Buses are typically an economical and effective means of transportation, especially in busy cities. City buses as well as private carriers are also responsible for the safety and well-being of their passengers. If a driver failed to keep you safe while on the vehicle, filing an injury claim against them and their employer with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney might result in compensation.
A Chicago bus accident lawyer could help increase your chances for a successful claim and protect your rights through the process.
Bus crashes can cause incredibly severe injuries due to the weight and size of the vehicle involved. Pedestrians caught under the wheels, other motorists harmed by a collision, and more could result in major harm or death to those involved.
In many cases, bus crashes are the result of driver negligence. If the bus driver acts negligently by violating applicable traffic laws or safety regulations, they might be found liable. Additionally, proving their negligence could help establish that the bus driver caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Bus drivers are typically employees of a larger company, and a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior permits vicarious liability for those employers. Therefore, if the bus driver was in the scope and course of their employment during the collision, the employer is also financially liable for the bus driver’s negligent acts.
Establishing vicarious liability is a critical part of a successful case. Bus companies have larger abilities to pay than individual bus drivers. They are generally insured and have significant assets, which could be of help to a plaintiff’s claim.
Common carrier laws often impact a bus accident case, as the laws hold drivers of the vehicles to a higher standard of passenger safety. These vehicles include buses, trolleys, and other forms of public transportation. This higher standard, when applicable, may greatly assist in proving a personal injury claim.
However, proof of negligence is still required, meaning the driver must still have violated their duty of care. Proving this alone in a personal injury claim might be difficult, but a skilled attorney in Chicago could provide necessary evidence to help a plaintiff’s case.
Dealing with lawsuits against the government, whether state or local, requires special tact and understanding. Unique rules apply to lawsuits against bus operators such as the Chicago Transit Authority. Many of the lawsuit requirements against this type of entity are standard, but some aspects are unique and require a knowledge of the laws for a successful claim.
The main difference between filing the lawsuits is the shortened statute of limitations for claims against governmental entities. Rather than the standard two-year limitation period, claims against these entities are limited to one year and require the filing of a specialized notice before a claim may proceed.
Bus accidents often result in extremely severe injuries. You may have suffered a great deal of pain, lost work, medical expenses, and much more. However, you might also be able to hold the responsible party financially liable for your costs with the right legal counsel.
Contact the firm today to begin filing a claim. An experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer could help with your case and uphold your rights and interests through the process.