Bus passengers sue transit system claiming injuries due to abrupt stop

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish family is suing a municipal bus service and an unknown driver claiming they were injured after the bus they were riding in came to an abrupt stop to avoid a collision.

Mack and Milagros Williams, individually and on behalf of their minor child, filed suit against Jefferson Transit, Veolia Transportation Services Inc., Old Republic Insurance Company, an unknown bus driver, another unknown driver and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 5.

The Williamses claim they were riding the Jefferson Parish Transit bus traveling from New Orleans to Kenner when an unknown driver pulled out in front of them and the bus driver had to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision. The plaintiffs claim they received personal injuries in the incident including spine strains and sprains, headaches and vertebrae, disc, nerve, ligament and soft tissue damage.

The defendant is accused of failing to keep proper lookout, failing to have vehicle under control, failing to steer vehicle properly, failing to timely or adequately apply the brakes, operating too close to another vehicle and failing to see what should have been seen.

Damages less than $50,000 are sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of service to society.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Paula J. Rodriguez of Kenner.

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.

Case no. 725-640.