Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

If you're living in a city like Chicago, experiencing road accidents is not uncommon. Whether it is a car crash, a motorcycle accident, or a bus or truck accident, you may have witnessed either one or maybe all of them in your lifetime. A Chicago bus accident lawyer will be able to represent your best interests if you are in an accident involved with or while riding a bus.

However, the risk of injuries and death can differ for each accident. Compared to a car crash, a bus accident has the potential of causing more significant damage. Here is everything you need to know about dealing with bus accidents in Chicago.

How Often Do Bus Accidents Occur and Why?

The statistics shared by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) show how the number of accidents occurring every year is increasing. When determining the intensity of these crashes, it is imperative to take into account several other factors. For example, the number of people getting injured in a car crash may be fewer than that in a bus crash due to the smaller size of cars.

Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Chris Ktenas speaking with a bus accident victim

Furthermore, in a bus accident, it is not just the innocent passengers that may get injured but also other parties that were present around the bus at the time of the crash. Thus, the severity of a person's injuries may increase because of the bus's size and weight.

As for the question about why these crashes take place, there can be multiple instances that can result in an accident. Some of these may be regarded as:

  • The driver of the bus is not properly trained.
  • The driver was driving under the influence. This could be because they often have to go for long hours.
  • The maintenance of the bus is not done on time or handled poorly.
  • As bus drivers drive longer hours now, this can result in them getting exhausted.
  • Lastly, distracted driving is also one of the significant contributors to such crashes.

Who is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents in Chicago and elsewhere can be intense in terms of the number of people injured and quite complicated. Therefore, it is imperative to hire an experienced Chicago bus accident attorney immediately so that they can handle your case with the utmost care and dedication and ensure you get the maximum compensation amount.

Your lawyer will first identify the person or company at fault for the accident before pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. While it is comparatively easier to identify the responsible party in a regular crash, there can be multiple parties at fault and should be held accountable for bus accidents. These parties can include

Bus Driver

While the bus driver doesn't need to be responsible, this can sometimes be the case. Under such circumstances, you can file a case against the driver or the company as well. Whether it is a CTA case or a school bus, the person or company responsible for the accident will have to pay for your losses.

Other Drivers

Bus crashes do not always occur because of the bus driver. They can also happen because of a third party's negligence. If the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, they can also be accounted for your losses. A car accident lawyer in Chicago can help you if you were in another motor vehicle involved in a bus accident.

Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

Maintenance and Manufacturing Defects

Lastly, it is also entirely possible that everyone is driving safely, but there is a fault in the vehicle itself. This could be a manufacturing defect or an issue arising from the low maintenance of the vehicle. In a situation like this, your attorney will find a way to get fair compensation from the bus companies and individuals primarily responsible for the accident.

It could also be the case that more than one person is responsible, i.e., the accident occurred due to two or more parties' negligence. In such instances, the attorney will make the necessary calculations and guide you on how the case should be pursued.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident

After the accident has taken place, you should take specific steps so that we solve your case more efficiently. If you have been severely injured, you should immediately seek medical help. Also, if the police ask you any questions, answer them only if you are in the condition to respond to them correctly.

Apart from that, if you were on the road in any other vehicle and were also injured, you should also follow some simple steps if you are conscious and can move around before going to a clinic and getting yourself checked.

  • Firstly, you should always call the police so that the evidence can be preserved. If possible, obtain a copy of the police report.
  • After that, if possible, take pictures of the accident scene that will serve as digital evidence.
  • Once you have gathered evidence, it would be best to talk to people who witnessed the accident. Get their contact information so that it can help us with the case later on.
  • Lastly, make sure that you visit a doctor immediately. Even if you do not see any signs of external injuries, there can be internal ones that can cost you a lot. Make sure to keep track of any medical expenses due to any pain and suffering caused by the bus accident

Common Injuries

While any accident can cause severe injuries you should immediately consult with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, they can be worse in bus accident cases. Some common injuries include but are not limited to TBI (traumatic brain injuries), spinal cord and neck injuries, permanent disability, and multiple fractures.

Hire an Attorney

Bus cases can be complex. They require the legal experience and knowledge that a personal injury lawyer possesses to solve them and get adequate compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Additionally, with the experienced lawyers at our firm, you get a free consultation for your case to understand the consequences better. Contact our legal team today for further information on your civil claim.

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