Chicago Shuttle Bus Accident Lawyer

Seek Compensation for Accidents Involving Shuttle Bus Drivers

Hundreds of shuttles transport passengers to locations like O’Hare Airport terminals, but they can also lead to serious injuries or even loss of life. A shuttle bus accident lawyer from our firm can offer critical legal support for these complicated personal injury cases. Contact us today for a free consultation about your claim.

What Is the Average Shuttle Bus Accident Settlement in Illinois?

The average settlement for these claims is $782,500. Factors influencing settlements include the number of people injured, available evidence, liability, and overall damages.

Example Shuttle Bus Accident Cases

Wai Mack, 77, was a pedestrian in the Hawthorne Race Course parking lot when an employee driving a shuttle through the area struck him. Though Mack was transported from the scene in critical condition, he died of his injuries shortly after the crash occurred. A post-mortem exam found multiple skull fractures. Mack’s estate argued that he would not have been struck if the employee had looked behind him to check for any obstacles. The race course settled with his family for $1,500,000.00.

Rhonda Zaring, 60, was riding in a shuttle on her way to the Midway Airport terminal. As Zaring was gathering her luggage, the bus lurched forward. She fell on the vehicle’s steps and broke her tailbone. The bus company argued that the brake system would not allow the bus to move when the doors were open, but ultimately settled with the victim for $65,000.00.

What Laws Govern Shuttle Bus Crashes in Chicago?

Any bus that operates in Chicago must undergo regular inspections by a qualified person to ensure it is safe for passengers (9-114-155). Failure to complete these inspections can lead to fines or license revocation.

Injured parties can secure both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or emotional distress. Per the Illinois Supreme Court case Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, there is no statutory cap on non-economic damages.

People injured in a bus crash only have two years after the accident occurred to file a claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Minors have this statute of limitations tolled until they reach age 18, at which time the statute of limitations is two years (735 ILCS 5/13-211).

If the victim is killed in the crash, then their next of kin can file a claim within two years of their passing (740 ILCS 180/). Potential damages in these cases can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and grief.

Your damages are determined by modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This law assigns a percentage of blame to each individual involved in the crash. If you are considered less than 50% responsible, you can sue for damages, but your compensation will be reduced with respect to your percentage of blame.

For example, assume two people are named in the suit, and one is only 10% liable. That individual can sue, but will receive 10% less than if they were entirely blameless.

These can be complex cases with multiple liable parties, including drivers, passengers, companies, and government agencies. Our bus accident attorneys in Chicago will use the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/2) to identify all liable parties, then negotiate with the liable insurance agencies for fair compensation.

How a Chicago Shuttle Bus Accident Attorney Can Help

Our motor vehicle accident attorneys in Chicago will perform a thorough investigation into your claim, including reviewing the scene, speaking to witnesses, and securing police department reports. We’ll then utilize this evidence to negotiate with the relevant insurance agency, requesting fair compensation for your medical bills and lost income.

With a 98% success rate and over $450 million secured for 5,000 victims, we are the leading truck, bus, and car crash lawyers in Chicago.

These complicated claims can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with serious medical issues following the crash. However, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a shuttle crash, call us for a free consultation about your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win.