Chicago Bus Accident Claims

Bus accidents can turn an ordinary day on Chicago streets into a life-changing event. From CTA routes downtown to school buses in residential neighborhoods and private charter buses on Lake Shore Drive or I-90, these crashes often leave people facing serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next.

As a Chicago-based law firm, we represent individuals and families navigating bus accident claims after preventable collisions. We stand with our clients, and we believe in your case.

How to File a Bus Accident Claim

Filing a claim after an accident can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re dealing with pain, stress, or visible injuries. We help our clients take this process step by step, making sure nothing important is missed.

1. Seek medical attention immediately

Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor at the scene, it’s critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries, including head trauma and internal injuries, are not immediately apparent. Medical records also play a key role in documenting your injuries for a future claim.

2. Report the accident

Accidents should be reported to law enforcement and, when applicable, to the bus company or school district involved. For CTA, Pace, school buses, or other public buses, official reports often trigger internal investigations. These early records matter when filing a claim.

3. Gather evidence

If you’re able, collect photos of the accident scene, the bus, other vehicles, and visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers. Video footage from nearby businesses or onboard cameras can also be critical in a bus accident case.

4. Identify responsible parties

Bus accidents often involve more than one party. The bus driver, bus company, another driver, or even a maintenance contractor may be held liable. Determining responsibility early helps protect your rights.

5. File a claim or personal injury lawsuit

Depending on whether the bus is public or private, the process for filing a claim can differ. Public and private bus cases are handled differently, especially when government entities are involved. Our Chicago bus accident attorneys help clients file the correct paperwork, meet strict deadlines, and avoid costly mistakes.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bus Accident Lawsuit?

Bus accident victims may be entitled to compensation that reflects both the financial and personal impact of the crash. A bus accident lawsuit is meant to address the full scope of harm, not just immediate expenses.

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including:

• Medical bills and future medical care
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident

Non-economic damages reflect the human cost of a crash, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Long-term disability or disfigurement

Punitive damages are available in rare cases when filing a claim that involves extreme misconduct, such as reckless behavior, impaired driving, or willful safety violations, and are intended to deter similar future conduct.

What Is the Average Value of a Bus Accident Case in Chicago?

Every case is different, but many clients want a general sense of value when deciding how to move forward. Based on cases filed in Cook County, outcomes can vary widely depending on injuries, liability, and the parties involved.

For Chicago bus crash cases:

• Value range: $2,600 to $14,564,000
• Average payout: $1,381,415
• Median payout: $150,000

Severe injuries, permanent disability, and wrongful death claims involving surviving family members often fall at the higher end of this range. Minor injuries or cases with disputed liability may resolve for less. We help our clients understand where their case may fit within this spectrum and why.

How a Chicago Bus Accident Attorney Can Help

Bus accident claims are complex, especially when government agencies, insurance companies, and multiple defendants are involved. Our bus accident lawyers support clients from the first conversation through resolution.

Our role often includes:

• Investigating the crash and identifying all responsible parties
• Analyzing driver error, poor maintenance, or mechanical failures
• Working with medical providers and experts to document injuries
• Managing communications with insurance companies
• Filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit when fair resolution is not offered

Whether the crash involves CTA buses, school buses, or buses operated by a private bus company, our focus remains the same: building a strong case while treating our clients with respect and care. We stand with you at every stage.

FAQs

What are the most common causes of bus accidents?

The causes of bus accidents often involve preventable safety failures. Common causes of crashes involving buses in Chicago include driver error, distracted or fatigued driving, improper lane changes, failure to yield, poor maintenance, and mechanical failures. Other motorists can also contribute to crashes through speeding, unsafe turns, or following too closely.

Can other drivers be held liable for a bus crash?

Yes. While the bus driver or bus company is often investigated, other motorists may also be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility, and identifying all liable parties is essential to a fair recovery.

How long do victims have to file an Illinois bus accident claim?

Time limits matter, and missing a deadline can bar recovery. Under Illinois law:

• Personal injury claims: Most Illinois bus accident injury claims must be filed within two years under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
• Children: For minors, the statute of limitations may be extended under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, allowing claims to be filed up to two years after the child turns 18.
• Wrongful death: Claims brought by surviving family members are generally subject to a two-year deadline under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/).
• Public buses: Claims involving public entities may be subject to additional rules and a shorter filing window of only one year under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/).

Because public and private bus accidents are handled differently, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash, you don’t have to face the process alone. As Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyers, we offer a free consultation to discuss your situation, explain your options, and answer your questions. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us today to learn how we can help.