Public buses, like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in Chicago, Illinois, are run by the local government. When these types of buses are involved in accidents with other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians, a suit against the proper authority will be the local government transportation agency that administers the bus system. In Chicago, the Chicago Transit Board is the governing body of the independent administrative body that is the CTA. If you are an employee that is employed by a transit authority and have been injured, your claim will be handled through workers’ compensation. Those not affiliated may have to file suit. Either way, it is imperative if you have been injured by a public bus to see an attorney immediately for consultation.
Bus accidents can occur in the same places as accidents of other vehicles, like cars and motorcycles. These vehicles are an added complication for many city streets because they are typically allowed to drive, park, and make turns or maneuvers that other vehicles are prohibited from doing. Buses can carry many more people thus possibly boosting the numbers of those injured in an accident. The weight of a bus can be more dangerous for a pedestrian, motorcyclist or car when involved in an accident.
There are many factors to consider when you have been injured by a public bus that are different from an accident involving another private citizen. The first immediate consideration is to seek medical care immediately. Request an ambulance and request that the police be called to document the incident. Cooperate with all aspects of obtaining documentation for the incident.
The next consideration is that the time to file a lawsuit to the governmental body is normally shorter than the general statute of limitation that typically allows for two years from the date of the accident in Illinois.
A case can be made from any evidence and witnesses to show that the driver of the bus was negligent when the accident occurred. Many public buses in large metropolitan areas are equipped with cameras and an attorney can request such video footage as evidence for your case.
Navigating through the maze of a process in trying to get a settlement from an accident involving a public bus can be both time consuming and headache inducing. It is best to seek legal counsel who can relieve the stress from dealing with obtaining a settlement for your injuries.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Your case may be different. In considering the statute of limitation this firm is not giving an opinion on when the statute of limitation expires. The statute of limitation requires a claimant to file a lawsuit by a certain date. Failure to file a lawsuit before the expiration of the statute of limitation bars a claimant from filing a claim and from being compensated. Hiring an attorney immediately will protect your rights. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured in an accident involving a public bus, please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529.