Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: June 4, 2025

Joseph Conboy | August 25, 2023
Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a bus crash in the Chicago area, you’re not alone. Bus accidents involving public or private carriers happen more often than many realize, and they can lead to serious injuries for bus passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Whether the collision involved a CTA bus, school buses, or charter buses, the impact can be life-changing.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps bus accident victims seek justice and compensation. Our legal team understands how complex Chicago bus accident cases can be, especially when government entities, bus companies, and large insurance companies get involved.

If you’ve suffered harm in a crash, we’re here to help you recover the maximum compensation you’re legally entitled to.

Injured in a Bus Accident in Chicago? Here’s What You Need to Know

Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus crashes often cause more harm than typical vehicle accidents, especially since bus passengers are usually unrestrained. If the bus driver makes a mistake or a negligent driver strikes the bus, the results can be devastating.

Knowing your rights after the accident can help you protect your health, gather key evidence, and make smart decisions about your legal options.

Common Types of Bus Accidents in Chicago

Many bus accidents in Chicago involve different types of vehicles, from city buses operated by the transportation authority to transit buses serving neighborhoods and downtown routes. These crashes can range from routine fender-benders to serious bus accidents that leave passengers and pedestrians badly hurt.

In cases of a major bus collision, victims may suffer injuries ranging from broken bones to catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain trauma. These collisions can occur at intersections, bus stops, or even while boarding or exiting the vehicle. Because buses are large and often packed with people, the danger increases, especially when there’s sudden braking or sharp turns.

When these accidents happen, injury lawyers play an important role in determining liability, whether the fault lies with the bus driver, another motorist, or the transportation authority. A careful review of the accident scene, bus camera footage, and witness statements is critical in uncovering what went wrong and who should be held responsible.

How Bus Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases

How Bus Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases

Filing a claim after a bus crash is not the same as filing one after a regular car accident.

Public vs. Private Bus Claims

When the crash involves a public transportation system like the Chicago Transit Authority, different rules apply. Claims may involve government agencies and must follow special procedures, including shorter deadlines. In contrast, crashes involving private bus companies like tour buses or charter buses follow more typical civil claim processes but can still be complicated by multiple parties.

Higher Duty of Care for Buses

Since commercial bus carriers are considered public transportation providers, they are held to a higher duty of care. That means the bus driver and bus company must operate the bus safely and protect all passengers.

Violating that duty, such as through distracted driving, unsafe turns, or poor maintenance, can make them liable for any harm that follows.

Most Common Injuries in Bus Crashes

Most Common Injuries in Bus Crashes

Injuries in bus crashes can be widespread and serious, especially if passengers were thrown from their seats or hit by unsecured items.

Bus Accident Injury Examples

Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal damage, and other severe injuries. Even minor crashes can lead to lost income, ongoing medical bills, and the need for physical therapy or surgery.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Aside from the physical trauma, many victims experience anxiety, PTSD, or ongoing fear of public transportation. These emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones and are often included in bus accident lawsuits to seek fair compensation.

FAQs

Depending on how the accident occurred, one or more parties may be held liable. This includes the bus driver, the bus company, a bus manufacturer, or even another driver who caused the crash. In CTA bus accident claims, the Chicago Transit Authority may also be named.

Even if you weren’t on the bus, you may still have a case. Bus crashes happen in ways that affect other vehicles, cyclists, or people at bus stops. If your injuries were caused by the bus or the driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

When filing a claim against a government agency like the Chicago Transit Authority, you must follow special rules. These include faster deadlines, different forms, and strict limits on how the lawsuit is filed. A skilled Chicago bus accident attorney can help you meet all requirements.

Unlike typical motor vehicles, buses involve more layers. There may be multiple bus accident attorneys, third-party maintenance companies, bus manufacturers, or even public transportation providers involved. Determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding safety regulations all require experience and a strong legal strategy.

Most bus accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This allows accident victims to get legal help even if they have no upfront money. The first free consultation can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Contact Our Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

Contact Our Chicago Bus Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one has been injured in a CTA bus crash, school bus accident, or collision involving tour buses or charter buses, reach out to Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers. Our team has the experience and resources needed to handle the toughest bus accident cases, whether they involve the Chicago Transit Authority, a bus company, or a negligent driver.

We understand the pain and confusion that follow a crash, and we’re ready to fight for your right to full and fair compensation. We’ll handle everything: the paperwork, the accident reports, communication with insurance companies, and courtroom strategy if needed.

Call today for your free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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