Public transportation can be helpful, especially when you’re taking PACE for longer-distance rides. But what happens when the bus hits your car? Is there a way to get compensation? Buses are much larger than passenger vehicles, so it’s likely that your car will be significantly damaged, and you could be severely injured.
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can explain PACE accidents and help you calculate what you’re owed. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 for a free, no-risk consultation.
PACE Bus Accident Claims
You may wonder who is liable for your PACE bus accident claim. The answer depends on the specific details of your case. You may be able to sue the PACE transit system, which is a municipal government authority, as well as the driver of the bus.
The PACE transit system is responsible for the actions of the driver. If the driver acted particularly wrongfully or recklessly, they may be held personally responsible. They are not immune from a lawsuit.
PACE Statute of Limitations
There are many differences between a PACE bus accident claim and a typical car accident. For example, the statute of limitations in a PACE bus accident claim is one year. This is compared to other personal injury limits in Illinois of two years.
The statute of limitations can be considered the deadline you have to file a personal injury accident. This countdown starts the day the accident happened. If you don’t file a claim in time, you may lose any chance of getting compensation.
Common Chicago PACE Accidents
PACE public transit accidents can happen at any time. They are most common in the following situations:
- Bus vs. Car Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Stationary Object Crashes
- Truck Wrecks
- Motorcycle Accidents
Additionally, bus passengers are likely to be injured when a PACE common carrier bus accident occurs. Passengers have a right to recover compensation for their losses just like other individuals.
Common Causes of PACE Bus Accidents
PACE bus accidents have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of PACE bus accidents include:
- Driver Error
- Design Defect
- Manufacturing Defect
- Failure to Maintain the Vehicle
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Negligent Routing
- Negligent Hiring of Bad Drivers
- Lack of Proper Training
- Driving During Bad Weather
- Driver Fatigue
- Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Most accidents happen because of driver error. However, the PACE transit system may be negligent as well. Because they are employing the driver, if they don’t vet them properly or give them the correct training, the transit system can be held liable for neglecting to ensure safe operation of their buses.
Common PACE Accidents Injuries
A public transit bus accident can result in serious injuries to passengers, other drivers, and bystanders. Some of those common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Paralysis
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The impact of a bus crash can be long-lasting and may affect every area of your life.
Liable Parties in Chicago PACE Bus Crashes
When identifying fault in a bus injury accident, it’s important to know that more than one party may be responsible for your common carrier crash. You must name all responsible parties in a bus accident claim to get the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
Some of the parties who may be responsible for your PACE bus crash include:
- PACE Transit Authority – They may be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees, the drivers or maintenance workers. They may also be held accountable for their own negligent hiring and training practices.
- Bus Driver – If the bus driver acted particularly wrongfully or recklessly, they may be included in a PACE bus accident lawsuit.
- Bus Manufacturer – If the bus had a design or manufacturing defect, then the manufacturer of the bus or defective part may be liable.
- Bus Maintenance Team – Buses must be inspected regularly and receive routine maintenance. If they do not, then the maintenance team may be responsible.
- Other Drivers – Although PACE drivers are often at fault in bus crashes, the responsibility for your accident may actually lie on the shoulders of another reckless or negligent driver.
How to File a PACE Bus Accident Claim
After a PACE bus accident, you should contact a Chicago bus accident lawyer who can help you file a claim. Remember, you must do so within one year. Otherwise, you may forfeit your ability to collect any compensation.
Here are some steps your attorney can help you with to file a PACE bus accident claim:
- Notify the Illinois Attorney General and the Clerk of Court of Claims within one year of the date of injury.
- File a bus accident lawsuit within one year of the date of when the accident occurred.
You will need to stay in contact with your attorney throughout the process. PACE transit authority may offer you a bus accident settlement and you may be able to avoid a trial.
Damages Available in a PACE Accident
If you were injured in a PACE accident, then you can collect damages for your losses. Crash victims can get compensation for the following:
- Property Damage
- Past and Future Medical Bills
- Lost Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
What to Do After a PACE Bus Accident
It can be hard to know what to do in the aftermath of a bus accident with a PACE carrier. Here are some steps you should take right away:
- Get medical attention. It’s important that you get immediate medical care to establish a baseline for the severity of your injuries. This will also prove to the insurance companies that you sustained serious injuries.
- Call the police. While you are at the scene of the crash, you should call the police so that they can make an accident report. This will be used to support your claim.
- Get contact information for the driver. The police can help you collect this information, but you should ensure you have contact information for the PACE driver.
- Get contact information from witnesses. Police officers often list witnesses in the accident report. However, they may miss someone. Collect the names and contact information from as many people as possible.
- Take photographs and videos of the scene. If you are able to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, you should do so. This information can help to support your claim.
- Contact a bus accident lawyer. You don’t have much time to act after a PACE bus crash, so you should contact an attorney as quickly as possible. They will help you prepare to file a PACE bus accident claim.
Call a Chicago PACE Accident Lawyer Today
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has a team of Chicago bus crash lawyers who have helped countless victims like you. We understand that you have immediate medical and financial needs. While money won’t make everything better, it can help you pay the bills that are piling up.
Call us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation of your case.
