The Chicagoland area (Cook, Kane, Will and DuPage Counties) relies heavily on many forms of public transportation – the CTA Trains, Buses, Metra trains, taxi cabs, limousines, school buses and planes. Over 300,000 people in Chicago alone use some form of public transportation to commute to work.  Ridership on an average weekday in 2013 (combining both Bus & rail) was 1.68 million.  With so many people using some form of public transportation in the Cook County area, it is inevitable that there will be some operator negligence that results in passenger injuries and even fatalities.  Operators are seen as “agents” of the company (i.e. the mass transit provider) and the company can be held liable for their “agent’s” negligence.

If you are injured or have lost a loved one, whether a passenger or not, due to the negligence of the public transit provider you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries or the loss of your loved one.

Common Carriers Held to Higher Degree of Care

In Illinois the law states that “common carriers”  (i.e. carriers that transport people in exchange for money) must provide “the highest degree of care” to keep passengers safe. Common carriers are expected to exercise more caution and more vigilance than an ordinary business must use toward their customers.  It is important to remember that, even in a public transportation accident that injures several people or causes several fatalities, each individual loss has a separate claim and, as the injured party, you need to discuss your claim with an experienced Public Transportation Accident Attorney.  Your personal attorney can advise you or your rights and help ensure that you receive the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages and pain & suffering.

Because many of the “common carriers” in Illinois are run by governmental bodies, claims filed to recover injury compensation can be more complicated and time sensitive.  An experienced attorney can guide you through the necessary steps, and help protect your rights.

Consult an Experienced Public Transportation Accident Attorney

As an experienced public transportation injury attorney, Timothy Henderson can provide the advice and guidance you need to receive the compensation to which you are entitled.  Call today (312) 444-9400 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.