Being involved in a bus accident in Chester can be a life-changing experience, leading to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a bus accident, you have the right to seek compensation. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, our experienced attorneys specialize in handling bus accident cases and are committed to helping victims navigate the legal process. Whether your accident involved a school bus, public transit, or private shuttle bus, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Chester
Chester is a small yet active community with key roadways such as Illinois Route 3 and Illinois Route 150, which experience frequent bus traffic. With school buses, public transit, and private transportation in operation, accidents can happen. Some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Chester include:
- Driver Negligence – Distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, construction zones, or slick roads.
- Mechanical Failures – Brake failure, engine malfunctions, or defective parts.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions – High foot traffic near schools and transit stops.
- Reckless Driving by Other Motorists – Failure to yield, aggressive lane changes.
If your accident was caused by any of these factors, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Who is Liable for a Bus Accident in Chester?
Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- School Districts or Transit Authorities – If a school bus or public transit bus was involved, the responsible entity may be liable.
- Bus Companies and Private Operators – If a tour bus, shuttle, or charter bus was involved, the company may be held responsible for negligence or poor maintenance.
- Other Drivers – If another motorist caused the accident, they may be held accountable.
- Government Entities – If poor road maintenance or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the city or county may share responsibility.
- Bus Manufacturers – If a defective part caused the crash, the manufacturer may be liable.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Chester
If you are involved in a bus accident in Chester, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 – Report the accident to the Chester Police Department at 1330 Swanwick St, Chester, IL 62233, and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention – Visit Memorial Hospital at 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, or a nearby urgent care center.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, bus details, license plates, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Witness Statements – Collect contact information from passengers, pedestrians, or other bystanders.
- Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer – Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin your claim.
Compensation Available for Bus Accident Victims
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings – Compensation for time missed at work, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering – Financial relief for physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term suffering caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress – Psychological effects such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from the incident.
- Property Damage – Reimbursement for damage to personal belongings, including vehicles, electronics, and other valuable items.
Our legal team will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you need to cover all damages and ensure a full recovery.
Why Choose Chicago Injury Lawyer?
- Proven Success – Our firm has secured millions in settlements for injury victims.
- No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Local Experience – We understand the unique legal landscape of Chester and the surrounding areas.
- Personalized Attention – You’ll receive dedicated support from start to finish.
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Kat Chow2024-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't stress enough how grateful I am that we hired Paul Marriett to help us with our case. His communication was not only timely and thorough but also understandable. He did a phenomenal job guiding us through the process and preparing us for the courtroom, which put our minds at ease. Once our hearing came, he did his job flawlessly and won our case. Additionally, he was quite pleasant to speak with when our judge was behind schedule and while the court was in recess. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney and will reach out again in the future should we ever need representation. angel martinez2024-11-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful! I would recommend to all my friends and family to hire him. He was eager to know the circumstances of my case even before I hired him. I did contact other lawyers and offices, but none came close to the comfort I felt while talking to Mr. Marriertt, I really felt like he cared about the situation I found myself in. He deserves 6 stars for going above and beyond John Harker2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul helped me out with a traffic citation. The communication was great as he walked me through my options and what to expect with my court date and plea deal. 10/10 service. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Paul. Ryan H.2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was very professional, sharp dressed and clearly a notch above most in the courtroom. He understood my plight and refused to be bullied. Knows the law to a T....I'm keeping him on speed dial. I think u will trust him too. Scorpion Solar2024-10-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEYOND satisfied with the services & representation! The communication & efforts have been above & BEYOND! Amazing price as well for a minor traffic hiccup. 11/10 recommend & prefer this firm for any future occurrences!!! Very transparent, & puts in the effort to help you!!! Zak Green2024-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are needing a lawyer in Rockford or the surrounding areas this is the guy you need to get ahold of! Do not waste your time or money going to someone else.... From the very start Mr. Marriett was on top of his job. I called several lawyers before him and he was the first to thoroughly explain everything I needed to hear without even asking him to. The definition of a great lawyer. Each time we went to court he always let me know ahead of time either in person or via phone what the expectations or options would be going in. I highly recommend Paul Marriett if you are in need of a lawyer! Kelli2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him. bruce paulson2024-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very late on sharing my feedback only because I’m google illiterate. Attorney Merriett did a very smart excellent job for me and not real expensive considering how stupid I was to get in trouble . Thank you! For all your professionalism! Bruce P. Austin “i like trains” Arvey2024-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and a reliable lawyer. I'm glad we got him instead of getting anyone else. :)
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- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
FAQs About Bus Accidents in Chester
1. How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity like a school district or transit authority is involved, special deadlines may apply. Contact a lawyer immediately to ensure you meet all deadlines.
2. Can I sue a school district or municipality for a bus accident?
Yes, but claims against government entities involve additional legal requirements, including shorter filing deadlines. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of filing a claim against a public entity.
3. What if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?
Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
4. How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we win your case.
5. What should I do if an insurance company contacts me?
Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so it’s best to have legal representation to protect your interests.
For legal matters, visit the Randolph County Circuit Court website for more information about filing claims and court proceedings.