Buses often weigh substantially more than a typical passenger vehicle; therefore, any accident involving a bus may result in serious injuries or even death. In some cases, due to the fact that a number of people ride buses, the number of people suffering injuries may increase from one accident alone.
If you suffered personal injuries in an accident with any type of bus, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to help you understand how an Evanston bus accident lawyer may help your case.
Determination of Responsibility and Liability in a Bus Accident
Whether you were on the bus as a passenger or in another car as a motorist, ultimately a decision regarding responsibility and liability must occur. Accidents involving buses can prove challenging and complex because they involve several parties that may bear liability for a victim’s injuries. You may file a claim against any party that may have any kind of liability and responsibility regarding a bus or truck accident, including the following:
Bus Driver
The driver of the bus classifies as an employee of a company or a representative of an organization. While you may file a claim directly against the bus driver, in some cases, a victim will instead file a claim against the private company or public entity under a legal construct, called respondeat superior, where the employer takes on responsibility for the actions of their employees.
Private Bus Company or Private Business
Many bus trucks are the property of a private bus company, such as churches, hotels, or any other type of private business. If you are either a passenger on the bus or in a vehicle (or a pedestrian) that suffers injuries by a bus in an accident, the responsibility for the accident may, in fact, legally rest with the private bus company. Bus companies, like any other company, have a duty and responsibility to ensure that their employees behave and act in an appropriate way without any recklessness or negligence. If their driver was speeding, drove recklessly, failed to obey traffic signals, or in some other way failed to uphold their duty of care to not only the passengers but other drivers or pedestrians on the roadway, the employer of the driver can remain responsible legally for any losses or injuries suffered by victims, according to the Illinois general assembly.
Government Entities
In some cases, a local government such as a city or town will own buses as part of their public transportation system. If you suffered injuries as a passenger on a bus in the public transportation system, or if you rode in a vehicle that collided with a public bus truck, you may have the right to file a claim against the city or local government that owned the bus. Filing a claim against any type of government entity is extremely different than filing a claim against a private entity or person. The statute of limitations (deadline) to file a personal injury lawsuit differs, as well as the fact that you first must file paperwork with the government entity prior to filing a suit in court. Your Evanston bus accident attorney may help you file this paperwork.
Manufacturers
Buses, like any other vehicle, need constant maintenance and care. If the driver, bus company, or government entity failed to perform proper maintenance according to an official schedule, they may retain liability for an accident involving a defective part or component of the bus. If an investigation into the accident determines that the cause of the accident involved a manufacturing defect, the victims of the bus accident may file a claim against the manufacturer of the defective part or component. These types of cases are product liability cases and also have distinct procedures that a victim follows in order to receive compensation for any injuries or damages suffered.
Types of Injuries in Bus Accidents
Unfortunately, bus accidents oftentimes involve several victims since multiple passengers may ride the bus at the time of a crash. Passengers and motorists may suffer severe injuries, as well as pedestrians on the roadway at the time of a bus wreck. The types of injuries that can occur in a bus accident include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal organ damage, including aortic dissection
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other traumatic psychological injuries
- Death
If you suffered injuries as a result of a bus accident, seek medical attention immediately to receive a full medical evaluation and appropriate medical treatment. This may also help document evidence for your case later.
For a free legal consultation with a Bus Accidents Lawyer serving Evanston, call (800) 794-0444
Contact an Evanston Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you suffered injuries in a bus accident, either as a passenger on the bus or as another motorist on the roadway, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. Learn how a bus accident attorney may assist you with your legal rights in a free consultation. We may help you decide whether to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as a result of your bus accident.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
