Buses are vehicles that offer transport to people for money. The laws that apply to bus accidents fall under common carrier law, a common carrier is a business that moves people or goods for a fee and operates under license from a regulatory agency. Common carriers can be private or public entities. Not just buses fall under common carrier law; taxis, trains, airplanes, light rail transport and more are governed by such laws.
If you are involved in a CTA bus accident in Chicago there can be serious consequences, in most cases more so than an accident involving private cars. In a bus accident there are far more victims, a number of responsible parties and because busses do not have the same safety equipment as cars, injuries can be more serious.
What should you do?
Like any vehicle accident, the first priority is to seek medical attention. Depending on the extent of your injuries the second thing to do is contact an experienced personal injury law firm to see if you have a valid claim for damages. A CTA bus accident in Chicago is going to be far more complex than any auto accident and as such you need to be properly represented.
Legal responsibilities of the bus company:
As a bus company offers services for a fee they are legally bound to exercise a higher duty of care. Of course, anyone operating a motor vehicle must exercise reasonable care but a common carrier is held to a higher standard, Failure to stick to this demand can be seen as negligence and as such, liable to the passengers and others that may be injured as a result of an accident.
If the accident was caused by driver negligence, inadequate training or maintenance failures the bus company is liable under personal injury or wrongful death tort law.
If you have been injured in a CTA bus accident in Chicago you have the right to engage a seasoned personal injury attorney and claim damages. You are invited to a free evaluation of your case, please contact the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, LLC. Follow us on google+.
