If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a bus accident in Lexington, The Maze Law Offices is here to help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery. Bus accidents can be devastating—whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driving another vehicle. These collisions often result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges involving government entities, commercial carriers, or school districts. You don’t have to face these obstacles alone.

At The Maze Law Offices, our Lexington bus accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving city buses, school buses, charter buses, and other large commercial vehicles. We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to investigate thoroughly, gather critical evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Our team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more. We pride ourselves on providing personalized, compassionate legal representation while aggressively pursuing maximum results for our clients. Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, we will stand by you every step of the way.

Do not wait to get help—Kentucky’s statute of limitations may limit the time you have to file a claim. Contact The Maze Law Offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Lexington bus accident attorney who will fight to protect your rights.

Bus Accident Statistics in Lexington, KY

While detailed bus-specific accident data for Lexington isn’t published annually, broader crash reports provide insight. In a recent year, Lextran recorded approximately 3.68 million passenger trips across its 25 fixed routes. According to Lexington–Fayette County traffic data, crash rates—including all modes—have fluctuated from about 6.1 to 9.9 severe crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled between in a six year period withini the last decade.

Recent local incidents include:

  • A three‑car collision involving a stationary school bus unoccupied—and no injuries to bus occupants—on New Circle Road in April 2025.
  • A Lexington bus and car incident with no reported injuries, occurring in May 2025

On the statewide level in Kentucky, data from 2012 showed over 674 bus accidents plus around 750 school‑bus incidents—averaging more than one bus crash per day. Nationally, fatal bus crashes have declined by 29 % between 2000 and 2018, while injury crashes rose by 15 %.

In summary, downtown Lexington sees occasional bus-related collisions—most involving no or minor injuries. Nonetheless, statewide trends underscore the importance of continued focus on vehicle safety, infrastructure improvements, and driver training within Lexington’s transit network.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Lexington, Kentucky

Bus accidents in Lexington often result from a combination of driver behavior, vehicle condition, environmental factors, and infrastructure issues, including:

  • Driver negligence or impairment: Lexington bus drivers, like in many regions, may experience distractions (e.g., cellphones, passenger interaction) or fatigue comparable to low-level intoxication—both significantly risking safety. Impaired judgment, speeding, failure to obey signals, and tailgating are documented as key factors.
  • Vehicle and maintenance failure: Mechanical issues—like brake malfunctions, blown tires, and engine failures—can lead to loss of control, rollovers, or unable-to-stop scenarios. For instance, a recent Lexington-area school bus overturned after a tire failure on New Circle Road. Defective and malfunctioning parts on buses are also known crash contributors.
  • Environmental conditions & infrastructure: Slippery roads, poor lighting at bus stops, and narrow streets increase risk. National crash studies show environmental factors such as ice or road design flaws (e.g., lack of medians or sidewalks) can directly cause crashes. In winter, wet floors on buses themselves can lead to sudden stops and passenger falls.
  • Other road users: Accidents often involve other drivers’ errors—failing to yield when buses stop for students or cutting off buses—contributing significantly to Lexington-area incidents.

Potential Defendants in a Lexington Bus Accident Case

In a Lexington bus accident case, identifying the correct defendants is necessary for obtaining full compensation. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share liability:

  • Bus Drivers: If the driver was negligent—by speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield, or violating traffic laws—they can be held personally liable. However, in most cases involving public transportation like Lextran, the driver’s employer is the primary defendant.
  • Bus Company or Government Entity: For city buses, the transit authority (Lextran) may be liable under the legal principle of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of employment. If the bus was privately operated (e.g., a charter bus), then the private carrier may be the defendant.
  • Vehicle Maintenance Companies: If the accident was caused by mechanical failure—such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts—any third-party maintenance company responsible for inspecting or servicing the bus can be liable for negligence.
  • Manufacturers: If a defective part or system contributed to the crash, the vehicle or parts manufacturer might be liable under product liability law.
  • Other Motorists: If a third-party driver cut off the bus, ran a red light, or otherwise caused or contributed to the accident, they can also be named as defendants.
  • Government Agencies: In cases involving dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or faulty traffic signals, the city or state government responsible for road maintenance might be sued for negligence.

Each case requires a careful investigation to determine all responsible parties. Your bus accident attorney will conduct a complete investigation of the accident to determine who was responsible. It may be in your best interest to name every possible defendant in the lawsuit. They will be jointly and severally liable for your injuries, meaning they would each need to pay your full damages. If the defendants cannot agree on how the damages are to be apportioned among them, a court will determine who pays you what.

