Chicago Bus Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Assisting With Injuries on School Buses or Public Transportation in Chicago, Illinois

In the city of Chicago and throughout the United States, people rely on buses for transportation. Whether using buses operated by the CTA or Pace to get around the city and its suburbs, sending children to class on a school bus, or traveling long distances on Greyhound or charter buses, many take advantage of the benefits of bus travel. Unfortunately, these vehicles are not always operated safely, and when they are involved in accidents, passengers, pedestrians, or those in other vehicles are likely to suffer serious injuries.

The personal injury attorneys of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC are highly experienced in cases involving public transportation, and we have helped several clients obtain multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements after being injured in bus accidents. We are dedicated to achieving justice for those who have been injured, and we also work to enhance safety by ensuring that laws and regulations are in place to prevent future accidents and injuries.

Causes of Bus Accident Injuries

Due to the large size and weight of buses, they can cause serious harm when they are involved in a collision. Drivers and passengers of other vehicles are likely to experience injuries such as whiplash, brain trauma, broken bones, dislocated joints, and severe lacerations or bruises. Pedestrians and bicyclists who are struck by a bus are even more likely to be seriously injured or killed, especially if they are knocked into traffic or trapped under the wheels of the bus. Passengers on a bus may also suffer injuries, since many buses do not provide them with seat belts, and they may be thrown from their seat in a collision.

Bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and in many cases, they are the result of negligence on the part of the bus driver or bus company. Some common reasons for bus collisions include:

• Reckless or inattentive driving - Buses are very large and difficult to control, so drivers must take extra care to operate them safely and make sure they are aware of nearby vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers who exceed the speed limit, fail to stop in time, or make illegal lane changes or turns put everyone on the road in danger.
• Distracted driving - Bus drivers must pay close attention to their surroundings, and failure to do so can have tragic results. Distractions such as talking to passengers, eating and drinking, or using an electronic device can all lead to dangerous bus crashes.
• Improper driver training - Drivers must receive training in the safe operation of a bus. If a crash occurs because a driver did not have the proper training, the bus company may be held liable.
• Drunk driving - Driving while intoxicated is dangerous in any vehicle, and especially so for bus drivers. In addition to alcohol, bus accidents can be caused by a driver who is under the influence of illegal substances or prescription drugs.
• Improper maintenance - The failure of parts such as brakes or steering systems can cause a driver to lose control of a bus. In these cases, the manufacturer of defective parts or the company responsible for bus maintenance may be held liable.

Contact Our Illinois Bus Crash Attorneys

If you have been injured in a collision involving a bus, the skilled attorneys of TKK can work to help you receive compensation for your damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at 312-605-8800 for a free consultation.