Charter Bus Accident Lawyer in Chicago

If you were in an accident involving a charter bus, you have the right to pursue damages. A Chicago bus accident lawyer can help you file a claim and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has been representing Chicagoans since 2002. Our charter bus accident lawyers in Chicago are here to help you secure financial compensation after a crash leaves you with injuries and other losses.

The Role of a Chicago Charter Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accident cases are often complex, and transportation companies often have aggressive legal teams. A Chicago charter bus accident lawyer can step in and help by:

• Collecting evidence: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and gather police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to strengthen your claim.
• Calculating damages: An attorney can evaluate both your economic and non-economic losses to ensure your claim is valued fairly.
• Handling insurance companies: A lawyer can communicate with insurers on your behalf and push back against low settlement offers.
• Taking your case to court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

How Much Is My Claim Worth?

Since every case is different, there is no average settlement for a charter bus accident. The value of a claim depends on several factors, including injury severity, the number of parties involved, and available insurance coverage.

Victims who suffer minor injuries may receive tens of thousands of dollars, while those who suffer severe or permanent injuries may be awarded hundreds of thousands or even millions. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can fight for the maximum possible settlement available to you.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?

Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: You can be compensated for income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may recover damages for reduced future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged personal property.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct from the at-fault party, additional damages may be awarded.

What Is the Deadline to File a Bus Accident Claim in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the crash. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you will risk losing your right to recover compensation altogether.

If your accident involved a government entity, such as a city-operated bus or a public transportation agency, your claim may be subject to shorter notice requirements and procedural rules.

In addition, your claim’s deadline may be adjusted under Illinois’ discovery rule, which allows the clock to start when an injury is discovered rather than when the accident occurred.

Who Is Liable?

While negligent bus drivers are typically at fault for these accidents, a variety of other parties may hold responsibility as well. Examples of those we may help you seek compensation from include:

• Charter bus companies if they failed to properly screen drivers before hiring or were otherwise negligent
• An employer, who may be vicariously responsible for the acts of an employee if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash
• Maintenance providers if a failure to properly maintain a vehicle leads to an accident
• Government agencies when poor road conditions, missing signage, or unsafe infrastructure are involved

A personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident and identify who is at fault.

How Do You Prove Negligence?

The duty owed by a charter bus as a “common carrier” is above that required of drivers of ordinary passenger vehicles. The law requires that, because these buses transport people for compensation as their primary business, they must meet a higher standard of care.

When drivers fail to exhibit the reasonable care that another driver under similar circumstances would exhibit, then that driver may be deemed negligent. To prove negligence, you generally must establish these elements:

• Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely and avoid causing harm.
• Breach of duty: That party failed to meet their obligation through careless or reckless behavior.
• Causation: The breach directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills or lost income.

Common Causes of Charter Bus Accidents in Chicago

Bus accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making.
• Distracted driving: Using a phone or engaging in other distractions can lead to serious mistakes.
• Speeding: Driving too fast reduces a bus driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
• Poor maintenance: Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures can cause accidents.
• Weather conditions: Snow, ice, and heavy rain can make roads hazardous, especially for large vehicles.
• Traffic congestion: Chicago’s busy streets increase the likelihood of collisions involving large buses.

Common Types of Injuries

Victims of charter bus accidents may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones: Fractures are common due to the force of impact.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Sudden movements can strain muscles and ligaments.
• Burns and lacerations: Fires, explosions, or shattered glass can cause additional harm.

What to Do After a Charter Bus Accident in Chicago

The steps you take after a bus accident can affect the strength of your personal injury case. You should:

• Call the police: Reporting the accident ensures there is an official record and allows authorities to document the scene.
• Gather evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and document everything you can at the scene.
• Seek medical attention: Getting evaluated by a medical professional is essential for your health and your claim.
• Avoid speaking to insurers: Insurance companies may try to get you to say something that hurts your claim, so you should not give any recorded statements until you speak to a lawyer.
• Get legal help: A lawyer can step in and guide you through the claims process.

Schedule a Free Consultation

An accident involving a charter bus can cause devastating harm. If you or someone close to you was injured in a charter bus crash, a Chicago charter bus accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can handle every aspect of your case and help you obtain a fair settlement.

Book a free consultation to discuss your case with a lawyer.