Des Plaines Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses provide a necessary service and are an efficient and economical way to get around. However, buses can be dangerous for riders, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

If you suffered an injury in an accident involving a bus, a dedicated personal injury attorney could help you seek damages from a bus company and other negligent parties. Contact a Des Plaines bus accident lawyer as quickly as possible to review your legal options.

Bus Drivers Must Use Utmost Care

A bus is a common carrier, and federal law requires common carriers to use a high degree of caution to protect their passengers and other people on the roads. A company could be liable for negligence if a bus driver or bus company does not meet that very high standard.

A Des Plaines attorney could review a bus crash report and other evidence to find indications of recklessness. If the police cited a bus driver for violating a law, that is evidence of negligent actions. Some other examples of conduct that could make a bus company liable include:

• Fatigued bus driver
• Inadequate training
• On-board safety rules not enforced
• Unrealistic bus company schedule
• Improper maintenance
• Unsafe weather conditions

A bus company might not be the only negligent party involved in an incident. Other drivers, a bus manufacturer, or a local government might also have some responsibility. You could bring a negligence action against any party that did not act with reasonable caution under the circumstances.

Limitations to Bus Crash Claims

The law specifies a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. 735 Illinois Consolidated Statutes § 5/13-212 requires an individual to bring suit within two years of an injury. However, if a local government was potentially responsible, an injured person only has one year to either give the government notice of a claim or file a lawsuit.

Consulting a skilled bus collision lawyer in Des Plaines as soon as possible will ensure that a person retains their right to sue. Although exceptions in the law could allow you extra time in specific circumstances, failing to meet a deadline means you cannot sue for damages.

An insurance company for a bus company or other potentially responsible parties will likely contact you soon after an incident. You should avoid speaking with them, if possible. Instead, allow a legal professional to conduct negotiations with an insurance company.

Compensation for Bus Accident Victims

Bus accident injuries could be severe. Even if an injury does not cause permanent harm, compensation could still be available for accident-related losses.

Damages could include costs relating to treatment and rehabilitation, including mental health services to help with trauma. Compensation for lost time at work could be a part of a claim. If the injury causes future losses, like continued medical treatment or diminished earnings opportunities, damages could provide compensation.

An individual could also claim damages for a collision’s intangible impacts. A court could award payment for disability, emotional anguish, lost enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and physical pain. A seasoned attorney in Des Plaines could seek appropriate compensation from the responsible parties in a bus incident.

Work With a Des Plaines Bus Accident Attorney to Understand Possible Damages

If you were hurt in a bus crash, do not try to handle an insurance claim alone. Bus company insurers are experts at paying less than a claim is worth.

Allow a capable injury attorney to represent you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call The Kryder Law Group today to schedule a consultation with a Des Plaines bus accident lawyer.