Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Fair Compensation After a Bus Crash in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating a bus crash can be for victims and their families. Our trusted Chicago bus accident lawyer team has represented people seriously injured in collisions involving CTA buses, school buses, and private bus services across the city. 

We’re committed to holding negligent bus drivers, transit operators, and government agencies accountable so our clients can recover compensation and rebuild their lives.

We work with bus accident victims who were injured as passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers of other motor vehicles. These cases often involve serious injuries, steep medical expenses, and complex insurance disputes. 

Our law firm brings deep experience in bus accident claims and a tireless commitment to securing the best outcome for every client we represent.

Bus Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$2,730,000 – We represented Martin, a 34-year-old cyclist who was struck by a Chicago bus making a sudden left turn near Milwaukee and Ashland. The collision resulted in a fractured pelvis and traumatic brain injury, requiring extensive rehab. Our investigation revealed the bus driver failed to yield and had a history of prior safety violations. 

$1,850,000 – James, a retired schoolteacher, was injured when an airport shuttle bus took a sharp turn near O’Hare and tipped, throwing him from his wheelchair. The injuries left him with a broken femur and multiple spinal fractures. The shuttle was operated by a private company that failed to properly secure passengers with mobility devices. 

$1,000,000 – Lila, a pedestrian, was hit by a city-operated bus while crossing State Street near the Loop. The impact caused multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung. Through surveillance footage and accident reconstruction experts, we showed the driver failed to yield during a protected walk signal. 

What Makes Us the Best Bus Accident Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped more than 5,000 clients recover compensation after devastating accidents, including some of the most serious bus accidents in recent years. 

Our Chicago car accident law firm has secured over $450 million in settlements and verdicts for injury victims—and we bring that same level of commitment and success to every bus accident case we handle.

We’re consistently recognized by respected legal organizations for our advocacy and results. Our legal team has earned honors from:

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers
• American Association for Justice 
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• AVVO

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle in Chicago

Our firm represents clients in a wide range of Chicago bus accident cases, including:

• CTA bus accidents involving the Chicago Transit Authority and other government entities
• School bus accidents, including injuries to children, crossing accidents, and failure to supervise
• Private bus companies, such as tour buses, airport shuttles, and charter buses
• Pedestrian or cyclist injuries caused by bus drivers making unsafe turns or failing to yield
• Bus passengers hurt due to sudden stops, rollovers, or operator negligence
• Accidents involving buses and other motor vehicles, including rear-end collisions and side-swipes
• Poor bus maintenance leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, or mechanical malfunctions
• Negligent drivers operating while distracted, fatigued, or under the influence
• Multiple parties at fault, such as when a crash involves other motorists or municipal agencies

What Causes Most Bus Accidents in Chicago?

Bus accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and many are preventable. Our Chicago bus accident lawyers often see the following causes behind serious crashes:

Distracted or Negligent Bus Drivers

Texting, eating, or simply not paying attention behind the wheel can put bus passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists in serious danger.

Poor Bus Maintenance

Buses that aren’t regularly inspected or repaired can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues—all of which can lead to devastating collisions.

Reckless Driving by Other Motor Vehicles

Many Chicago bus accidents are caused by aggressive drivers cutting off buses, speeding through intersections, or running red lights.

Driver Fatigue

Long shifts and lack of rest are common among bus drivers. Fatigue can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and increase the risk of a crash.

Inadequate Training or Unqualified Drivers

Some bus companies put inexperienced or unqualified drivers on the road, creating serious safety risks for everyone on board and around them.

Dangerous Intersections or Road Conditions

Certain Chicago intersections—like those near downtown or around transit hubs—are hotspots for collisions, especially when visibility is poor or traffic signals are confusing.

What Are the Most Common Bus Accident Injuries?

Chicago bus accidents can leave victims with a wide range of severe injuries. These are some of the most common injuries we help clients recover compensation for:

• Traumatic brain injuries – Including concussions, memory loss, and long-term cognitive damage from head trauma or violent shaking
• Spinal cord injuries – Such as herniated discs, nerve compression, or paralysis from impact-related spinal damage
• Broken bones and fractures – Common in passengers and pedestrians hit in crosswalks or thrown during a crash
• Internal injuries – Damage to organs or internal bleeding from blunt-force trauma, often requiring emergency care
• Lacerations and soft tissue injuries – Cuts, muscle tears, and bruises caused by broken glass, hard surfaces, or rapid motion
• Emotional and psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and long-term emotional distress, especially after school bus accidents or violent collisions

What Damages Can Chicago Bus Accident Victims Recover?

