There’s a lot of different kinds of vehicles on the road on Interstate 71. While most of them are regular passenger cars and trucks, you’ll also find a number of commercial trucks and buses. Especially during this time of year, conditions can lead to accidents with these larger vehicles, which are harder to control. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
According to a Courier-Journal story, six children and two adults riding in three separate charter buses were injured when the three buses collided near the Gene Snyder Freeway on I-71. Louisville Metro Police Department officers responded to the scene, where they found that a jackknifed semi-truck caused the chain reaction accident. When the three buses came upon the stopped truck, the third bus rear-ended the bus in the middle, which in turn rear-ended the bus in front of it. In total, eight people were injured–six children and two adults. The injured people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. LMPD says that each bus was carrying approximately 50 passengers each, with no other injuries being reported.
The northbound lane of I-71 was closed for several hours while crews cleared the scene and investigated. LMPD also said that adverse weather conditions were a factor in the crash.
Can I File a Claim if My Child is Injured in a Bus Accident?
As the story above shows, it’s often children that are the most vulnerable in a bus accident. While this usually involves a school bus, injuries in accidents can happen on any type of bus. It’s something no parent wants to think about, but when it does happen, you can file a claim on behalf of your child.
At that point, the claims process looks similar to any other vehicle accident. But because it’s a somewhat unique situation, it’s important to know what you need to do to get the information and evidence you’re going to need:
- Get medical help – Call 911, even if your child seems okay. Some injuries take time to show up. Plus, getting medical care for your child should be your top priority.
- Report the accident – Also call LMPD or the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to report the accident so they can come to the scene. Then, make sure the bus company knows about the accident and your child’s injuries.
- Gather evidence – If possible, get the bus driver’s name, insurance details, and contact info from witnesses. Take photos or videos of the scene, the bus, and your child’s injuries. If the crash happened on I-65, I-264, or another busy road, traffic cameras might have footage.
- Save records – Keep medical bills, reports, and any communication with doctors, insurance companies, or the bus company. These documents help prove what happened and what your child has gone through.
- Be careful with statements – Don’t sign anything or give statements without talking to us first.. Insurance companies may try to downplay the claim. Also, avoid posting about the accident online.
No one expects their child to be in a bus accident, but knowing your rights is important. These steps will help you build a strong case and get the financial support your child needs. From there, our team at Kaufman & Stigger can help.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger When Your Child is Injured in Louisville
A bus accident can leave you or your child with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to protect your rights and help you get the financial and legal support your family needs to recover and move forward. If your child has been injured in a bus accident in Louisville, contact us today for a free consultation.
