Did you get hurt in an accident involving a bus? Was it due to someone’s negligence? Pursuing compensation from the at-fault party is often complicated when dealing with public transit and the insurance companies that represent them. As dedicated motor vehicle accident attorneys in Chicago, we at JJ Legal understand the unique challenges and complexities that come with bus accident cases. If you or a loved one have been involved in a Chicago bus accident, it’s important to hire a Chicago bus accident lawyer with the expertise and commitment to advocate for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Various factors make buses more dangerous than other vehicles. They’re much larger and heavier than passenger cars. Some don’t contain seatbelts, putting the occupants at significant risk of severe injuries during a collision. It’s difficult to navigate buses through the city streets. Drivers must have the experience to operate buses safely around other vehicles and hazards. When a bus driver behaves carelessly, they put everyone around them in danger. Speeding, taking turns too quickly, and tailgating are just a few actions that increase the likelihood of a crash. Passengers on the bus and the occupants of other vehicles can suffer injury or death from the violent force of the impact.
You should not face the adverse effects of another person’s misconduct. The at-fault bus driver or another negligent party should suffer the consequences of their wrongdoing. At JJ Legal, our Chicago bus accident lawyers understand the burden that many other bus accident lawsuit victims experience. You can count on us to be your advocate and fight for your rights. Call JJ Legal for a free consultation right now at 312-200-2000 and learn more about our services.
Handling Bus Accident Claims in Illinois
Illinois law surrounding bus accidents in Chicago can be complex, especially when dealing with public transit systems and their insurance companies. These cases often involve multiple parties, including the bus driver, public transit authorities, and other involved vehicles. Understanding the statute of limitations is critical in these cases. In Illinois, personal injury claims must typically be filed within two years of the accident, making timely legal consultation vital.
A typical Chicago bus accident case involves several stages, including a thorough investigation, insurance claims, negotiation, and potentially a settlement or trial. Our experienced team in Chicago is well-versed in each step, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
The steps you choose to take following an accident involving a bus can affect your case.
Pursuing legal action requires meeting strict deadlines and submitting relevant evidence to prove what happened. If you don’t take immediate action and file a claim promptly, you could end up without the money you need to compensate you for your losses.
Go to a nearby hospital or make an appointment with your doctor immediately after leaving the accident scene. Don’t wait too long before your initial medical evaluation.
Since insurance companies want to find valid reasons to deny claims, a gap in treatment could give them the evidence they need to avoid a settlement payout. Your physician should diagnose your injury during your initial exam. They might recommend follow-up care, such as rehabilitation, surgery, and other types of treatment. Listen to their instructions and continue treating your injury until your medical providers release you from their care. It’s never a good idea to decide when to stop treatment yourself. It could hinder your recovery and damage the future of your case. Maintaining complete and accurate records is also beneficial to your case.
Recognizing the types of accidents and their implications for your bus accident claim is essential. Our Chicago bus accident attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving more types of bus accidents, whether they involve school buses, city transit, or private coaches.
Bus accidents happen often in Chicago and can occur for various reasons, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Common causes include driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, inadequate bus maintenance, and challenging city navigation. As a result, bus passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles can suffer significantly. You should call JJ Legal and hire a Chicago bus accident lawyer to represent you. We can file a claim on your behalf and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. We know how to investigate bus accidents and gather the available evidence to prove fault. You should not take on the responsibility yourself. Most people who pursue cases without assistance from an a bus accident attorney will receive insignificant settlements or nothing at all.
Why Bus Accidents Require Specialized Legal Expertise
Bus accident cases require a specialized understanding of local and federal transportation laws and the complexities of dealing with large-scale transit authorities and insurance companies. Our team at JJ Legal is adept at navigating these complexities, leveraging our deep knowledge of Chicago’s legal landscape, including local landmarks like the Daley Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, to build a strong case for our clients.
For those affected by a bus accident, reaching out to experienced Chicago bus accident lawyers. Serving Illinois bus accidents is a crucial step. We invite you to contact JJ Legal for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to your case. Contact us for a free consultation at 312-200-2000 to discuss your case and learn more about our services.
