Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer
When bus companies cut corners, fail to maintain their fleets, and overwork their drivers, they put the lives of passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk. Nearly 2,000 bus accidents happen in Chicago each year, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In 2023 alone, 1,862 large bus crashes in the city left 386 people injured. These crashes aren’t just statistics—they represent real people whose lives have been turned upside down by preventable tragedies.
Negligent bus operators like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), private bus companies, and charter services must be held accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you deserve justice. Your case demands an aggressive legal team with the resources, experience, and drive to fight for maximum compensation.
You need the Chicago bus accident lawyers at Ankin Law. We have:
- Over 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law
- More than 90 attorneys and staff members
- Proven success in state and federal courts
- Hundreds of millions recovered for injured victims
- The legal power to help you recover the compensation you deserve
Call (312) 600-0000 now. Free consultations are available to get your claim started. There’s no fee unless you win.
Table of Contents
Why Hire Ankin Law for Your Bus Accident Case?
Many Chicago law firms are not prepared, or equipped, to navigate the legal maze bus companies create to avoid accountability after an accident. Their legal teams will throw in every roadblock they can to deny, delay, and devalue your claim, creating so much red tape that may victims and their lawyers simply throw in the towel. At Ankin Law, our bus accident attorneys understand the challenges people face when going up against bus companies, and we fight back.
We put over 90 experienced attorneys and staff members in your corner, and we leverage our extensive network of resources to make sure you win. We know the tricks insurance companies use to try to pay you less, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation you need to move forward with your life. We’ve represented over 20,000 injured clients in Illinois, and our case results speak for themselves.
We’ve Recovered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars on Behalf of Our Clients
Every multi-million dollar verdict we’ve secured started with a free consultation. No case is too big for us to take on, and we won’t stop until we recover the maximum amount for your injuries.
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Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
How We Can Help You Recover Compensation
If you’ve suffered severe injuries, you may be facing a long road of medical treatments, mounting bills, and lost income. On top of that, you’re dealing with the emotional and physical toll of the crash. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
Our experienced bus accident attorneys are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your losses. We handle every aspect of your case—from investigation to negotiations and, if necessary, litigation—so you can focus on healing.
Investigating the Cause of the Bus Accident
Determining what caused your bus accident is key to making sure the right parties pay for the harm they caused. Our team doesn’t rely on anyone else’s version of events—we launch our own investigation to uncover the truth. This means analyzing the bus company’s maintenance records, reviewing driver logs, examining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and working with top industry experts. Whether the crash was caused by driver negligence, mechanical failure, or poor fleet maintenance, we will expose the truth and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Bus companies and their insurers will go to great lengths to minimize or deny your claim—but we won’t let them. Our team will identify every loss you’ve suffered, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain, suffering, and future care needs. We will demand full accountability from those responsible. We don’t back down, and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Taking Your Case to Court If Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re ready to go to court. We are skilled litigators, and we have the experience and resources to take on these powerful corporations in state and federal courts. We won’t hesitate to go to trial if that’s what it takes to win your case, and we won’t stop until justice is served.
What Our Clients Say About Us
My life was upended when I was struck by a car going 35 MPH while walking across the street. My tibia was dislodged at the knee, requiring major leg surgery. It was a difficult recovery with great pain and discomfort and almost five months of physical therapy. When I was in the hospital, I contacted Ankin Law to represent me. From the moment of initial contact and throughout the entire process I felt like I made the right choice as everyone I came into contact at Ankin was very friendly, caring and helpful, special thanks to Cynthia. Matt Friedman was the attorney assigned to my case. It was a pleasure working with Matt, he did a great job in explaining how things work and proceed in a case of this nature and was always very responsive to me. In less than eight months, Matt secured the highest possible insurance settlement that was available. I am writing this review on Thanksgiving morning, and I am so thankful that I didn’t sustain further injuries upon the accident, and so very thankful that Ankin Law represented me.
What You Need to Know About Bus Accidents
- In Chicago, 386 people suffered injuries in 1,862 accidents with buses that had more than 15 seats in 2023.
- There were 643 accidents involving buses with 9 to 15 seats in Chicago that year, injuring 92 people.
- In Cook County in 2023, there were 3,146 bus accidents that injured 554 people.
- Collisions between buses and other motor vehicles are responsible for most bus accident injuries (43%) and fatalities (51%).
- 40% of bus accidents involving pedestrians or other motor vehicles happen in intersections.
Common Causes of Chicago Bus Accidents
Bus “accidents” are not just random occurrences. They happen because people get careless or reckless. They result from negligence, safety oversights, and avoidable errors. Whether they’re caused by an irresponsible driver, inadequately maintained vehicles, or companies sacrificing safety for financial gain, these incidents are rarely true accidents. When bus companies, drivers, or other responsible parties fail to prioritize safety, innocent people pay the price. Some of the most common causes of bus accidents we see include the following.
Bus Driver Negligence and Human Error
Bus drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers and everyone on the road, but too often, reckless decisions and careless mistakes lead to crashes. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and driving under the influence are just some of the ways negligent bus drivers put lives at risk. When a driver fails to follow traffic laws or operate the bus safely, they—and the company that hired them—must be held accountable.
Poor Bus Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Bus companies are legally required to inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets, but many of them fail to uphold these obligations. Brake failures, tire blowouts, engine malfunctions, and steering system defects can cause catastrophic accidents. When bus operators cut corners on maintenance to save money, they gamble with people’s lives. If a mechanical failure leads to a crash, the company, maintenance contractors, or even the manufacturer may be responsible.
