Chicago Bus, Train, and "L" Accident Attorneys in Illinois
Public transportation is a necessity of modern life. In Northeastern Illinois, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) runs public transportation systems in Chicago and around the metropolitan area, including Metra (railroad system) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), along with Pace Suburban Bus and the Pace Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit system. Over two million riders every weekday take advantage of one of these forms of transportation across 7,200 miles of routes. No matter where you are, chances are you use some form of public transportation yourself.
If you have been hurt in a bus, train, or "L" accident, the Chicago transit injury attorneys at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC can help you seek the compensation you need. Contact us at (312) 243-9922 for a free consultation.
Causes of Bus and Train Accidents
Most public transportation companies are referred to as a "common carrier," which means they are responsible for your safety and should provide the highest level of care to make sure riders do not get injured. In reality, of course, that is not always what happens. Some of the most common problems that lead to accidents include:
- Distracted bus drivers and train conductors: Distractions from passengers or other vehicles may contribute to accidents and injuries.
- Tired or overworked drivers: Drivers who fail to get proper sleep or who work long hours are more likely to be involved in accidents.
- Drivers in a hurry: Hurried drivers who fail to pay attention to passengers when they are getting on, getting off, or getting seated can cause injury.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Buses and trains travel an extraordinary number of miles each day and put extra wear on critical mechanical components. Brakes, tires, and engines must be closely monitored to ensure proper mechanical performance and avoid accidents.
- Failure to avoid obstacles: The driver must always endeavor to avoid other vehicles, hazards, and fixed objects to protect their passengers. When accidents occur, passengers may be thrown off their feet or from their seats, causing serious injury or even death.
- Texting or phone usage: Bus drivers and train conductors are not immune to the temptation to use a phone or other personal communication device while driving, and the chances of an accident from distracted driving increase dramatically as a result.
- Drug and alcohol usage: Those in charge must carefully monitor drivers to make sure that drugged or drunk drivers never take the wheel. When an accident occurs, suspect operators must be immediately tested for controlled substances, drugs, and alcohol to determine whether their condition contributed to any injuries or deaths that resulted.
- Failure to follow traffic regulations: Bus drivers must follow all traffic laws and avoid speeding, improper lane usage, and following too closely. Because buses are often on a strict time schedule, there is a temptation to cut corners, which may ultimately result in death or injury to passengers.
Important Things to Know About Bus & Train Personal Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has been harmed on a bus, train, or other mode of public transportation, you hope and expect that those who caused the harm will "step up" and take full responsibility for their actions. Unfortunately, when it comes to public transportation accidents, governmental entities almost never do so easily or voluntarily.
It is, however, very common for the CTA (or another service provider) to immediately reach out to you, offer their sympathies, offer to help, and then ask you — usually on a recorded phone line — to explain in detail what occurred. We strongly advise that you do not give a statement to their representative without consulting an attorney first. That is because the true purpose of this recorded statement is usually to build a case against you and your claim, not to help you. There is a time to explain what happened later, but doing so at this point is not advised and may adversely affect or destroy your potential case entirely.
Another extremely important matter that relates to bus, train, or "L" accident cases involves the "statute of limitations." This is the deadline before which any lawsuit must be filed. It is a very firm deadline. If you try to file a lawsuit even one day after time runs out, your case will be thrown out of court and you will lose your right forever to any money or possible settlement. For most injuries, deaths, and accidents in Illinois, that deadline is usually two years. But for accidents involving the CTA, for example, the deadline to file a lawsuit may be much shorter.
Nevertheless, if you choose to discuss your case with a bus or train representative instead of immediately contacting a qualified Chicago auto accident attorney, be aware that:
- They do not have your best interests in mind, and you are likely helping them build a case against you by discussing your accident.
- It is very unlikely that they will ultimately offer to settle your case with you alone, without a lawyer first filing an actual lawsuit — and if they do, the amount they offer will likely be inadequate and unfair.
- Every day you delay is another day closer to the final, possibly shorter, deadline for filing a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is not filed by that day at midnight, you will forever lose your right to any financial compensation.
Do Not Delay — Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney Now
At one time, public transportation carriers took responsibility for their negligence and were more likely to provide fair compensation without being pushed hard. But these days, they almost never settle unless they see that an experienced attorney has filed a lawsuit. Only then does the public transportation company realize that you "mean business" and intend to stand up for your rights. With the right attorney, you will never miss your filing deadline, and you will be able to recover the maximum financial compensation available for injuries that occurred due to a sudden stop, train derailment, bus crash, or other public transportation accident.
Since 1990, the dedicated and compassionate Chicago personal injury attorneys at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC have been helping clients and their families affected by the negligence of public transportation companies. Such accidents may involve:
- School bus
- Public transportation bus, such as CTA or PACE
- Out-of-state bus traveling through Illinois, such as Megabus or Greyhound
- Charter bus tour
- Shuttle bus
- Amtrak or other train, such as Metra
- Elevated train (the "L")
In any of these circumstances, our attorneys can offer immediate and experienced help. There are never any legal fees unless we recover a monetary settlement on your behalf. Call now. The call is free and the advice is free. We are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to help you preserve your rights and achieve justice. Call us at (312) 243-9922.
