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Buses can be a green alternative to driving and can help individuals throughout their daily lives. Individuals could use a bus to travel to work, go to the grocery store and to go on long distance trips. Unfortunately, the girth of these multi-passenger coaches could cause grave damage to riders and other vehicles during an accident.
If you or a loved one have been harmed in a bus collision, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the party that caused you harm. An Evergreen Park bus accident lawyer may be able to provide you with guidance on the lawsuit process. Reach out to a personal injury attorney to learn about the type of damages you may be eligible to recover.
To become successful in a negligence lawsuit, the injured claimant’s Evergreen Park bus accident lawyer may need to prove that the operator of the bus owed them a duty of due care. Additionally, they must prove that they breached the duty and caused the injured claimant’s damages. An Evergreen Park bus driver is prohibited from driving with a wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road.
Buses and trucks are also prohibited from coasting according to 625 ILCS 5/11-410. This means that they may not release the clutch when driving on a steep, downhill grade. Such behavior could cause the driver to lose control of the bus, leading to a major crash. The bus operator could cause passengers to fall forward, causing head and neck injuries, or even broken bones. Collisions with a coasting bus might also cause grave harms to motorists and pedestrians.
Per 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/2-1116, an injured motorist may still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for an accident. If they were more than 51 percent or more responsible for an accident, they may be ineligible to recover compensation from the other party according to the rules of modified comparative negligence.
A knowledgeable Evergreen Park bus accident attorney could fight against claims of shared negligence to help injured claimants recover more compensation for their injuries.
An Evergreen Park plaintiff may seek both economic and noneconomic awards. Economic damages refers to an individual’s fiscal losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages are less tangible and do not have a specific monetary value. Non-economic damages could include mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A jury is allowed to award punitive damages under certain circumstances. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for extreme negligence or intentional conduct. They cannot be greater than three times the amount of the actual remedy. A skilled bus accident lawyer in Evergreen Park may raise the issue of punitive damages where appropriate.
A bus accident could cause serious injuries and property damage. If you have been harmed by a bus collision, you may be eligible to recover compensation for all of your damages.
An Evergreen Park bus accident lawyer could discuss your rights and help you make the best decision for you and your family. Call today to schedule a consultation.