Get Help From a CTA Accident Lawyer Near You
The ability to travel through the Windy City is important for the people in and around Chicago. To that end, the Chicago Transit Authority operates and maintains trains and buses for Chicago’s many residents and visitors. The CTA uses more than 1,800 buses, running 129 routes over 1,536 miles. Buses make about 19,000 daily stops at nearly 11,000 bus stops.
But the system isn’t perfect. Bus accidents happen, and passengers and passersby can be hurt. The team at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., is ready to hear your story.
Call (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free consultation.
Can You Sue the CTA After a Bus Accident?
Some cases with government agencies don’t qualify for a claim or lawsuit.
Many municipal organizations are protected from lawsuits under “tort immunity” laws. In most civil cases, these laws restrict the liability of certain government entities and their employees. They are meant to prevent trivial lawsuits that could cost the individual or government unnecessary expenses.
However, CTA buses are “common carriers.” Because the CTA was created by the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the bus line accepts payment for a service, the organization is excluded from tort immunity. The CTA takes responsibility for the safety of its passengers. While you won’t automatically be granted a settlement, you can still pursue one against the transit authority for their negligence.
CTA Lawsuit Deadlines: Know Your Time Limits
Act fast if you’re thinking about filing a claim. In Illinois, personal injury lawsuits typically have a two-year statute of limitations. However, when the CTA is involved, you must file a formal notice of claim within one year of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation.
Common Types of CTA Accidents in Chicago
Chicago’s transit authority oversees inner-city bus travel. Demand for bus service is high, with more than 800,000 weekly passengers using the CTA. This demand also lends itself to more opportunities for bus crashes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 5,000 crashes involving buses and large commercial vehicles in 2020. 11% of those bus crashes were in cities.
Examples of CTA accidents include:
- Collisions: It’s a reasonable expectation for a bus to crash into another vehicle or a vehicle to collide with a CTA bus. Some buses have collided with other large vehicles, like buses, in the past.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian injuries have climbed in recent years. After all, Chicago is a busy city, and not everyone travels in a vehicle. Although buses sit higher than passenger cars, there are still blind spots, and some pedestrians won’t be paying attention.
- Accidents with Stationary Objects: Not every CTA bus accident involves another vehicle. A bus can run into a light pole, building, or bus stop. These accidents can be dangerous because bus passengers don’t have seatbelts or other safety equipment. An unexpected crash could cause severe damage.
What Causes CTA Bus Accidents?
Not every accident is caused by a bus driver. However, these accidents can still stem from operator failure and cause significant losses for passengers, and people hurt in the surrounding area. Determining what contributed to your accident will let you and your lawyer know where to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Common causes of CTA accidents include:
- Speeding
- Irresponsible operation
- Failure to Yield
- Driving while under the influence
- Distracted driving
Injuries Common in CTA Bus Crashes
Like other accidents, CTA bus crash victims could experience various injuries. Each case is unique, but you could experience several injuries, including:
Who’s Liable for a CTA Bus Accident?
Finding the people responsible for your injuries after a crash involving a public transportation bus can be challenging. Narrowing down any liable parties can help you and your lawyer start your accident claim or know where to pursue a lawsuit.
Liable parties to a CTA accident could include:
- The Bus Driver: Bus drivers should be adequately qualified and trained to drive a bus safely. That means they need their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Bus drivers also have a higher standard of care because they are “common carriers.”
- The Chicago Transit Authority: The CTA hires drivers because they provide a service for Chicago residents. That means they are responsible for their reckless or negligent actions if they result in accidents or damages.
- The Maintenance Team: Public transit vehicles must be inspected regularly. Maintenance technicians should be thorough when fixing known issues.
- Manufacturers: The manufacturer can be held responsible when a defective part causes an accident.
- Other Drivers: Even though they drive a much larger vehicle, not all accidents will rest on the bus driver’s shoulders. Other drivers could drive recklessly and cause injuries.
Filing a Claim After a CTA Bus Accident
Your next steps depend on who caused your injuries:
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If another driver is at fault, file a claim against their auto insurance.
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If the CTA is responsible, you must file a notice of claim with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. This document must include your name, address, accident date, injury details, and the treating physician.
After filing your notice, you typically have two years to bring a lawsuit. Working with an experienced Chicago CTA accident attorney can help you gather evidence and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Damages Available in CTA Accident Claims
Under Illinois personal injury law, you can pursue compensation for the losses caused by someone’s negligent or reckless actions. That means you can seek payment for your economic and non-economic losses. A lawyer can help you calculate the value of your claim.
Your economic losses are your out-of-pocket expenses. These are the damages that are a direct result of the accident. Your medical bills, property repairs, or lost wages qualify as economic losses.
Your non-economic losses are your conceptual damages caused by your economic losses. These losses are challenging to calculate because they deal with pain and suffering, anguish, and loss of consortium. They are the losses you’ve experienced as a direct result of your economic losses.
What to Do After a CTA Bus Accident
After a CTA accident, your safety and documentation are key.
Steps to take:
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Follow the driver’s instructions and seek safety.
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Call 911 and report the crash.
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Collect evidence – photos, videos, and contact info from witnesses.
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Get medical care, even if you feel fine.
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Keep records – hospital visits, bills, and accident-related expenses.
Your documentation will help your attorney build a strong claim and counter any CTA efforts to deny responsibility.
Call a Chicago CTA Accident Lawyer Today
CTA accidents can cause tremendous damage, and getting assistance from an experienced Chicago CTA accident lawyer is a sure way to get the compensation you require to be made whole. The team at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., are ready to hear your story and fight for you to get the money you deserve.
We know the Chicago Transit Authority can seem menacing. They’re a city organization with considerable legal resources. We’re here to ensure you get a fair chance at getting the help and compensation you need after a CTA bus accident.
Call (312) 236-2900 or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
