Louisville Bus Accident Lawyers

Louisville relies on TARC (Transit Authority of River City). From the essential workers commuting down Broadwayand Dixie Highway to the tourists taking the LouLift circulator downtown, thousands of people trust these buses every day.

But a city bus is a massive, heavy machine operating in stop-and-go traffic. When a driver is aggressive, distracted, or fatigued, passengers are the ones who pay the price. A sudden stop can throw an elderly rider across the aisle. A wide turn can crush a pedestrian at a crosswalk.

At Freeman Childers, we know the specific laws that protect public transit agencies. Suing TARC is not like suing a car driver. You are fighting a government entity with "Sovereign Immunity." We know how to navigate the Board of Claimsto get you justice.

The TARC "Immunity" Defense

Because TARC is a government agency, you cannot sue them in regular court for unlimited damages.

• The Board of Claims: We must file your claim with the Kentucky Board of Claims, a specialized tribunal in Frankfort.

• The Cap: Damages against TARC are strictly capped. You generally cannot recover millions of dollars for pain and suffering, no matter how bad the injury.

• The Deadline: You usually have only 1 year to file. If you treat this like a car wreck (2-year deadline), your case will be thrown out.

Private Charters & "Bourbon Buses"

Louisville is the gateway to the Bourbon Trail. Every weekend, private charter buses (like Miller, Greyhound, or Mint Julep Tours) flood the city. These are NOT government buses.

• Higher Limits: Private bus companies carry massive commercial insurance policies (often $5 Million+).

• No Caps: We can sue them in regular court for full damages.

• Federal Rules: We investigate if the driver violated federal Hours of Service regulations (driving while too tired) or if the bus failed its maintenance inspection.

The "Common Carrier" Law

Whether it is TARC or a private charter, bus drivers are "Common Carriers."Kentucky law holds them to the highest degree of care. They are responsible for your safety from the moment you step on until you have safely reached the curb.

• "Jerks and Jolts": If a driver slams on the brakes without an emergency reason, causing you to fall.

• Boarding Injuries: Closing the door on a passenger or driving off while someone is still finding a seat.

• Unsafe Drop-Offs: Letting you out in a construction zone, a pothole, or unlit street where you trip and fall.

Pedestrians & The "Blind Spot"

Buses have massive blind spots. In downtown Louisville, pedestrians are frequently struck while crossing at 4th Street or Preston.

• The "Squeeze" Play: When a bus turns right and traps a pedestrian against the curb or a parked car.

• Mirror Strikes: The side mirrors on a TARC bus stick out several feet and can cause severe head injuries to pedestrians standing too close to the curb.

Injured on Public Transit?

The government works fast to deny claims. Call 606-528-1000 immediately to beat the 1-year deadline.