Legality of Public Transportation Injuries in Illinois

 Posted on March 14, 2024 in Personal Injury

Accidents involving public transportation like buses, trains, and taxis are unfortunately all too common in Illinois. If you have been injured because of the negligence of a public transit operator, you may be entitled to compensation. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine what you need to know about your rights.

Common Public Transit Injuries

Public transit passengers can suffer a wide range of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to catastrophic injuries like spinal cord trauma. Some of the most common public transit injuries include:

• Slip and fall injuries from wet floors or debris
• Whiplash and other injuries from sudden stops or starts or collisions
• Broken bones from falls while entering or exiting vehicles
• Head and brain injuries from falling luggage or impact
• Back and neck injuries from lack of headrests or improper equipment

Establishing Liability

To recover damages, you will need to establish that the public transit operator was negligent in some way that caused your injury. Public transit companies have a duty to exercise the highest degree of care and caution for passenger safety.

Potential grounds for liability include:

• Poorly maintained vehicles or facilities
• Driver negligence like speeding, distraction, fatigue
• Lack of proper safety equipment or warnings
• Failure to reasonably accommodate disabilities
• Assault by staff or lack of reasonable security

Damages You Can Recover

If the public transit operator is found liable, potential damages you may be able to recover in Illinois include:

• Medical costs for treatment of your injuries
• Lost wages from time off work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Property damages

Notice Requirements

In Illinois, there are strict notice requirements for filing injury claims against public transit authorities. You must provide written notice within a specific timeframe, often just six months, detailing how, when, and where the injury occurred.

This deadline is much shorter than the normal 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, so you will want to act quickly to protect your rights. Some special procedures and caps can limit damages against public entities.

It Is Beneficial to Have Legal Representation

Navigating a public transit injury claim is complicated, with issues of shared fault, sovereign immunity limitations, and procedural hurdles. A lawyer can ensure you meet all requirements and recover potential compensation.

Your lawyer will investigate to determine all liable parties, gather evidence of negligence, document your damages, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if needed. It is best not to attempt to handle this complex process alone.

Contact a Hyde Park, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured on public transportation in Illinois, exercise your rights and contact a Chicago, IL personal injury attorney with over a decade of experience right away for a free consultation. You can pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve with proper legal guidance. Call [[title] at 312-229-0050 for a free consultation.