A bus accident can happen without warning. Whether you were riding a CTA bus to work, taking an RTA commuter service or traveling on a Greyhound, the moments after a crash are critical. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can protect your health and preserve your ability to seek compensation under Illinois law.
Get medical attention right away
Injured riders should see a doctor as soon as possible. Concussions, internal bleeding and soft tissue damage may not appear right away and delayed treatment gives insurers grounds to minimize a claim.
Report the accident and request documentation
Calling 911 is the first step. Officers will prepare an incident report, and victims should note the report number for later. Statements made to transit representatives at the scene can affect any claim.
Collect information at the scene
When possible, victims should gather the following before leaving:
- Bus route number and vehicle identification number
- Driver’s name, badge number or employee ID
- Witness names and contact information
- Photographs of the bus, other vehicles, road conditions and visible injuries
- Exact location, date and time of the crash
Transit camera footage can be overwritten within days. An attorney can send a preservation demand to prevent that footage from being lost.
Understand who may be responsible
More than one party may share fault for a Chicago bus accident. Liability may involve:
- The bus driver, if distraction, fatigue or traffic violations caused the crash
- The bus company, if negligent hiring or supervision played a role
- A maintenance contractor or manufacturer, if a mechanical defect contributed
- Another driver, if a third-party vehicle caused or contributed to the crash
- A government entity, if unsafe road conditions contributed, subject to Illinois Tort Immunity Act protections
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, an injured rider may still recover damages if the rider’s fault does not exceed 50 percent.
Know the deadlines that apply to bus accident claims
Illinois law sets different filing deadlines based on the type of transit operator. Private carriers like Greyhound allow two years to file under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, while public transit agencies such as Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) impose a stricter one-year deadline. Pace follows 745 ILCS 10/8-101 and the CTA follows 70 ILCS 3605/41. Notably, the CTA no longer requires a preliminary notice of claim before filing suit.
Compensation and timing matter
A bus accident claim may cover medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Recovery depends on the case. Timing matters, too. Government claims may have notice deadlines of one year or less, and transit footage may be deleted within days. A personal injury attorney can help preserve evidence, meet deadlines and assess claims against public transit authorities or private carriers.