Bus Company Negligence and Unsafe Policies
Bus companies often prioritize profits over safety, pushing drivers to work long hours, ignoring safety regulations, or failing to properly train employees. Some companies fail to vet drivers, hiring individuals with poor driving records or inadequate experience. When a bus company’s negligence leads to injuries and deaths, they must be held accountable for the harm they cause.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Infrastructure Failures
Poorly designed intersections, lack of proper signage, and unmaintained roads can contribute to serious bus crashes. Potholes, missing guardrails, and obstructed or malfunctioning traffic signals make buses difficult to maneuver and increase the likelihood of rollovers or collisions. In these cases, a government agency or contractor responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Collisions at Bus Stops and Pedestrian Crossings
Bus stops are high-risk areas where passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are most vulnerable. Reckless driving, improper bus stop placement, and lack of visibility can result in tragic pedestrian strikes, bus stop crashes, and fatal injuries. Whether the fault lies with a negligent driver, an unsafe roadway, or a poorly designed transit system, the responsible party must be held accountable.
Determining Liability in Bus Accidents
Public transportation providers, like the Chicago Transit Authority, bus companies, and operating agencies are “common carriers” in Illinois. As such, they owe their passengers a higher degree of care compared to the level of care owed by drivers of personal vehicles. If they fail to uphold their duty of care, they can be deemed liable for injuries and deaths. While common carrier laws are important for protecting passengers, they also add challenges when it comes to determining bus accident liability. This is especially true when multiple parties play a role in causing a crash. The parties that can be held liable in bus accidents include the following.
Bus Companies and Public Transit Operators
Bus companies, including private carriers and public transit agencies like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace, and Greyhound, are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, enforcing safety regulations, and maintaining their vehicles. If a company fails to do so, they can be held accountable for injuries and deaths caused by their negligence.
Bus Drivers
When a bus driver is speeding, distracted, drowsy, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise negligent, they can cause accidents. If a driver’s recklessness or failure to follow traffic laws leads to a CTA bus accident, a charter bus accident, or a school bus crash, the driver can be held liable—along with their employer.
Maintenance Contractors and Equipment Manufacturers
Bus fleets require regular inspections, repairs, and quality parts to operate safely. If a maintenance company fails to properly service a bus, or if a manufacturer produces faulty brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning steering systems, they may be held liable for a crash.
School Districts
School districts are responsible for hiring safe, responsible drivers and enforcing strict safety standards for school buses. If a district employs unqualified drivers, ignores safety complaints, or fails to maintain its bus fleet, it can be held liable when a child or another person is seriously injured in a school bus accident.
Government Agencies and Municipalities
When a bus accident is caused by poorly maintained roads, missing traffic signs, or dangerous intersections, government entities may be responsible. Holding a city, state, or transportation authority liable requires navigating complex legal procedures and strict deadlines, but it can be done with the right legal team.
The Drivers of Other Vehicles
Reckless, intoxicated, or distracted drivers often cause bus crashes by running red lights, making unsafe lane changes, or failing to yield. If another motorist’s negligence leads to a bus collision, they can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damage they cause.
Spotlight on Bus Accidents in Chicago
The following are just a few examples that highlight the bus accident epidemic in Chicago and Cook County.
In November 2024, an investigation found that Culvers Transportation, which had been transporting Chicago area students in multiple districts for years, was operating without insurance. The lack of insurance was discovered after a school bus accident with another motor vehicle caused severe injuries to the other driver. The same company had been barred from providing services to Chicago Public Schools in 2017, because of multiple failed safety inspections. Some of the buses reportedly were missing crossarms and emergency exit door handles, and had cracked windshields and shredded tires.
In October 2024, a school bus crashed into a semi-truck in North Chicago, causing extensive damage to the truck and the bus, and injuring four adults. No children were on the bus. According to North Chicago Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn, the bus driver who rear-ended the semi was at fault for the school bus accident.
In June 2024, a CTA bus struck eleven other vehicles and at least one building in Bridgeport, before coming to a stop just past a busy intersection. Video evidence also captured the bus veering erratically, mounting a curb, and snapping a light pole. It then struck a tree, and plowed through bike racks. At least five people suffered injuries in the CTA bus accident. Three were in serious to critical condition.
Three school buses were involved in a crash on I-55 in Grundy County in May 2024. According to reports, the buses, which were carrying between 20 and 30 children each, rear-ended each other. The bus driver operating the bus in the back failed to stop in time as traffic slowed, crashing into the middle bus and causing a chain reaction school bus crash. Ten children and two teachers were taken to area hospitals for their injuries.
Injured in a CTA bus accident or a school bus crash? Call (312) 600-0000now for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless you win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Claims
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?
The time limit to file a bus accident claim in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the crash. Known as the statute of limitations, the deadline depends on who is responsible for the crash and where the accident occurred. If a government entity, such as the CTA or a school district, is involved, you may have a much shorter deadline. Acting quickly is crucial to preserving your rights.
What if I Was a Passenger on the Bus?
Bus passengers injured in a crash have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. This could be the bus driver, the transit company, another driver, or even a manufacturer if defective equipment played a role. Because multiple parties may be involved, having an experienced Chicago bus accident lawyer on your side can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bus accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Cases involving permanent disabilities or wrongful death often result in higher compensation. Our bus accident attorneys will fight for maximum recovery, ensuring you aren’t left covering costs for someone else’s negligence.