happened before that date, you only have one year. These time limits are strict. If you miss the deadline, you lose the right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.

How can I ensure I receive fair compensation for my public transportation accident case?

The best way to protect your claim is to take your injuries seriously. Get medical treatment right away and follow your doctor’s instructions, especially if you’re dealing with a herniated disc, head injury, or other serious condition. Keep records of your medical bills, missed work, and any other financial losses you’ve experienced. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer. A personal injury attorney will look out for your best interests, build a strong case, and fight for maximum compensation. 

Taking Action After a Streetcar Accident

Every step you take afterward matters. Burnham Law Firm is committed to helping accident victims get back on their feet and receive fair payment for their injuries. Don't wait to get the help you need – taking action early gives you the best chance at a full recovery, both physically and financially.