CTA Bus Accident Lawyer

Maximum Compensation for Victims Injured in Accidents Involving the CTA

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash involving a CTA bus, the Chicago Injury Center can help. Our legal team has years of experience handling claims against the Chicago Transit Authority and understands what it takes to hold them accountable. Speak with a CTA bus accident lawyer today to explore your options for financial recovery.

Bus Accident Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At the Chicago Injury Center, we’ve helped injured clients recover meaningful compensation after serious accidents involving buses. Here are a few examples:

$2,730,000 Settlement — David, an avid cyclist, was struck by a CTA bus while riding through a green light in the West Loop. The bus made a sudden left turn across traffic, knocking him to the pavement. He suffered orthopedic injuries and required multiple surgeries. The sizable settlement reflected both his long-term recovery needs and the clear liability of the bus driver.

$1,000,000 Settlement — Hannah was crossing at a marked intersection in Logan Square when a CTA driver failed to yield and struck her. She sustained a fractured pelvis and ongoing mobility issues. The settlement accounted for her medical expenses and time away from work, with the crosswalk violation strengthening her claim.

$370,000 Settlement — James injured his foot after a sudden drop from a misaligned bus step while disembarking downtown. Though the injury seemed minor at first, it required surgery and months of physical therapy. The settlement helped cover lost income and lingering pain.

What Makes Us the Best Bus Accident Lawyers in Chicago

We are the best bus accident lawyers in Chicago with decades of experience holding the CTA and other public transportation providers accountable. We’ve recovered millions for injured passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in CTA accidents.

Our legal team is recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting our commitment to helping victims recover.

Types of CTA Bus Accident Cases We Handle

Our Chicago personal injury attorney team handles a variety of cases involving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

We represent:

• Bus Passengers
• Drivers and Passengers in Other Vehicles
• Pedestrians in Crosswalks or at Bus Stops
• Bicyclists in Chicago Bike Lanes
• Children Near School or Transit Buses

We can take on cases involving:

• Rear-End Collisions
• Intersection Crashes at Busy Chicago Crossroads
• Bus Strikes While Turning
• Onboard Incidents from Sudden Stops
• Accidents While Entering or Exiting a Bus
• Runovers at Bus Stops or Crosswalks
• Crashes Involving Multiple CTA Vehicles
• Single-Bus Collisions with Stationary Objects

What Are the Most Common Causes of CTA Bus Accidents?

Common causes include driver negligence, such as distracted driving, driver fatigue, failure to yield at crosswalks, and unsafe left turns. Other contributing factors involve poorly maintained buses, inadequate driver training, and mechanical failures.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Bus Accidents?

Common injuries from bus accidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, lacerations, and internal bleeding. Bus passengers and pedestrians are especially vulnerable due to sudden stops, falls, or being struck. Such severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can result in lasting physical limitations, chronic pain, and lost income for victims.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Illinois?

Injured victims may be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in severe cases, permanent disability or disfigurement.

If the accident leads to wrongful death, surviving family members may pursue damages for loss of companionship and funeral costs.

What Is the Average Bus Accident Settlement in Chicago?

Per Law.com, the average bus accident settlement in Chicago is $933,128. However, this figure is heavily influenced by a few exceptionally high-value cases, as the median settlement is $80,000.

Several factors can impact the value of a settlement, including:

• Severity of the injuries (e.g., fractures, head trauma, permanent disability)
• Liability issues and whether multiple parties are involved
• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment needs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Whether the claim goes to trial or settles early

A skilled CTA bus accident lawyer can evaluate your case, explain how these factors apply to you, and help you pursue fair compensation.

Notable Case Examples

Severe Brain Injury After Pedestrian Struck Exiting CTA Bus

Francoise Gordon, a 20-year-old student, was hit by a car after exiting a bus and crossing in front of it. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, a broken leg, tremors, and long-term disability. Her attorneys argued the driver failed to yield, and the CTA created an unsafe crossing environment. The jury awarded $11.4 million in damages, reduced to $6 million due to Gordon’s comparative fault. The CTA was not found liable.

Fatal CTA Bus Incident While Retrieving Bicycle

Ludwika Szynalik, 59, was run over by a bus while retrieving her bike from its front rack. She was dragged 80–100 feet and died six hours later. Her estate claimed the driver should have seen her and cited rack design issues. The CTA argued visibility obstructions and a lack of notice. The case settled for $5.55 million, with $5.45 million paid by the CTA and $100,000 from parties tied to the rack design and installation.

UChicago Student Run Over by Bus While Cycling

University of Chicago student Ki Shih was struck and run over by a bus while biking. She suffered a crushed pelvis, fractured ankle, and a severe heel injury requiring muscle graft surgery. Doctors warned she may eventually need an amputation. Liability was contested—Shih said the bus hit her; the defense claimed she tried to pass the bus illegally. On the fifth day of trial, the case settled for $5 million.

Why You Need a CTA Bus Accident Lawyer

Filing a claim against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) involves strict deadlines, government immunities, and complex procedures unique to public entities. A CTA bus accident lawyer understands how to handle cases in local courts like the Circuit Court of Cook County and can protect your rights while pursuing compensation from both the CTA and other potentially liable parties.

