Even when we exercise all possible caution on the road, someone else’s negligent behavior might still cause a bad crash. If you are hurt in a bus accident, contact an attorney immediately.
Even if you are unsure about your legal options or whether you want to take legal action, you should still speak with a qualified lawyer. They can help you determine your options, the extent of your damages, possible evidence, and the best way to get compensation. Perhaps all you need is an insurance claim. Maybe you need to take things further and escalate your claims to a courtroom. When we begin your case, we must know who to hold responsible. Bus drivers, bus companies, and even government agencies in charge of public transportation might all be involved. To build your case, we need as much evidence as we can get our hands on. This might include details from the crash scene, witnesses, security camera footage, and more.
Get a free, private case assessment when you call (312) 578-8502 and speak to our bus accident lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices.
How a Qualified Attorney Can Assist You Palatine, IL Bus Accident Case
After a bus accident, get in touch with a skilled lawyer as soon as you possibly can. While you are laid up with injuries, your time to take legal action is ticking away. According to 735 I.L.C.S. § 5/13-202, you have only 2 years from the date of the bus accident to file a case with the courts.
The sooner you meet with our bus accident attorneys, the sooner we can help you explore your legal options and make an informed decision about what to do next. When making your decision, your lawyer can review your damages and figure out what kind of evidence you need to prove your claims.
They can also help you prepare a formal complaint to initiate your lawsuit. This can be a time-consuming and legally complex process. In many cases, plaintiffs spend months preparing their complaints before anything is even filed. Your lawyer can help you with much of the heavy lifting involved in getting your case ready while you rest and recover from your injuries.
How to Get Financial Compensation After a Bus Accident in Palatine, IL
There might be more than one way to get fair financial compensation for the damages and injuries you sustained in a bus accident. Many injured victims get to work on insurance claims almost right away. Other victims might need to file a formal complaint and initiate a civil lawsuit against the people responsible for the accident. Either way, hiring a lawyer may greatly benefit your case.
Filing an insurance claim is the go-to response for many accident victims. Insurance is required by law in Illinois, and you can file a third-party claim with the bus company’s insurance. Because bus companies are commercial carriers, their insurance may be different than that of a private citizen. A good lawyer can help you file your claim and navigate the claims process so you get your expenses covered.
Filing a lawsuit is another viable legal option. For some, this might be the better option, especially if their injuries and losses exceed the bus driver’s or bus company’s insurance policy limits. Alternatively, you might have to file a lawsuit because your initial insurance claim was denied. Lawsuits tend to be far more complicated and time-consuming than insurance claims, and it is imperative that you hire a qualified attorney.
Parties You Can Include in a Bus Accident Case in Palatine, IL
We can include a diverse array of potential defendants in your case for damages after a bus accident in Palatine. Exactly who you should name in your case is a decision for you and your lawyer. Including the correct defendants might help maximize your compensation.
Bus Drivers
The bus driver is one of the first people we should investigate after a bus accident. So many bus accidents are the result of bus driver negligence. Some common examples of such negligence include distracted drivers, high rates of speed, and a lack of experience.
Distractions on the road are becoming more and more common. Bus drivers are no exception. A negligent bus driver might pull out their phone while driving to take a call or send a quick text. The next thing they know, the bus is tipped over, and people are hurt. If the bus driver is speeding, the accident might be even more severe.
Many bus accidents happen with new bus drivers. While they might have the proper licensing to be a bus driver, they might lack the training and experience necessary to avoid accidents.
Private Bus Companies
When we sue the bus driver, we should check to see if we can include their employer in the lawsuit. This might be a private bus company, like Greyhound or Megabus. Charter and tour bus companies might also be named in lawsuits. These are usually private companies that can be sued, much like private citizens. Including these companies is often beneficial to plaintiffs because these companies have greater financial resources to pay for damages. If multiple bus passengers are hurt, the bus company might be eager to pay everyone’s damages and hopefully avoid bad publicity.
Governmental Entities
Not all buses are operated by private companies. Many buses are operated as part of public transportation networks. The town of Palatine is not too far north of downtown Chicago, and it is serviced by Pace.
Pace is the bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) that serves the Chicago metropolitan area. If you were injured in an accident involving a Pace bus, you might have a valid claim against Pace or even the RTA.
Suing the local government is easier said than done. There are various hurdles to jump in addition to those typical for most lawsuits. We must file your case in accordance with the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act.
According to 745 I.L.C.S. § 10/8-101(a), a claim against a governmental entity like Pace must be brought within 1 year of the date of the accident. This is an incredibly tight deadline, considering that many accident cases take months or longer to prepare. It is best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Speak to Our Palatine, IL Bus Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Claims Now
Get a free, private case assessment when you call (312) 578-8502 and speak to our bus accident lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices.
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