Bus travel is an integral aspect of America’s transportation system, and many Americans rely on buses to go about their daily lives. Although most buses travel safely, tragic accidents sometimes occur. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2015 there were 67,000 accidents involving buses in the United States. Additionally, 257 of these were fatal.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, you may be in need of an experienced personal injury attorney. A Naperville bus accident lawyer may be able to help guide you through the process of filing a damages suit.
Causes and Consequences of a Public Transportation Accident
Bus accidents can stem from a variety of potential causes, including:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driver distraction
Whatever the cause, bus accidents can result in broken bones, head trauma, paralysis, or even death. These injuries can drastically reduce the victim’s quality of life and leave them burdened with devastating debt.
Bus accident injuries can also lead to prolonged emotional trauma that requires therapy or even permanently reduce a victim’s capacity to enjoy certain activities. These can put a severe strain on someone’s personal wellbeing.
Fortunately, victim’s may be able to pursue compensation for all of these losses and more in a personal injury lawsuit. However, calculating a fair value for these damages can be a difficult process. A Naperville bus accident attorney could put their experience to work identifying and valuing all of a victim’s losses. In some cases, they may also call upon reliable medical experts or accountants for assistance estimating future medical expenses or lost income.
Filing a Bus Collision Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury claim can be a difficult process. The plaintiff must first establish grounds to file a claim. In most cases, bus accident lawsuits are based on the legal concept of negligence. If the plaintiff is found to be negligent, it means they failed to use reasonable care, and that failure led to the victim’s injuries.
Those wishing to file a personal injury claim have a limited time to do so in Illinois. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. Under Illinois Compiled Statutes, 735 5/13-202 victims have two years from the date of injury in which to file a lawsuit, and failure to do so could completely prevent them from recovering damages. For assistance compiling the necessary documentation and filing a convincing claim within the statute of limitations, victims should consider contacting a bus collision attorney in Naperville as soon as possible.
A Naperville Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you care for was injured in a bus accident, you may be unsure about your next steps. You may be burdened with mounting medical bills, physical pain, and lost income, at a time when you deserve to focus on your health. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
A Naperville bus accident lawyer could provide valuable advice about your legal options and guide you through every step of the litigation or settlement process. Call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.