Bus accidents in Chicago can cause devastating injuries to passengers who trust these vehicles to transport them safely.
At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago truck accident attorneys understand the toll bus accident injuries take. Our litigation experience from both sides of injury law gives us insight into insurance company tactics. As your bus accident lawyers in Chicago, we fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Injured in a Bus Accident?
Contact an Attorney at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC Today
Reasons Chicago Bus Accident Injury Victims Choose Us
- Reputation– We have a solid reputation among colleagues, defense attorneys, insurance companies, and former clients for aggressively pursuing personal injury claims and refusing to accept low-ball settlement offers.
- Results– We have a proven record of securing numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.
- Integrity– We will only take your case if we believe it has merit and that we can help you secure the full value of your claim.
- Dedication– We are dedicated to helping our clients get their lives back on track after an accident by securing maximum compensation for their damages.
Leading Causes of Chicago Bus Accidents
Bus accidents occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue– Many bus drivers work long shifts or drive a shift in the early morning and again late in the day. Such schedules can result in sleepiness and fatigue. Fatigued drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and to harm their passengers.
- Inadequate driver training– Operating a 40-foot bus through Chicago traffic requires specialized skills. New drivers should receive extensive training in operating the vehicle, navigating tight turns, assessing clearances, and managing difficult passengers while staying focused on the road. But when bus companies are desperate to fill positions, they sometimes rush people through training before they are adequately trained.
- Distracted driving– Bus drivers have a lot competing for their attention. The radio dispatch operator’s voice, GPS directions, passengers asking questions, or unruly riders can all distract them and increase the risk of an accident.
- Vehicle failure– Buses require regular maintenance, including brake checks, tire inspections, and engine service. If the bus company skips maintenance to keep buses on the road or to save money, mechanical failures are more likely. Additionally, defective equipment or a negligently repaired bus can contribute to an accident.
- Other drivers– Negligent drivers of passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles are responsible for many bus accidents.
At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago bus accidents lawyers will carefully investigate your accident to help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties to help you secure maximum compensation for your damages.
The Common Carrier Duty of Care
Buses are designated as “common carriers” in Illinois. While regular drivers must exercise ordinary care and drive safely to avoid harming others, common carrier operators must exercise the highest degree of care consistent with the practical operation of the vehicle, as outlined in the Illinois Common Carrier Liability Act. Bus drivers must take more care to prevent accidents and protect their passengers.
This higher degree of care means the driver and bus company are held to a stricter standard than other drivers. Something that might not be considered negligent in a car accident could be negligent in a bus accident.
Deadline For Filing a Bus Accident Claim
Most personal injury claims, including most of those arising from motor vehicle accidents, have a two-year statute of limitations. That would mean that you must generally file your claim within two years of your accident, with some exceptions.
However, if a city bus or other government-operated vehicle is involved, your claim will be governed by the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. It willrequire completely different rules and filing deadlines. In most cases against a government entity in Illinois, you must file a formal notice of your claim before filing suit, which must be filed within one year of your accident.
You should immediately consult an experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer to determine when you must file your claim and what laws apply.
How a Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Bus accident claims differ from those of most motor vehicle accidents in several ways. You need the assistance of an experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges of bus accident cases.
If you think you or a loved one may pursue a claim, photograph the condition exactly as it appeared when the injury happened.
Your chances of securing maximum compensation for your damages are much higher if an experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer represents you.
What Types Of Bus Accidents Do We Handle?
Our firm represents victims injured in all bus accident categories:
- CTA public transit buses serving Chicago routes
- Pace buses operating throughout suburban Cook County
- School buses transporting students
- Charter buses for group travel
- Tour buses carrying tourists
- Private shuttle services for hotels and airports
Each bus type involves different regulations and liability considerations that experienced attorneys understand how to navigate effectively.
What Injuries Result From Bus Accidents?
Common bus accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries from head impacts
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries, causing paralysis
- Burn injuries from fires
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries demand comprehensive medical care and create substantial financial burdens.
Who Bears Liability For Bus Accidents?
Since bus companies have a heightened duty of care, liability is complex, often involving multiple parties, including:
- Bus drivers who engage in distracted driving, fatigue or impaired operation
- Bus companies, due to poor truck maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers or providing inadequate training
- Municipalities operating public transit systems under certain circumstances
- Equipment manufacturers when defective parts contribute to crashes
- Third-party drivers whose negligence causes bus collisions
A Chicago personal injury lawyer from Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC will be able to find all liable parties and maximizes your potential compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Available damages include medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and costs of future medical care and rehabilitation. Our attorneys prepare cases for trial, fighting to recover full compensation rather than accepting inadequate settlement offers.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
We represent clients throughout Chicago, Evanston and surrounding Illinois communities. Se habla español.
Contact Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, at (312) 701-0090 or fill out this online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Chicago.