Bus Accident Lawyer

A bus accident can turn life upside down. Although buses offer convenient transportation in Chicago, they still carry significant risks. Along with severe physical injuries, bus accident victims and their families often face emotional and financial challenges. Did you know your legal rights to get fair compensation as a sufferer? For a successful outcome, consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial. Our bus accident lawyers in Chicago are ready for a free case evaluation.

Simplify Your Bus Accident Claim with Us

Our Chicago bus accident lawyers understand cases and specific injury laws. We have a proven track record of success in similar cases. 

As your best legal team, we gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case and secure your recovery. Whether you were a bus passenger or struck by a bus, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Our personal injury attorneys are available 24/7. If you cannot come to us, we come to you. Please feel free to contact Chicago Injury Lawyer for a free consultation.

Comprehensive Legal Support for All Bus Accident Cases

Our Lawyers handle a wide range of bus accident claims, which may involve:

• Local mass transit buses
• Interstate passenger buses
• Private buses
• School buses
• Charter buses
• Airport shuttles
• Tour buses
• Pedestrians and cyclists injured in bus accidents

We handle cases with city and intercity buses, handling complex legal and insurance issues for you. With a skilled team and deep experience, we work to secure fair compensation for all kinds of bus crashes.

How Bus Accident Cases Are Different from Other Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Bus crash claims and other motor vehicle accident claims have many differences. Here are a few major differences:

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible

Bus crash cases are usually more complex than other motor vehicle accident claims. Most car accident claims involve only one person. Bus crash lawsuits can involve multiple defendants, including the bus driver, employer, manufacturer, or other negligent parties. Additionally, bus crash cases may require expert witnesses and specialized legal support.

The Claims Policy is Different

If your claim is against a governmental entity, the timeframe for filing your claim may be shorter. In addition, you may need to stick to special rules. Therefore, it is wise to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Chicago for assistance. 

The Claim is More Complicated

Often, Chicago bus accident cases are quite complex. Multiple people may suffer fatal injuries in serious bus accidents. As a result of their severe injuries, accident victims may seek higher compensation.

Understanding the Severity of Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents are rare compared to other vehicle collisions, but they often result in severe injuries and fatalities. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and car passengers are especially vulnerable to serious harm. 

Bus accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, like:

• Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
• Spinal cord problems such as whiplash
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Skull fractures
• Nerve damage
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Bruising, lacerations, and road rash can all severely damage tissues
• Internal damage like punctured lungs, liver lacerations, kidney damage, and internal bleeding
• Several amputations
• Wrongful death

Don’t hesitate to contact our Chicago bus accident injury lawyers if you or a family member has been injured in a bus crash.

Bus Accidents: Who’s at Fault?

Chicago’s residents rely on buses daily for commuting, school transport, and trips to the suburbs. Though most bus rides are routine, some tragically end in accidents. Bus accidents may be caused by various parties, depending on the situation. Among the potential at-fault parties are:

Bus Drivers

The bus driver is the first party you may turn to for compensation. Thus, bus drivers must transport passengers safely to and from different locations. Sometimes, drivers may drive unsafely and injure other drivers or passengers. Bus drivers may cause collisions due to:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Failing to yield
• Speeding

Buses Operate Companies

Different companies or entities provide buses. For example, school districts own and operate school buses. “Greyhound” operates its buses as a public service. There are also private companies that operate buses. Hence, the companies and the drivers are responsible for their negligent actions.

Bus Manufacturer

In the case of defective parts causing an accident, the “manufacturer” of the bus or part may be liable for your injuries.

Bus Mechanics

Generally, buses have thousands of parts that must be maintained for proper functioning. Safety risks can occur when buses have suspension problems, worn brakes, or damaged tires. Bus mechanics may be liable for injuries caused by poor repairs or lack of maintenance.

Other Drivers

Bus crashes often occur if another driver violates traffic rules or drives carelessly. Crash factors can be charged to other drivers if:

• Speeding
• Drunk and distracted driving
• Excessive closeness
• Not stopping at stop signs or red lights
• Right-of-way violations
• Passing through bus-only areas

Key Steps to Proving Fault in a Bus Accident Case

An experienced bus accident lawyer is essential to proving fault in these complex cases. Chicago Injury Lawyer investigates every detail to build a strong claim. This includes:

• Analyzing photos and video footage
• Visiting the accident scene
• Reviewing eyewitness statements
• Examining the police report
• Consulting bus maintenance experts and accident reconstruction specialists

Our bus accident attorney in Chicago will review medical reports and consult with experts to ensure all damages are included. We’ll then negotiate with the insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve.

Legal Strategies for Proving Fault in Bus Accidents

A bus crash is more complicated to prove liability in than other passenger vehicles. Many parties may have acted negligently, causing the collision. 

Our bus accident lawyers in Chicago can help by:

• Investigate the bus accident and identify all responsible parties.
• Analyzing the evidence at the accident scene, including skid marks, roadside debris, and damaged vehicle parts.
• Gathering witness statements and interviewing them to determine the collision reason. 
• Investigating inconsistencies between police reports and the bus company’s accident report.
• Helping you communicate with the insurance company.
• Examining bus company records, including employment, alcohol and drug tests, and maintenance records.
• Claiming full compensation for your injuries.

When you prefer our bus accident advocate in Chicago, you get a dedicated team skilled in proving liability. We gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze accident reports to establish fault. 

Potential Compensation in a Bus Accident Lawsuit

A severe bus crash injury may require long-term treatment and significant recovery time. A bus accident claim can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent disability damages
• Lost earning capacity
• Mental and emotional trauma and distress
• Loss of consortium.
• Counseling expenses
• Emotional distress

In tragic cases, bus accident victims may lose their lives due to someone else’s negligence. In these instances, financial compensation can help cover funeral costs, medical expenses before death, and loss of companionship. A bus accident lawyer can help you understand the compensation you may be eligible for. 

Legal Process To Secure Compensation for a Bus Accident Injury

Handling a bus accident claim can be more tricky than other injury cases. The party at fault influences liability. If a “government-operated” bus is involved, the government may also be part of your claim. 

Claims against government entities have different procedures compared to those against private parties. A skilled bus accident lawyer knows these rules and can help you avoid mistakes that may harm your claim.

To secure compensation, your attorney must show a duty of care, its breach, and that this breach directly caused your injury. However, proving causation often requires strong supporting evidence.

You’re entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. “Economic damages” cover quantifiable losses, like medical bills and lost wages, while “non-economic damages” include pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. 

Our bus accident attorney can ensure all aspects of your loss are valued and claimed.

Legal Standards for Common Carriers, Public Transportation, and Government Entities

The public transportation sector is considered to be a “common carrier.” Due to their classification, they have a high duty of care to passengers. 

Generally, a driver’s duty of care goes beyond the rule. As a result, these companies are responsible for injuries resulting from their employees’ intentional acts, as well as other passengers’ acts. Bus drivers may need to remove uncontrolled passengers to ensure safety. 

If a private company’s employee causes a crash, victims can seek compensation in “civil claims.” When the government operates the bus, injured victims may still be eligible for compensation for their injuries. However, immunity concerns or a shortened filing deadline may restrict their legal action.

Chicago Injury Lawyer understands these complex laws. After a bus crash, we can start immediate legal action to protect your rights.

Request a Free Consultation! 

A bus ride provides a safe, cost-effective way to navigate the city. If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Our Chicago bus accident lawyer can relieve all your stress. Fill out our online contact form or call us toll-free.

Frequently Asked Questions