Why Hire JJ Legal?
JJ Legal has an award-winning team of attorneys. We have received recognition and awards from The National Trial Lawyers Association, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and other prestigious organizations. We have a reputation for reaching positive case results for our clients. When you hire us, you can expect to receive quality representation until the end of your case.
A Chicago bus accident lawyer from JJ Legal knows the complex nature of a bus accident case. You have an injury to treat and a case to pursue. Handling both simultaneously can seem overwhelming. You won’t have to go through this alone. We’ll take on the responsibility for your bus accident claim so you can spend your time healing.
Types Of Chicago Bus Accident Cases Our Law Firm Handles
Bus Accident FAQs
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a bus accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances might extend or shorten this period. It’s crucial to consult with a Chicago bus accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the legal time frame.
Determining liability in a bus accident involves a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. This can include the bus driver’s actions, the condition of the bus, and the behavior of other bus drivers or pedestrians involved. In some cases, liability may fall on multiple parties, including bus companies, maintenance providers, or government entities operating public transit buses.
If you’re injured bus accident victims, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. Document your bus accident injuries and any medical treatment received. Avoid discussing accident details with insurance companies or on social media. Most importantly, consult with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Chicago to explore your legal options and protect your rights.
Yes, pedestrians hit by buses in Chicago may be entitled to compensation. This includes damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, so it’s essential to have a knowledgeable Chicago bus accident attorney evaluate your case.
In a bus accident lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The exact compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
A Chicago bus accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by managing all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, if necessary. Our team at JJ Legal is committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Yes. If you want to sue the at-fault party for your injury, you must follow the deadline set by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations usually allows a two-year window to file a personal injury case. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.
An exception to the statute could give you more time to prepare your case. Tolling the statute of limitations is possible if one of these factors apply:
- Minor – If you are a minor when the crash occurs, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you turn 18 years old.
- Legal disability – You have two years from the date you are no longer under a legal disability to initiate your lawsuit if the disability existed at the time of the accident.
The same bus company or driver could be liable for your injury if they caused the collision. However, other parties could be at fault, depending on the circumstances. Common parties responsible for bus accidents include:
- Bus drivers
- Vehicle and part manufacturers
- Transportation companies
- Drivers of passenger cars
If the at-fault party’s insurer contacts you to discuss the accident, give them our number. You should never talk to the insurance adjuster about your claim. If you say something damaging to your case, you risk your chance of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to.
Additionally, it’s critical never to sign any forms or provide documentation to the insurance company if they request it. You could unknowingly sign away your rights to the maximum settlement or give them access to your lifetime’s worth of medical records. Let us communicate with them during your case.
If someone else caused the crash, you could file an insurance claim even if you were a pedestrian or other type of non-motorist. Most people don’t understand their rights following when bus accidents happen. Even though you weren’t in a vehicle, you could file a liability claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
The value of your case will depend on various factors. You should contact JJ Legal to determine who is liable and whether you can seek compensation. We will explore the available options and advise what we can do for you.
If you’re like most people, you probably worry about the cost of hiring a Chicago bus accident lawyer. Some accident victims don’t think they can afford legal representation and choose to seek compensation on their own.
JJ Legal knows the financial strain you face. We don’t want to burden you with more expenses. Our firm takes bus accident cases on contingency, meaning we don’t charge upfront fees or costs. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Contact A Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Today
At JJ Legal, we understand that navigating the aftermath of a bus accident in Chicago can be overwhelming. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
If you're looking for more detailed information, don't hesitate to contact our skilled Chicago bus accident lawyers for a free case review.
JJ Legal has represented bus accident victims since 2008. We take pride in the level of service we offer. Our clients are always our priority during ongoing cases. Whether bus accident claims or your injury is minor or life-threatening, you can depend on our legal team to take the matter seriously. We will fight hard to meet your needs and hold the negligent party accountable.If you sustained an injury in a bus accident someone else’s negligence caused, do not hesitate to contact JJ Legal. A Chicago bus accident attorney can sit down with you to talk about your case and determine how we can help. Call 312-200-2000 for your free consultation or contact us online.