Bus accident victims may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses – Including emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical treatment
• Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work during recovery or from permanent disability
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term mental health effects
• Non-economic damages – Including reduced quality of life, disfigurement, or loss of consortium
• Property damage – For personal belongings, including damage to other vehicles involved in the accident
• Future loss of earning capacity – If your injuries limit your ability to return to work or earn at your previous level
• Out-of-pocket costs – Transportation, home modifications, or assistive devices related to your injuries

What Is the Average Payout for a Bus Accident in Chicago?

The average bus accident payout is approximately $1.6 million, while the median is closer to $150,000. Cases can settle for as little as $2,600 and reach $20 million. This wide range reflects how much a case’s value can vary depending on factors like:

• The severity and permanence of the injuries
• Whether the victim was a pedestrian, passenger, or in another vehicle
• Who the defendant is
• How clearly liability can be proven
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial
• The total medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs
• Emotional and psychological trauma

Example Bus Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

$20 Million Settlement – Diane, a 57-year-old nurse, was walking in Streeterville when she was struck by a CTA bus turning left at the intersection of Fairbanks Court and Ontario Street. She was dragged under the bus for 27 feet before it stopped, suffering a degloving injury and fractured ankle. Although the defense argued she wasn’t in the crosswalk, her bus accident lawsuit proved that the driver failed to see her in clear daylight. Diane developed PTSD and required multiple surgeries and rehab. The CTA agreed to a pretrial settlement.

$11.4 Million Jury Verdict – Francoise, a college student CTA bus passenger exited near Lakeshore Drive. Moments later, she was struck by a Cadillac sedan that swerved to avoid the stopped bus. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and numerous broken bones, leaving her permanently disabled and unable to work. The jury found the driver of the sedan 53% at fault and Francoise 47% at fault, awarding total damages of just over $6 million after comparative fault.

$2.3 Million Verdict – William, a 42-year-old carpenter, was hit by a northbound school bus operated by a private company in Glendale Heights. The school bus driver failed to slow down at an intersection and rear-ended William’s van. He suffered a cervical spine injury that led to chronic pain, radiculopathy, and the need for a spinal fusion. The jury awarded him compensation for pain and suffering, future medical care, and loss of normal life.

Why You Need a Chicago Bus Accident Attorney

Bus accident cases in Chicago are rarely straightforward. Whether you’re going up against a private company, a school district, or the Chicago Transit Authority, these cases are often stacked in favor of the defense from the start. That’s why having an experienced bus accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.

One of the biggest challenges is identifying who’s liable. Multiple parties could be responsible for the crash, including the bus driver, employer, a government entity, or even other motorists. Without a legal team to investigate, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts, it’s easy for crucial facts to get lost or buried.

Bus accident claims involving public entities like the CTA have strict procedural requirements and shorter deadlines. You’ll be dealing with complex layers of bureaucracy, and mistakes in filing a notice of claim can delay—or destroy—your right to sue.

Injured passengers also face resistance from insurance companies that undervalue injuries or shift blame onto victims. We’ve seen them question everything from your medical records to whether you were standing properly on the bus. 

That’s why we build each case from the ground up, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, consulting with doctors, and compiling everything needed to prove liability and damages.

If your case ends up in court, we know how to navigate the Cook County legal system. From negotiations to trial, we bring decades of local courtroom experience and a track record of results.

How Common Are Bus Accidents in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 1,862 crashes involving buses over 15 seats in Chicago in 2023. These incidents led to:

• 386 injury crashes
• 19 fatalities
• 144 people seriously injured

When you include buses with 9 to 15 seats, the numbers rise further—adding another 643 crashes, 92 injury crashes, and 2 fatalities. That’s a total of over 2,500 bus-related crashes in a single year.

Where Do Bus Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Bus accidents in Chicago tend to happen in high-traffic areas with heavy pedestrian activity, narrow intersections, or confusing signal patterns. Some of the most common locations include:

• Downtown Loop intersections – Especially near State Street, Michigan Avenue, and Jackson Boulevard, where buses, pedestrians, and cyclists all converge
• North Avenue & Halsted Street – A busy corridor with frequent bus routes
• 95th Street Red Line Terminal – A major CTA hub with dense traffic and constant foot traffic
• Lakeshore Drive & Wacker Drive – High-speed turns and tourist buses increase the risk of collisions
• Western Avenue – One of the longest streets in Chicago, with a high volume of bus traffic
• Near schools and park districts – Including school bus accidents around drop-off zones with limited visibility

What Laws Govern Bus Accident Claims in Chicago?

Bus accident claims in Chicago are governed by a mix of municipal ordinances, state statutes, and case law, depending on who owns or operates the bus and where the crash occurred.

Regardless of their employers, all bus drivers are required to follow state traffic laws. This includes safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and proper licensing required by the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/).

