Chicago School Bus Accident Lawyer

Representing Victims of School Bus Accidents in Chicago

A Chicago school bus accident lawyer holds bus companies, school bus drivers, and school systems accountable for the pain and suffering caused by these serious accidents. Whether your child was hurt while being driven to Lane Tech College Prep or transported to an extracurricular activity, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

School Bus Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$2,730,000: While riding her bike home from Lane Tech College Prep, Emily was hit by a school bus making a left-hand turn. The accident left her with spinal cord injuries and PTSD. We showed that the bus driver hadn’t been paying attention to the street. 

$1,000,000: Fifteen-year-old Cherish was crossing the street to Marie Curie High School when she was hit by a school bus. Our law firm showed that there had been multiple accidents in this area, but the high school had refused to provide a crossing guard.

$250,000: Ten-year-old Hayden was on a bus to school when the driver accelerated before he was seated, causing a broken arm. 

What Makes Us the Best School Bus Accident Attorneys in Chicago

Our school bus accident lawyers have a 10/10 AVVO rating and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, thanks to our above-average settlements. With our Super Lawyers rating, you can be assured of the best possible legal representation for every client. 

What Are Common Causes of School Bus Crashes in Chicago?

A school bus is a hectic environment with tight deadlines, especially downtown. Common reasons that bus accidents occur include:

• Bus driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving
• Inadequate driver training or certification
• Poor vehicle maintenance by Chicago Public Schools or contractors
• Defective brakes, tires, and steering
• Negligent third-party drivers
• Unsafe pickup or drop-off procedures

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in School Bus Accidents?

Accidents involving school buses often result in serious injuries because riders are not secured with seatbelts. Common severe injuries include the following.

Spinal Cord Injuries

60% to 75% of spinal cord damage in children is in the neck or cervical area. This is different than adults, who typically suffer lower back injuries. These injuries can result in lifelong disability, including paralysis. Loss of mobility and nerve damage can require extensive rehabilitation, such as Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the use of assistive devices. 

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries cause permanent and life-altering disability, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, burns, and multi-organ damage. Children may need lifelong medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and home modifications. Due to the high medical expenses, catastrophic injury settlements can be in the millions of dollars.

Other Serious Injuries

Other severe injuries that may occur include:

• Head injuries and concussions
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Cuts and lacerations, such as from broken glass
• Seatbelt syndrome if the child was restrained
• Psychological trauma and PTSD

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Chicago?

You may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages for bus accidents in Chicago. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Home modifications
• Lost wages, if victim is an adult
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages for fatal accidents

What Is the Average School Bus Accident Payout in Chicago?

The average payout for a busis $5,066,110, with a range between $12,500 and $27,000,000. Your payout is determined by injury severity, number of claimants, clarity of liability, and any safety violations.

Example School Bus Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Boguslawa Mosso, a hairdresser, was riding in a car in Des Plaines when the vehicle was struck head-on by a school bus. The bus driver had suffered a stroke and ultimately hit nine vehicles before the bus came to a stop. Mosso suffered a fractured ankle and eight broken ribs. She settled for $2,050,000.00. 

Leticia Valadez was walking at the intersection of East 108th Street and South Ewing Avenue in Chicago when she was hit by a school bus. The bus dragged her northbound along Ewing Avenue for approximately a block, and she died as a result of her injuries. A jury awarded her family $3,100,000.00. 

Why You Need a Chicago School Bus Accident Lawyer

School bus accidents can be significantly more difficult to litigate than other personal injury cases because they often involve suing the school district or city itself. Because the Tort Immunity Act protects government entities, plaintiffs must have experienced legal counsel that is familiar with the Circuit Court of Cook County and case law. 

What Laws Govern School Bus Accident Claims in Chicago?

School bus accidents require proving negligence on the part of another party. For example, it is illegal to overtake a stopped school bus (625 ILCS 5/11-1414). Chicago also mandates this (9-36-050). 

There are also strict requirements for school bus specifications, like a working stop signal arm and flashing red lights (625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12 Art. VIII). Failing to keep these in working order can implicate the bus company.

In Chicago, school buses must have shoulder belts for all children (9-76-180). If a school bus driver fails to ensure that children are properly strapped in, and there is an accident, both the individual and the bus company could be liable. 

How Long Do Victims Have to File a School Bus Accident Claim in Chicago?

If filing a personal injury claim, you have two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, those filing against Chicago Public Schools or the City of Chicago have only one year (745 ILCS 10/8-101).

Can Multiple Parties Be Liable for a Chicago School Bus Accident?

Yes, it’s possible to sue more than one party using the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/2). Possible liable parties include:

• School bus drivers
• Chicago Public Schools or a private school
• Bus companies
• School bus manufacturers, if a product defect contributed to the accident
• Maintenance and repair companies
• Third-party drivers

How Common Are Accidents Involving School Buses in Chicago?

Per US Department of Transportation bus accident statistics, between 2012 and 2021, there were 1,110 fatalities in school bus accidents nationwide, averaging 111 per year. 16% of occupants killed were 5 to 10 years old, and 63% were 19 and older. There were 1.6 times as many fatalities among pedestrians as school bus occupants. 

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 1,981 school bus accidents in 2014, representing 0.7% of all crashes in the state. The most common times for school bus crashes are between 7:00 and 8:59 am or 2:00 and 3:59 pm. 

In 2024, multiple school buses collided in Grundy County, leaving 11 students injured and hospitalized. 

Where Do School Bus Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

School bus accidents can happen near the school, or they may occur while children are being transported to extracurricular events and games. In Chicago, common accident hotspots include:

• Busy streets like Western Avenue, Cicero Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue
• Intersections near large schools like Lane Tech College Prep, William Howard Taft High School, and Curie Metropolitan High School
• Congested areas near schools in Lakeview, Englewood, and Austin

Common Defenses in Chicago School Bus Accident Cases

Insurance companies will avoid paying a school bus accident settlement through defenses like:

• Another driver caused the accident.
• Injuries were pre-existing.
• The school district has government immunity.

Our Chicago bus accident lawyers will counter these with eyewitness statements, crash reports, and medical testimony.

How to Strengthen Your Chicago School Bus Crash Case

Follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Obtain the crash report and surveillance footage from nearby cameras.
• Gather witness statements from parents, drivers, students, and staff.
• Get medical evaluations at the closest hospital.
• Don’t speak to insurance companies without a lawyer.

FAQs

How much does a Chicago school bus accident lawyer cost?

Our bus accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis – no fee unless we win.

Can I sue Chicago Public Schools for a bus crash?

While it is possible to sue Chicago Public Schools for school bus accidents, you must file within one year due to the Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). Contact our law firm as soon as possible so we can begin filing.

Can I sue the school bus driver?

If the school bus driver was negligent, then it is possible to sue them directly.

Are school bus accident claims against the city handled differently?

Yes. Lawsuits against government entities are subject to the Tort Immunity Act, meaning you must file within one year or potentially soon. Contact our school bus accident lawyers immediately to learn how we can help. 

How long will my case take in Cook County court?

Cases can take between 12 to 24 months, though complex cases with multiple parties may take longer. Our bus accident attorneys will keep you up to date on your case progress. 

Consult a Chicago School Bus Accident Lawyer Near You!

School bus incidents can result in huge medical expenses, especially for serious accidents with traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis and have a proven track record of success, ensuring you and your family get justice. Contact us for a free consultation today.

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, Elgin, Naperville, Rockford and throughout Illinois.

Resources: [1] IDOT, [2] IDOT

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.