Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

Chicago’s transit buses keep our city moving, from the bustling streets of the Loop to the neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Hyde Park, and Logan Square. But when a bus accident happens, it can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you were injured as a CTA bus passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another driver, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, our Chicago bus accident attorney knows how devastating these accidents can be, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Our law firm has deep roots in Chicago, and we take pride in protecting the rights of our neighbors. We know the city’s roads, intersections, and transit laws inside and out, and we have successfully taken on cases involving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace, Greyhound, private charter buses, and other transit bus operators. If you’ve been hurt in a bus crash near Michigan Avenue, on Lake Shore Drive, or anywhere in the city, we are here to help.

Call (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation. Let our experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Types of Bus Accidents in Chicago

Bus accidents in Chicago can take many forms, each with unique challenges and risks. Whether you’re a passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian, accidents involving buses can result in serious injuries. Here are some of the most common types of bus accidents you may encounter:

Collisions with Other Vehicles: Bus crashes often involve other vehicles, especially in busy urban areas. Rear-end accidents can occur when a bus or a smaller vehicle hits the back of the other, resulting in significant damage. Side-impact accidents, or T-bone collisions, happen when the side of a bus is struck by another vehicle, putting passengers on that side of the bus at greater risk.
Accidents with Pedestrians and Cyclists: Chicago’s busy streets are shared by buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. Accidents involving pedestrians, especially at intersections, can happen when a bus makes a sudden turn or doesn’t stop in time. Cyclists, too, can be injured when a bus cuts them off or fails to yield the right of way.
School Bus Accidents: School buses are an everyday part of Chicago’s roads, and accidents involving them can be especially distressing. These accidents may involve children getting on or off the bus, or the bus colliding with another vehicle. The injuries in school bus accidents can range from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the crash.
Passenger Injuries on the Bus: In some cases, passengers may be injured while on the bus itself. Sudden stops, sharp turns, or crashes can cause people to fall or be jostled, leading to injury. Additionally, a bus’s interior conditions—like wet floors or broken handrails—can contribute to accidents that hurt passengers.
Bus Rollovers: Though less common, bus rollovers are serious and often catastrophic. A bus can roll over if it makes a sharp turn too quickly, or if it’s involved in a high-impact collision. Rollovers can cause severe injuries to passengers due to the forces involved and the risk of being thrown from seats.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: When a bus is involved in an accident on Chicago’s busy roads, it can trigger a chain reaction, especially in high-traffic areas. The momentum of a bus can cause a pileup, leading to multiple vehicles being involved and increasing the number of potential injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of bus accident, even if your situation doesn’t exactly match the examples above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Chicago bus accident attorney today. Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman is here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Specific Challenges in Chicago Bus Accident Cases

A bus accident lawsuit in Chicago can be more complicated than other types of personal injury claims. These cases often involve unique challenges that make it harder for victims to recover the compensation they deserve. Here are some of the key issues you might face:

1. Multiple Parties May Be at Fault

After a bus accident, it’s not always clear who is responsible. Several parties could share liability, including the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance providers, or even government agencies like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Sorting out who is at fault—and to what degree—requires careful investigation and legal expertise.

2. Public vs. Private Bus Operators

The rules for filing a bus accident lawsuit can vary depending on whether the bus is operated by a public entity (like the CTA) or a private company. Public bus operators often have stricter deadlines and different legal procedures, which can make the process more challenging. If you’re dealing with a public entity, you’ll need to act quickly and follow specific steps to protect your rights.

3. Governmental Immunity

If the bus is run by a government agency, such as the CTA, they may be protected by “governmental immunity.” This legal protection limits when and how they can be sued. However, there are exceptions—especially if negligence is involved. Experienced bus accident lawyers can help you navigate these complex rules and build a strong case.

Time Limit for Filing a Bus Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, it’s important to act quickly. Illinois law sets strict deadlines—called statutes of limitations—for filing a personal injury claim. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to seek compensation.

Standard Deadline: Two Years

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, for most bus accident cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This applies to accidents involving private bus companies or other non-government entities.

Special Rules for Public Buses: One Year

Under 745 ILCS 10/8-101, If the accident involved a city-operated bus, like a CTA bus, the rules are different. Claims against government agencies, including the CTA, must be filed within one year of the accident. This shorter deadline applies to cases involving:

Negligent bus drivers
Unsafe bus conditions
Other acts of negligence by public transportation employees

Filing a claim against a government entity like the CTA requires following specific procedures and meeting strict deadlines. If you miss the one-year window, you could lose your chance to recover compensation—no matter how strong your case might be.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a CTA bus accident, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process, meet all deadlines, and protect bus accident victims right to fair compensation.

Contact Our Skilled Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Chicago, the experienced bus accident attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC are here to help. Our law firm understands the complexities involved in these cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at (312) 586-1700.