A bus accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. Whether the crash involved a CTA bus, a Pace bus, a school bus, or a private charter bus, you may be wondering if you need legal help.
Many people assume a bus accident claim works just like a regular car accident case. In reality, bus accidents are often much more complicated. Multiple parties may be involved, government agencies may be responsible, and important deadlines can apply.
So what does a bus accident lawyer actually do, and when should you hire one?
What Is a Bus Accident Lawyer?
A bus accident lawyer helps people who have been injured in bus-related crashes pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Their job is to investigate the accident, identify who was responsible, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take the case to trial.
Matthew Rundio can help make sure your rights are protected while you focus on your recovery.
Why Are Bus Accident Cases More Complicated?
Because bus accidents often involve public transportation systems like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or Pace, these cases require a deeper understanding of Illinois personal injury law and government liability rules. Bus accident cases are also more complicated because the bus driver is a professional driver typically employed by a public or private bus operator that has detailed Standard Operating Procedures or rules for the driver to follow while driving the bus. Obtaining these SOP’s can be valuable in proving your case against the bus driver and their employer.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
In a typical car accident, there may only be one at-fault driver. In a bus accident, several parties could share responsibility, including:
- The bus driver
- The driver’s employer
- The company that owned the bus
- The company that rented the bus
- A government transportation agency
- A maintenance contractor
- The manufacturer of a defective bus part
- Another driver was involved in the crash
Determining who is liable requires a detailed investigation and access to evidence that an experienced bus accident attorney knows how to obtain.
Government Agencies May Be Involved
Claims involving government entities like CTA or Pace often have special procedures and deadlines. Missing a required notice or filing deadline could hurt or bar your ability to recover compensation.
Serious Injuries Are Common
Because buses are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, accidents can cause severe injuries. Passengers may be thrown from their seats, struck by loose objects, or injured during sudden stops.
The more serious the injury, the more important it becomes to hire an experienced bus accident attorney who can give you the best chance at complete recovery for your injuries, including money damages for future medical care, pain and suffering, disabilities, and lost wages.
What Does a Bus Accident Lawyer Actually Do?
A bus accident lawyer handles the legal work involved in building and pursuing your claim.
Investigates the Accident
One of the first steps is gathering evidence. The goal is to determine exactly how the accident happened and who should be held accountable. Buses often have video surveillance cameras on them. These surveillance videos can be crucial evidence in your case, so it is extremely important to make sure the bus company preserves them as evidence in your case. An experienced bus accident attorney will also request the bus company’s Standard Operating Procedure or rules in discovery, which can also be very important evidence.
Calculates Your Damages
Many accident victims underestimate the true value of their claim. A lawyer can help you calculate damages. This helps ensure you do not accept a settlement that is lower than what your case may be worth.
Handles Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A bus accident lawyer communicates with insurance adjusters on your behalf and works to negotiate a fair settlement.
Files a Lawsuit if Necessary
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, if the responsible party refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court at trial. Having an attorney prepared to litigate can often strengthen your position during settlement negotiations.
When Should You Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer?
You should consider speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- A CTA or Pace bus was involved
- Multiple vehicles were part of the crash
- The fault is being disputed
- You missed work because of your injuries
- An insurance company has contacted you
- A loved one was seriously injured or killed
Early legal involvement can help preserve evidence and prevent costly mistakes.
What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?
If you are involved in a bus accident in Chicago, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Take photos of the scene if possible.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies.
- Contact an experienced bus accident lawyer.
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear until days after the accident.
Talk to a Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer at Rundio Injury Law Today
Bus accident claims can be challenging, especially when government agencies, commercial operators, and multiple insurance companies are involved. The sooner you understand your rights, the better positioned you will be to protect your claim.
If you were injured in a CTA, Pace, school bus, or private bus accident, Rundio Injury Law can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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