How Common Are Accidents Involving Buses in Chicago?

Public bus safety data in Chicago and across the country shows both strengths and ongoing concerns. In 2013, the CTA reported a relatively low safety-related incident rate of 0.48 per 100,000 miles. However, national figures suggest transit workers and riders still face significant risks.

Mechanical issues are also notable. Daily bus delays caused by equipment problems often surpassed the CTA’s goal of staying under 12.6%, at one point reaching 17.9%.

According to BLS data from 2011 to 2013, transportation-related incidents consistently ranked as the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among bus drivers, accounting for up to 42% in some years. In terms of fatal injuries, 60% were due to transportation accidents.

These figures highlight the importance of accountability, proper maintenance, and legal support for those injured in bus-related incidents.

Where Do Accidents with Buses Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Accidents involving buses often happen in high-traffic areas like the Loop, around Union Station, and near major intersections such as Roosevelt and Michigan or Clark and Lake. Busy stops near schools, shopping centers, and hospitals also see frequent incidents. Routes along Western Avenue, Ashland, and 95th Street are common locations for bus-related crashes involving pedestrians or other motor vehicles.

What Laws Govern Claims Involving the CTA?

CTA bus accident claims in Chicago are governed by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/), which outlines how claims can be brought against public entities like the CTA.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit Against the CTA?

Per Illinois law, most lawsuits must be filed within one year under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-101), which applies to public entities like the CTA. Missing this deadline can bar you from compensation.

Who Is Legally Liable for CTA Bus Crashes?

The Bus Driver

The driver may be liable if they failed to operate the bus safely, or distracted driving, fatigue, or reckless behavior caused or contributed to the crash.

The Chicago Transit Authority

The CTA can be held responsible for negligent hiring, poor vehicle maintenance, or failing to properly train or supervise its drivers.

Bus or Part Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable if a defective bus part—like brakes, tires, or steering—caused the collision or worsened injuries.

Other Negligent Drivers and Third-Parties

Other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, or even road construction crews can play a role in an accident. If their negligent actions—such as unsafe lane changes, speeding, or blocking bus routes—contribute to the crash, they may share legal responsibility.

Common Defenses in CTA Bus Accident Cases

In CTA bus accident claims, common defenses include comparative fault, where the CTA or its driver claims the victim was partly responsible for the crash, such as by jaywalking or failing to follow traffic rules.

Another defense is government immunity, which limits liability for public agencies under certain conditions. The CTA may also argue that no negligence occurred or that the injuries were pre-existing. Our legal team counters these claims with surveillance footage, witness testimony, expert opinions, and thorough medical documentation.

How to Strengthen Your CTA Bus Accident Case

Taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in your ability to seek compensation.

Start by reporting the incident to the police and requesting a copy of the report. Seek immediate medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor—as documentation is key for any future claim. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the bus number. Get names and contact info from any witnesses.

Avoid speaking with any insurance companies before talking to a CTA bus accident lawyer. Keep all medical records, receipts, and evidence of missed work. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better they can preserve evidence, determine liability, and begin building your claim.

How a CTA Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

A CTA bus accident lawyer provides critical support from the start of your claim through resolution. We investigate the crash, gather surveillance footage, identify responsible parties, and preserve vital evidence before it disappears.

We handle communications with the CTA and other parties’ insurance providers, ensuring nothing is said or signed that could hurt your case. As your claim progresses, we calculate damages, negotiate settlements, and, if needed, represent you in court to help secure full compensation for your injuries and losses.

FAQs

How much does a CTA bus accident lawyer cost?

A CTA bus accident lawyer typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Legal fees are only collected if your attorney recovers compensation through a settlement or court award on your behalf.

Who can file a CTA accident claim?

Anyone injured due to CTA negligence—including passengers, drivers of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians—may file a claim. Family members can also pursue wrongful death claims if a loved one is killed in an accident involving the CTA.

Can I still recover compensation if I’m partly to blame for the accident?

Yes. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law, you can still seek compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your damages, however, will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility for the accident.

What happens if a city bus hits your car?

If a CTA bus hits your vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other losses. It’s essential to document the accident and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can you sue the city if you get hit by a bus?

Yes, but claims against a government entity have strict notice and filing deadlines under the Illinois Court of Claims Act. An experienced attorney can help ensure all requirements are met for a valid lawsuit.

How can I file a complaint against a CTA bus driver?

You can file a complaint with the CTA online or by calling customer service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA. If the complaint involves injury, consult a lawyer immediately to preserve your right to compensation through a formal legal claim.

Can multiple parties be liable for a CTA bus accident?

Yes, liability may extend to multiple parties. Maintenance contractors, vehicle manufacturers, and even other negligent drivers involved in the crash may share responsibility. Your lawyer will investigate all contributing factors and responsible parties.

How long does it take to get a settlement?

It depends on the case. Some settle in a few months; others take a year or longer. Factors include injury severity, complexity of fault, and whether litigation is required. An attorney can help speed the process and avoid delays.

Consult a CTA Bus Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one has been hurt, don’t wait to get help from a trusted CTA bus accident attorney. The Chicago Injury Center has recovered millions for victims across Cook County and offers experienced representation with no upfront fees. You only pay if we win. Contact us for a free consultation.