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Public transportation collisions can lead to serious injuries. Buses are larger and heavier than other vehicles, making them more likely to cause harm in a crash. Bus passengers generally do not wear seatbelts and may be standing up, so they can be easily thrown forward upon impact. Similarly, a wreck can put others at risk, such as those in smaller cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Establishing liability in Chicago bus accident cases can be complex due to the numerous parties. When you are injured in a crash, a well-versed bus collision attorney could help you determine whether you have a legal case and who is responsible for your injuries. Reach out to McCready Law today to get started with a claim for compensation.
Bus drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following relevant traffic laws. If they fail to do this and cause a wreck, they could be held legally responsible for any injuries.
Several situations could make a bus driver negligent. For instance, they could be liable for a collision if they were drinking or under the influence of other drugs while on the road or distracted by their cell phone. A bus driver could also violate traffic laws, such as speeding, failing to stop at a red light, or turning without signaling.
A Chicago bus driver who causes an accident during a break or while driving outside of their scheduled route will typically be personally liable for the incident. However, the transportation agency, Chicago Transit Authority, may be vicariously liable if the driver causes a crash while on their regular route. This concept means that when an employee is negligent in doing their job, their employer is usually at fault for any injuries the individual causes.
In some cases, the transportation agency that owns the bus is responsible for a crash. This can be because of vicarious liability if the driver makes a mistake or for other reasons. For instance, if a driver is not able to stop quickly enough because the agency did not maintain the bus’s brakes properly, the agency would be responsible.
Similarly, if maintenance was outsourced to another company, that company could also be liable. The transportation company could be held responsible if it did not schedule enough time for the driver to rest between shifts or created other policies that made driving safely more difficult.
Additionally, another motorist may be responsible if their vehicle hits the bus and causes the wreck. In some situations, the bus driver and another driver could share liability. For example, if the bus stopped suddenly without a good reason and the other driver was speeding, both might be partially at fault.
Determining whether the responsible party is a government agency like the Chicago Transit Authority or a private individual is essential to a lawsuit. A dedicated personal injury attorney at McCready Law could investigate the cause of a wreck and determine the responsible parties. Get in touch today to meet with a seasoned lawyer.
Understanding liability in Chicago bus accident cases on your own can be difficult, especially when you are already dealing with significant injuries. A skilled lawyer could help you determine who is responsible and whether you have a strong legal case.
McCready Law Injury Attorneys is here to support you during this challenging time. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a knowledgeable legal professional today.