Operators of buses, including city and school bus drivers, must follow Chicago’s Municipal Codes. For example:

• § 9-12-060: Only authorized buses may use designated bus lanes. Other vehicles are prohibited unless turning or accessing nearby driveways.
• § 9-36-050: Drivers must stop for any school bus displaying a visual stop signal when loading or unloading children.
• § 9-48-050: Bus drivers must use designated stops and are prohibited from picking up or dropping off passengers in unauthorized areas.

If your case involves the CTA or another government agency, it may fall under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). 

In Wallace v. Chicago Transit Authority, 2016, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled that the CTA could be held liable for injuries caused by negligent bus operators, even in situations where visibility or pedestrian positioning was disputed.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

In most Chicago bus accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. This deadline applies to claims involving driver or bus company negligence and other motorists involved in the collision.

If a child is injured in a bus accident or as a pedestrian struck by a bus, the two-year statute of limitations is paused until the child turns 18. That means minors generally have until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury claim. 

If your bus accident involved a CTA, school bus operated by a public district, or any government agency, the timeline is even shorter. You must file a Notice of Claim within one year of the accident in most cases.

In fatal cases, the deceased’s family (typically a spouse, child, or parent) can file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death—not necessarily the date of the crash—under 740 ILCS 180/2.

Can Multiple Parties Be Liable for a Bus Crash?

735 ILCS 5/2-1117 allows for joint liability in personal injury cases, meaning more than one party can be held responsible for damages in a bus accident. Here are some of the most common parties that may share fault in a bus accident case:

Bus Drivers

If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or failed to yield to pedestrians, they may be found negligent. We often see this in CTA and school bus accidents.

Bus Companies

Companies or contractors that fail to employ qualified drivers, skip safety inspections, or fail to maintain their fleet may share liability for the crash.

Government Agencies

Entities like the CTA or public school districts may be liable if the crash involved a city-operated bus or resulted from poor oversight or training.

Other Motorists

Drivers of other vehicles often contribute to bus accidents by cutting off buses, running red lights, or causing chain-reaction collisions.

Vehicle Maintenance Providers

If faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering issues due to poor maintenance played a role, mechanics or service contractors could be held responsible.

Common Defenses in Chicago Bus Accident Cases

Defendants in bus accident cases often try to reduce or avoid liability. 

They may claim the injured person caused or contributed to the crash. We use accident reports, surveillance footage, and expert analysis to prove otherwise.

Insurance companies often downplay the impact of injuries. We counter with medical records, physician testimony, and documentation of long-term effects.

Public agencies may claim immunity under the Tort Immunity Act. We challenge this by proving gross negligence, policy violations, or failure to act with reasonable care.

Bus companies may blame third-party maintenance crews. We investigate service records and identify all liable parties to prevent finger-pointing from blocking your claim.

How to Strengthen Your Bus Accident Case in Chicago

Taking the right steps after a bus crash can make a major difference in your ability to recover full compensation. 

• Report the crash immediately – Call 911 and make sure an accident report is filed.
• Get medical attention right away – Even minor symptoms can signal serious injuries.
• Document everything – Take photos of the scene, vehicles, visible injuries, and bus details.
• Get witness info – Names and contact info of other passengers or bystanders can help later.
• Request surveillance footage quickly – Bus and street cameras often overwrite within days.
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone – They’re trained to minimize payouts.
• Contact a bus accident lawyer early – The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How a Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

Here’s how our Chicago bus accident lawyers help you from the moment you contact us:

• Investigate the crash – We gather police reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements.
• Identify all liable parties – Including the bus driver, bus company, government entities, or other motorists.
• Work with experts – Accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts help prove fault and damages.
• Handle the insurance companies – We manage all communication and fight back against lowball settlement offers.
• Calculate full damages – We document your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
• Prepare for trial if needed – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re ready to take your case to court.

FAQs

How do you prove negligence in a bus accident case?

We must show four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. That means proving someone failed to act responsibly and that failure directly caused your injury.

What evidence do I need to support a bus accident claim?

Police reports, witness statements, photos, surveillance footage, treatment records, and expert evaluations are key to building a strong case.

Can I seek compensation as an injured bus passenger?

Yes. Passengers are often the most protected class of bus accident victims. You can file a personal injury claim against the bus company, driver, or other liable parties.

What if I was partially at fault for the bus crash?

Illinois follows modified comparative fault rules. You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your award may be reduced.

How much does an experienced bus accident lawyer cost in Chicago?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Consult a Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer Near You

If you or a loved one were injured in a Chicago bus accident, don’t wait to protect your rights. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation and never charge a fee unless we win your case.

Our legal team has the experience and resources to take on the CTA, private bus companies, or school districts, and we’re ready to help you recover full and fair compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury law firm in Chicago.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Champaign, Naperville, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.