Cook County Bus Accident Lawyer

Many people depend on buses and other forms of public transportation every day in Cook County. They trust and prefer this form of transportation for many reasons, including buses being safer than driving their own car, the cost effectiveness, or because they do not have a license. Although bus collisions are less common, they still occur occasionally. Because of the vehicle’s substantial weight, immense size, and lack of safety features, such as seat belts, accidents can cause severe injuries.

If you were in a bus crash and sustained injuries as a result, you have the right to collect compensation. Lawsuits involving buses and transportation companies are complex and involve several agencies, which would necessitate the need for a trustworthy personal injury attorney. A Cook County bus accident lawyer could help you investigate the cause of the accident and build a strong case for damages. If you or someone you know was a passenger in a bus crash, call today to schedule a consultation.

How Do Bus Crashes Happen?

Bus crashes tend to occur for similar reasons to car accidents and often lead to significant damages, life disruptions, and unexpected expenses. The most common causes for bus collisions include:

  • Negligence and driving with distractions
  • Weight distribution problems, leading to vehicle instability
  • Equipment defects, including the structure of the bus
  • Third-party drivers outside of the bus
  • Poor road conditions
  • Inclement weather
  • Bus operators driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

A Cook County bus crash attorney could help the claimant investigate the situation and review the evidence to determine the cause of the accident.

Proving Liability After a Bus Collision

Establishing liability after a bus crash will depend on proving negligence. In the case of a crash involving a publicly-owned bus, the lawsuit could list several defendants. Litigants could include the bus driver, the bus manufacturer, the transportation company, and in some cases, a third-party driver. In many bus accident claims, there is more than one party responsible for the crash.

Cases that include multiple defendants are complex and will require a legal professional who is experienced in bus crash litigation. A bus crash lawyer in Cook County has the skill needed to determine and establish the at-fault party.

Statute of Limitations for Bus Crashes

There is a strict time limit to abide by when filing a claim for injuries. The time frame will depend on whether a private company or government agency operates the bus involved in the collision.

Per Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the plaintiff has two years to file the claim for buses that are operated by private bus agencies. As per 745 ILCS 10/8-101, the injured party has one year to file the lawsuit from the collision date for government-operated buses. The plaintiff must file their claim within the time requirements of the code. Failure to file the suit before the statute expires could result in the loss of rights to recover compensation.

Meet With a Cook County Bus Accident Attorney for Guidance

When you sustain injuries in a bus accident because of negligence, you have the right to hold that party accountable for all of your related losses. Given the seriousness of injuries in these collisions, it is vital that you begin working on your case right away. A Cook County bus accident lawyer has the knowledge necessary to review the specifics and determine the liable party. They could work with you to collect the evidence required to build a strong case and then advocate on your behalf for fair compensation. Call us immediately to schedule a consultation.