If you were injured in a bus accident in Joliet, Illinois, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, but the process won’t be easy. You could be dealing with a municipality or complex legal issues involving governmental immunity. An experienced Joliet bus accident lawyer can be your ally and advocate during this critical time.
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we have decades of legal experience and have successfully recovered over $100 million for our clients. Our attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Find out how we can help when you call at 815) 726-1616 for your free case review.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Bus Accident in Joliet, IL
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we pride ourselves on taking care of our clients and advocating for them.
When you hire a Joliet personal injury lawyer from our firm, we will:
- Take the time to sit down and listen to your story
- Explain your legal rights and options so you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed with your case
- Answer any questions you have about the claims process
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Identify all the damages you sustained due to the crash
- Handle communication with insurance companies and others on your behalf
- Manage your legal claims for you
- Keep you informed about the status of your case as your claim progresses
- Negotiate for fair compensation
- Represent you at trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
You can learn more about your legal options for pursuing financial recovery when you call for your free case review.
Bus Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 204 people died in fatal bus crashes in 2021. Another 18,000 were injured in bus crashes, and 38,000 sustained property damage only in 2021.
Types of Buses Involved in Crashes
Any type of bus can potentially be involved in an accident, including:
- City buses
- School buses
- Tour buses
- Charter buses
- Long-distance buses
Each type of bus may involve different laws and potential legal issues.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Distractions
- Driver fatigue or impairment
- Negligent actions of other motorists
- Inexperienced drivers
- Violating traffic laws
An experienced lawyer can investigate your case to determine how it happened and who is responsible.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?
Personal injury victims may be able to recover compensation for their economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable, out-of-pocket financial losses a person suffers as a result of an injury or accident. These are typically easy to calculate because they have clear dollar values and can be supported with documentation like bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
They could include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
It’s important to keep track of all of your economic damages in order to ensure you receive full compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are compensation for intangible, subjective losses that do not have a direct financial value but significantly affect a person’s quality of life after an injury.
Some examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Discomfort
- Disabilities and impairment
- Reduced quality of life
An experienced attorney from our firm can meticulously prepare your claim for maximum compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially to Blame for the Accident?
Even if you are found partly at fault for the accident, Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule still allows you to pursue compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your degree of fault.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help evaluate the facts of your case, gather evidence to minimize your share of fault, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your rights and avoid unfair blame that could reduce your recovery.
What Is My Bus Accident Claim Worth?
Various factors can affect your claim value, including:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Who is responsible for your injuries
- How many claims are against the same defendant
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- The value of your economic damages
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- Whether you are found to have contributed to the accident
The best way to learn the value of your claim is to work closely with an experienced lawyer.
Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois
In Illinois, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in court, regardless of the strength of your case. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Contact a Joliet Bus Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a bus accident, contact a Joliet bus accident attorney from Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys. We can discuss your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us today to get started.
