Just because you’re riding in a Transit Authority of River City (TARC) bus doesn’t mean you won’t get injured when there’s a collision with a car. Although you’re much more protected from the impact of a collision, the inside of the bus itself can actually increase the chance of injuries. A story from WLKY lays out one such accident that happened on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
According to investigators from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), at least two people were injured when a car ran a stop light and collided with a TARC bus at the intersection of 4th and Lee Street in Old Louisville. LMPD say the bus was crossing through the light when it hit the car, pushing it into a nearby yard. At least three passengers on the bus were thrown to the ground, while investigators say that the two people in the car also suffered minor injuries. At least one bus passenger was checked out by EMTs at the scene.
How Can You Get Hurt Inside of a Bus During an Accident?
Despite a TARC bus providing significant protection in the event of a collision, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of injuries. As the story above shows, most TARC passengers are older, which means they’re more susceptible to injuries from inside of the bus itself. While every accident is different, there a number of different ways you or your elderly loved one could be injured in one of these accidents:
- Whiplash – Sudden stops or impacts can cause neck injuries, resulting in whiplash, which often presents as neck pain and stiffness.
- Head injuries – Many older passengers might sustain head injuries, including concussions, if they collide with seats, windows, or other objects inside the bus.
- Broken bones – The force of a collision or from being thrown to the ground can lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbones.
- Cuts and bruises – Flying objects or shattered glass during an incident can result in cuts and bruises on the body.
- Back and spinal injuries – More serious collisions may lead to back or spinal injuries, which could have long-term consequences.
- Internal organ damage – The impact from a crash can cause internal injuries to organs that may not be immediately noticeable.
- Emotional damage – Anyone involved in bus accidents can experience emotional trauma, resulting in anxiety, nightmares, or other psychological issues.
Everybody reacts to a bus accident differently. But one thing that remains consistent is that one of these accidents can give you certain legal options. At that point, you should think about reaching out to our team of Louisville bus accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC.
Free Consultations For Louisville Bus Accident Victims
You aren’t legally required to have a lawyer after a bus accident in Louisville, but that doesn’t mean it won’t benefit you. As your case becomes more complicated, especially when dealing with serious injuries, having our legal team can be a significant advantage.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Explaining your rights and available options
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies to make sure you receive a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Louisville, Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can make a major difference in how your case unfolds. Our goal is to simplify the process for you by clearly outlining your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