Special Rules for Suing Lextran in a Bus Accident Case

Suing Lextran (Lexington Transit Authority), a public agency, in a bus accident case involves different procedures than suing a private company. You need to be aware of these procedures because they can both affect the amount of time that you have to file your case and how much you can recover in financial compensation. Because Lextran is a government entity, claims against it are governed by Kentucky’s sovereign immunity laws and the Kentucky Claims Commission (KCC) process. Here are the special rules and considerations you need to know when you are suing Lextran in a bus accident case.

Lextran, as a public entity, is generally immune from lawsuits unless the government specifically allows claims. In Kentucky, limited waivers of immunity are permitted under certain conditions—for example, for negligence claims involving the operation of motor vehicles.

Before you can file a lawsuit, you may need to submit a formal notice of claim to Lextran or the appropriate state or local government authority. This must usually be done within a specific timeframe, often within one year of the accident, but earlier notice may be advantageous. If you miss the window to provide notice to Lextran, you may lose the right to file the lawsuit entirely.

Claims against state agencies (and certain local entities) must often go through the KCC, which handles monetary claims under $250,000. The KCC functions similarly to a civil court but with its own rules and procedures. Lextran will defend the case if it reaches the KCC.

There may be limits on the amount of damages you can recover when suing a public agency. Kentucky law generally caps awards against government agencies, especially when going through the KCC process.

Remember that you still have the ability to negotiate with Lextran. You can settle your case informally before it reaches the KCC. However, state agencies are known to be every bit as difficult as any insurance company when they are negotiating compensation with you. They may take a hard line and refuse to pay you what you deserve. The good news is that Lextran is not immune from bearing the consequences of its own actions, but you need an experienced bus accident attorney to hold them accountable.

Suing for School Bus Accidents in Lexington, KY

If the school district was to blame for the bus accident, your case would follow similar rules and procedures as a legal action against Lextran. The school district (assuming that the injury did not occur on a bus transporting students to private school) is also a governmental entity. You will also need to give notice before you file the claim, and your case will be heard in front of the KCC. Your case may also be subject to damages caps.

Legal Challenges in Bus Accident Claims in Lexington, KY

Pursuing a bus accident claim in Lexington, Kentucky, involves unique legal challenges that differ from standard car accident cases. Whether the bus is operated by Lextran, a private charter company, or a school district, victims often face procedural and legal hurdles that can affect the outcome of their case.

One major challenge is sovereign immunity. When the defendant is a government entity—such as Lextran or Fayette County Public Schools—plaintiffs may be restricted by immunity doctrines that protect public agencies from certain lawsuits. While Kentucky law allows for claims against public entities in specific situations, claimants must follow strict procedural rules, including filing with the Kentucky Claims Commission when appropriate and adhering to shorter notice deadlines.

Identifying the correct defendant is also complex. In multi-vehicle crashes or incidents involving maintenance failures or defective equipment, several parties may be at fault—including the bus driver, transit authority, private contractors, manufacturers, or other motorists. Establishing liability often requires extensive investigation, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction.

Additionally, plaintiffs may encounter evidence limitations, especially when dealing with public agencies. Obtaining bus maintenance records, driver logs, or surveillance footage may require formal public records requests and court intervention.

Another challenge is damage caps on claims involving government entities, which can limit compensation even in serious injury cases. Finally, navigating instances in which the defendant blames the victim for their injury (this scenario can reduce or eliminate compensation) is something that can complicate your case. When you hire the Lexington bus accident attorneys at The Maze Law Offices, our job is to help you overcome all of the challenges to the best of our ability.

How a Lexington Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Chandler Maze, Lexington Bus Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered an injury in a bus accident in Lexington, a skilled bus accident lawyer can be invaluable in protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Bus accident cases often involve multiple parties—such as Lextran, private bus companies, government agencies, or other drivers—making the legal process complex and challenging to navigate alone.

A Lexington bus accident lawyer will start by thoroughly investigating the accident to identify all responsible parties. They can obtain critical evidence like bus driver logs, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf. They will also work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to establish the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Because claims against public agencies like Lextran involve special rules, including sovereign immunity and strict filing deadlines, having an attorney knowledgeable in these areas is vital to avoid losing your right to compensation. Your lawyer will handle all procedural requirements and paperwork, ensuring your claim meets all legal standards.

Moreover, a bus accident lawyer at The Maze Law Offices can negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, they are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact a Lexington, KY Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a bus accident in Lexington, don’t wait to protect your rights. Bus accident claims can be complicated, especially when dealing with public agencies like Lextran or multiple parties. Contact a trusted Lexington bus accident attorney at the Maze Law offices today to get a free consultation and learn how we can pursue the compensation you deserve. Experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations, and fight for your best interests. Call now at (859) 882-9999 to schedule your case review and take the first step toward justice and recovery. Your future matters—get help today.

 

 

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101 West Loudon Avenue
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Lexington,  KY  40508

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