Bus Crash Attorney

Leading Illinois Bus Crash Lawyer

In the United States, bus drivers are held to a higher standard than other drivers. To meet federal and state requirements, they must receive specialized training to drive a bus. When bus drivers fail to use reasonable care when driving and cause a crash that injures passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians, the injured parties may choose to bring a lawsuit against the bus driver and the company for which he or she works.

Because of the large size of commercial buses and the number of passengers on each bus, the consequences of a bus rollover or bus collision can be catastrophic. Have you been injured as a result of a bus crash? The Illinois bus crash lawyer at Owaynat Law can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

What are the Legal Requirements for Driving a Bus in Illinois?

The federal government and the state of Illinois hold commercial bus drivers to higher standards than other drivers on the road. Bus drivers are subject to the administrative laws set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Specifically, bus drivers must meet the following requirements:

• Pass a thorough background check;

• Become properly certified and trained;

• Have knowledge and mastery of brake system operations;

• Know and comply with all applicable bus driving rules;

• Possess a valid driver’s license;

• Know how to conduct emergency exits property including how to operate emergency window releases and emergency door exits, even without power; and

• The driver must be medically qualified to safely drive a bus.

Common Illinois Bus Crash Injury Causes

Each bus crash is different, but the following are a few of the more common causes of bus crashs:

• The bus driver loses control of the bus;

• The bus injures a pedestrian who steps into the bus driver’s blind spot;

• An improperly maintained bus malfunctions and caused a collision;

• Another vehicle collides with a bus;

• The bus crashes into another car; and

• The bus driver’s distracted driving causes a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.

Illinois Commercial Bus Crahes and Vicarious Liability

The legal doctrine of vicarious liability applies when an employee who is acting on behalf of his or her employer’s interests negligently causes the injury of another person. When this occurs, the injured victim can sue the employer for the actions of the employee even if the employer did not personally cause the injury by his or her actions. If a negligent bus driver caused your injuries, you would likely be able to sue not only the driver but also the driver’s employer for compensation.

The following types of buses are all used for commercial purposes, meaning that injured parties may be able to sue not only the negligent driver but the employer’s business or the corresponding government agency:

• Valley Metro

• Airport Shuttle Bus

• School Bus

• Charter Bus

• Tour Bus

• Company Owned Bus of Any Kind

In Illinois, victims of bus crashs can hold bus companies responsible for the negligent actions of their mechanics, employees, drivers, and for negligently maintained buses in general. The Illinois bus crash lawyers at Owaynat law have experience in representing pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers, motorists, motorcyclists, and others whose injuries resulted from a negligent bus driver.

Seek Compensation for Your Illinois Bus Crash Injuries

Buses are more massive than commuter cars and motorcycles and can cause significant injury to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. Common bus crash-related injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Severed tendons

• Broken bones

• Abrasions

• Burns caused by gasoline explosions

• Whiplash

• Lower back injuries

• Nerve injuries

• Injury to internal organs

• Paralysis

• Severed ligaments

Successful personal injury plaintiffs are entitled to compensation for the following:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses;

• Property damage;

• Compensation for lost wages; and

• Compensation for pain and suffering for any mental health issues you may suffer from as a result of your injury.

Wrongful Death Caused by Illinois Bus Crashs

If a bus crash caused the death of your loved one, you might be entitled to wrongful death damages. These damages usually include funeral and burial bills, medical costs, pain and suffering, and suffering due to the loss of companionship of your loved one. You can also recover for your loved one’s loss of future income.

Contact the Illinois Bus Crash Lawyer at Owaynat Law Today

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. In other words, you must file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a bus crash within two years of the crash or you will lose the ability to file a lawsuit.

If you have filed an insurance claim, the responsible insurance company may not offer you a generous, equitable settlement amount. If that happens, you should consider hiring an experienced, Illinois bus crash lawyer to take your case to court for a jury trial.

We advise people to contact an Illinois bus crash lawyer as soon as possible after a motor vehicle crash because it takes time to properly and thoroughly investigate a claim, interview witnesses, and find the best experts for your bus crash claim.

We do not just give advice, however. We take pride in the fact that our bus crash lawyers actively listen to our clients to better understand their goals for their particular case. Each case is unique, and we focus on offering personalized representation that exceeds the expectations of each of our clients.

When representing our clients, we use the skills of crash reconstruction investigators and engineers along with the most current and advanced auto crash technology. Using this technology, we create incredibly accurate reconstructions of what happened right before the bus crash collision. In doing so, we can prove the other party’s negligence and fight to secure the most substantial possible amount of compensation for our clients.

If your case does not settle and ends up going to trial, the more time we have to prepare your case, the better, if you were injured in a bus crash in Illinois, we urge you to call us at (773) 645-9997 or fill this form to set up a FREE CONSULTATION about your case