Trusted Legal Advocates for Bus Accident Victims in Chicago
When a bus accident turns your life upside down, you need skilled legal help to get back on track. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago bus accident attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
With over 30 years of experience and millions in settlements for injury victims, our team knows what it takes to win complex bus accident cases. We handle all types of bus accident claims, including those involving CTA buses, school buses, tour buses, and private coaches.
CONTACT US TODAY
Free consultation • No fee until we win • We’ll come to you if needed
Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for a free case evaluation.
Bus Accidents In Chicago: A Growing Concern
Every day, thousands of Chicago residents rely on buses for transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates nearly 1,966 buses that cover over 1,516 miles with approximately 10,588 stops daily, serving Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. With 953,787 daily bus rides, the risk of accidents is significant.
Alarming Statistics
Every year, over 30,000 bus accidents occur nationwide, with hundreds taking place in Illinois, according to federal data.
The Federal Transit Administration reports that transit bus accidents are among the most common public transportation incidents nationwide, with thousands of injuries reported each year. Additionally, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics has documented approximately 53,230 bus accidents in the United States in 2022 alone.
According to recent crash data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, buses are involved in over a thousand accidents annually, contributing to the state’s overall traffic safety concerns.
Real Impact: Serious Injuries
These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people whose lives have been dramatically affected. Bus accidents can cause serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Emotional trauma and PTSD.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents In Chicago
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has handled numerous bus accident cases, and we’ve identified several common causes:
Driver-Related Factors
- Distracted driving such as texting or using devices
- Driver fatigue from long shifts
- Inadequate training or experience
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Company Negligence
- Poor maintenance of vehicles
- Inadequate driver screening
- Failure to enforce safety regulations
- Overscheduling leading to rushed driving
External Factors
- Hazardous road conditions
- Adverse weather (snow, ice, rain)
- Other negligent drivers
- Defective bus components.
Why Choose Willens & Baez For Your Bus Accident Case
Unique Insider Knowledge
What truly sets Willens & Baez apart is our unique perspective on personal injury cases. Attorney Matthew Willens was formerly an insurance company executive, while his partner, Attorney David Baez, began his career as a defense attorney representing insurance companies.
This insider knowledge gives us an unmatched advantage when fighting for our clients. As our clients often say, “It’s like they know the other side’s playbook!”
Award-Winning Expertise
Our attorneys have received numerous accolades, including:
- Matthew Willens is recognized nationally as among the “Best of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Illinois.”
- Selected for membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel – The Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys
- Rated as a “Leading Lawyer” in Personal Injury Law
- Named a “Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer,” an honor given to less than 1% of Illinois lawyers
Proven Track Record
Over the past three decades, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Willens & Baez have secured numerous million-dollar-plus recoveries for clients in various injury cases. One of Willens & Baez verdicts was recognized by The National Law Journal as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country in the year it was tried.
Understanding Liability In Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties:
The Bus Driver
If the driver was negligent (for example, by speeding or distracted driving), they may be personally liable for the accident.
The Bus Company Or Transit Authority
The CTA or private bus companies may be responsible through:
- Vicarious liability (responsible for employee actions)
- Negligent hiring or training
- Poor maintenance practices
- Failure to follow safety regulations.
Government Entities
When public transportation is involved, government agencies may share liability, which comes with special rules and shorter deadlines for filing claims.
Other Drivers
In some cases, another vehicle may have caused the accident by cutting off the bus or driving recklessly.
Manufacturers
If defective bus parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation:
| ECONOMIC DAMAGES | NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES | WRONGFUL DEATH DAMAGES |
| ✓ Medical expenses (past and future) | ✓ Pain and suffering | ✓ Funeral and burial expenses |
| ✓ Lost wages and diminished earning capacity | ✓ Emotional distress | ✓ Loss of financial support |
| ✓ Property damage | ✓ Loss of enjoyment of life | ✓ Loss of companionship |
| ✓ Rehabilitation costs | ✓ Disfigurement and scarring | ✓ Emotional pain and suffering |
The Willens & Baez Approach: Prepare For War, Hope For Peace
Our Winning Strategy
Our approach at Willens & Baez is simple but effective: “Prepare for war. Hope for peace.”
We prepare each case as if it will go to trial, even though many cases ultimately settle. This thorough preparation sends a clear message to defense firms, insurance companies, and corporations that we’re ready and willing to fight for our clients in court, which often leads to quicker and more substantial settlements.
Taking Action After A Bus Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, take these important steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the proper authorities.
- Document everything. Take photos, get witness information.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses.
- Contact an experienced bus accident attorney as soon as possible.
Time Limits For Filing A Bus Accident Claim
Urgent: Don’t Delay, Act Today
It’s crucial to act quickly after a bus accident. In Illinois, personal injury claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations. However, if your case involves a public entity like the CTA, you may have only ONE YEAR or less to file a claim.
Waiting too long could permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries are.
Contact Chicago’s Top-Rated Bus Accident Lawyers Today
Suffered an injury in a bus collision? Willens & Baez’s nationally recognized, top-rated bus-accident lawyers in Chicago have secured record-setting verdicts and settlements for clients just like you.
Secure Your Bus-Accident Verdict: $374,340 Jury Award
A CTA bus passenger suffered a displaced calcaneus fracture when the bus drove over a road bump on Adams Street. After a one-week Cook County jury trial, we won a $734,000 award reduced to $374,340 under comparative negligence. Call now for your free strategy session.
Maximize Your Pace Bus Injury Recovery: $450,000 Settlement
A 52-year-old motorist sustained a lower-back re-injury in a collision with a Pace bus after a Bears game. With a trial looming in Cook County, we secured a $450,000 out-of-court settlement to cover his surgery and ongoing care. Reach out today for expert representation.
Get Justice in Pedestrian-v-Bus Crashes: $150,000 Mediation Award
A 65-year-old pedestrian tore his medial meniscus evading a bus at O’Hare Airport. Litigated through mediation in Cook County, we obtained $150,000 for surgery, therapy, and future rehabilitation. Contact us now and let our top-rated team fight for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t face this difficult time alone. The experienced Chicago bus accident attorneys at Willens & Baez are ready to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
We understand that an injury case can take over your life, making it difficult to move forward. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Get Help Now
Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win • Available 24/7 • We’ll come to you if needed
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, PC
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 3450
Chicago, IL 60602
Serving Chicago and surrounding areas since 2007.
