Louisville Bus Accident Attorney

According to nationwide statistics, there were 78 transit buses, 17 intercity buses, and 80 school buses involved in fatal crashes in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of buses involved in fatal crashes increased.

When a bus is involved in an accident, the sheer number of people involved, including the drivers, passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians increases the likelihood that someone will be injured. Often, bus accidents result in dozens of injuries and sometimes, fatalities.

A bus driver or passenger is far more likely to survive an accident than pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash. The vehicle size that insulates and protects bus passengers is, unfortunately, also a liability for those hit by a bus.

To some degree, the causes of bus accidents are the same as any car accident and can happen for many reasons, including:

• Driver Negligence: Driver negligence, like speeding or distracted driving, can significantly increase the risk of bus accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures can lead to loss of control and accidents involving buses.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slippery and increase the likelihood of bus accidents.
• Lack of Maintenance: Another factor in bus accidents is appropriate vehicle maintenance. As mentioned, things like tire blowouts, failing breaks, ineffective windshield wipers, damaged headlights or tail lights, and more can cause serious accidents leading to injury or death.

Other common reasons for accidents can include:

• Driver inexperience
• Driver fatigue
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Drug or alcohol impairment

If you, or a loved one, has been injured in an accident involving a TARC bus, a school bus, a tour bus, or a motor coach, it’s important to hold those responsible for the injuries accountable. As an injured accident victim, you need and deserve financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related losses.

A Louisville bus accident lawyer specializes in representing clients who have been involved in bus accidents. Their primary responsibility is to advocate for the rights of their clients and help them seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic losses incurred due to the accident.

These lawyers have a deep understanding of local and state laws regarding bus accidents, and this knowledge and experience enable them to provide expert legal counsel and representation.

Filing a bus accident claim in Louisville typically involves several key steps.

• First, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine liability. This can include reviewing police reports, medical records, and even consulting with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
• Once liability is established, the lawyer will proceed to negotiate with the responsible parties or their insurance companies to reach a settlement that adequately compensates the client.
• If a fair negotiation can’t be agreed on, your lawyer will take your case before a judge and jury.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Louisville, you need to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Quick action allows your lawyer to start gathering evidence and building your case before crucial deadlines expire.

A statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long individuals have to file a bus accident claim. In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This is different from the state’s general personal injury statute of limitations, which is one year from the date of the incident.

By working with a Louisville bus accident lawyer early on, you can help make sure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

As the victim of a bus accident in Louisville, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including your hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for any income you’ve lost due to your inability to work while you recover from the injuries you sustained in the bus accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that you may experience as a result of the accident.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other property damaged in the crash.

A skilled attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. By offering personalized legal representation and handling all aspects of your case, your lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while making sure that your legal interests are being protected.

Navigating the legal aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming, but with the guidance and support of our dedicated lawyers at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, you can seek the justice and fair compensation that you and your family deserve.

By understanding the legal process, seeking early legal representation, and focusing on the key aspects of your case, you can move forward with confidence and rebuild your life after such a challenging experience.

Contact us today for a free consultation.