Bus accidents in Chicago — including CTA bus, Pace bus, and private charter bus collisions — involve complex legal rules because buses are common carriers held to a higher duty of care. When the CTA is involved, you are dealing with a government agency with investigators and lawyers ready to fight your claim. Schwaner Injury Law has the experience to level the playing field and protect your rights.
Every case is different, but victims of bus accident may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over two decades fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 98% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
Yes. While suing a government agency like the CTA is more complex than suing a private party, it is absolutely possible. There are specific notice requirements and deadlines, so contact an attorney immediately.
Yes. Claims against the CTA may require filing a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe than the standard 2-year statute of limitations. Do not delay — contact us immediately after an accident.
Pedestrians injured by CTA or private buses may have strong claims for negligence. Illinois law protects injured pedestrians and you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Witnesses help, but bus accidents often generate substantial evidence including surveillance cameras, bus black box data, driver records, and CTA incident reports that can support your claim.
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care costs, and more depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
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From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for bus accident victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your bus accident case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every bus accident victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including bus accident victims with cases just like yours.
Over 20 years handling bus accident cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
Claims against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) are subject to special notice requirements. You must file a written notice of claim within 1 year of the accident (under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/8-102). After notice, you have 2 years to file suit. Missing the notice deadline can bar your entire claim — contact an attorney immediately.
Yes, but government entities like the CTA have special immunities and notice requirements under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10). You can sue for negligent operation of the bus, negligent maintenance, or failure to train drivers. Private bus companies (charter buses, intercity carriers) have fewer immunities and can be sued under standard negligence principles.
Critical evidence includes the bus's onboard cameras (CTA buses are equipped with video), driver logs, maintenance records, the bus's black box data, witness statements, police reports, and your medical records. This evidence must be preserved quickly — Schwaner Injury Law sends preservation letters immediately upon being retained.
Yes. We handle bus accidents involving CTA buses, Metra buses, school buses, charter buses, Greyhound/intercity carriers, and airport shuttles. Each type of case has different liability rules and insurance requirements. David Schwaner has experience with all types of transit and bus accident claims in Cook County.
Bus accident victims in Illinois can recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability damages. Illinois has no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury, meaning you can recover the full value of your losses. Punitive damages may also be available if the bus company acted with reckless disregard for passenger safety.
After a CTA bus accident: (1) Call 911 and get immediate medical care, (2) Document the bus number, route, and driver information, (3) Get witness contact info, (4) Request the CTA incident report number, (5) Photograph your injuries, (6) Do NOT give recorded statements to the CTA or their insurer, (7) Contact Schwaner Injury Law immediately — CTA claims have tight notice deadlines.
Bus accident settlements in Chicago depend on injury severity, liability, and whether a government entity (CTA) or private company is involved. Schwaner Injury Law recovered a $4.2M bus accident settlement. Settlements for serious injuries often exceed $500,000. Illinois has no cap on personal injury damages. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free case review.
Yes — claims against the CTA require a written notice of claim within 1 year under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-102), significantly shorter than the standard 2-year statute of limitations. Missing this notice deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact Schwaner Injury Law immediately after a CTA accident.
Schwaner Injury Law handles bus accident cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago (all neighborhoods), Evanston, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Skokie, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Waukegan, Joliet, Chicago Heights, Harvey, Blue Island, and all CTA and Pace bus service areas throughout Cook and DuPage counties. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.