Injured In A Bus Accident? Our Chicago Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help.
Last updated on July 25, 2024
People throughout Chicago use buses every single day. Whether it is to get to and from work, run some errands or visit a friend, it is an integral part of our day. Unfortunately, accidents happen every day. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a bus accident, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights. Berg & Berg has advocated for personal injury victims for over 30 years.
We Rely On Buses For Transportation; We Demand Safety
Typically, the larger the vehicle, the more serious the injuries. Plus, buses often lack safety restraints such as seat belts and air bags. This leaves riders at a higher risk of injury should an accident occur. Regardless of the size of your case, our attorneys will be with you every step of the way.
Our attorneys will honestly assess your case and help you make informed decisions. Together we will fight for the most favorable result. This includes holding all negligent parties accountable, whether it be the driver, the bus company or a government entity. Depending on your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Common Bus Safety Violations
There are numerous dangers associated with buses. Some come from the negligent actions of the bus driver, bus company or the Chicago Transit Authority while others come from the ways in which other drivers interact with buses on the road. Common hazards that can lead to accidents include:
- Bus drivers who aggressively pull into and out of traffic without checking blind spots
- Inexperienced and poorly trained bus drivers
- Distracted and inattentive bus drivers or drivers of other vehicles
- Failure to inspect, maintain and repair buses, leading to mechanical problems like worn-out brakes and bald tires
- Other drivers who aggressively try to pass buses, increasing the risk of collision with another car or pedestrian
- Drivers who illegally drive, park or idle in bus lanes
You may not know exactly what caused the bus accident that injured you. Even if you do know, it can be difficult to prove without the help of a good lawyer. That’s where we come in. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident and work to hold all at-fault parties responsible.
How Do Public Transit Bus Accidents Differ From Regular Car Accidents?
Because buses are so much larger than other vehicles, most accidents involving buses are likely to result in serious injury or death for pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles. Passengers aboard the bus are often protected by its large size and height, but this isn’t always true. Plus, the number of injuries is likely to be greater in a bus crash due to the high occupancy of these vehicles and the fact that they lack seatbelts, air bags and other safety features.
Bus accidents are also legally distinct from most other types of crashes. A company or government agency that offers transportation in exchange for money is what’s known as a “common carrier,” and is therefore subject to common carrier laws and regulations. Generally speaking, common carriers face much higher expectations of safety and much more significant liability when one or more of their passengers gets injured. Typically, the carrier is presumed to be liable for injuries suffered by passengers. Therefore, even if another driver caused the accident that injured you, the bus company or CTA might also considered at fault.
Call Today For A Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys are fluent in Spanish, and, for your convenience, we offer free consultations. Contact our Chicago office today at 773-596-6654 or fill out our contact form. Se habla español.