What to Do if You Are Involved in a Chicago Tour Bus Accident

For the most part, tour buses are a safe and relatively inexpensive method of learning about a new city. In Chicago, there are a number of bus companies that offer hop on/hop off tours, and enable you to see the sights of the Windy City. While tour bus accidents are rare, they do happen. When they do, ensure that you are adequately represented by a Chicago tourism accident lawyer.

Buses of all sorts are considered “common carriers,” meaning they are typically ridden by the public, or transporting goods from one place to another in exchange for compensation. Buses, boats, and other vehicles are forms of common carriers. Common carriers, including tour buses, are subject to the “reasonableness” standard of law. Wherever there is a reasonable expectation of safety, you should be able to count on it. The courts use this standard to mitigate the propagation of frivolous lawsuits.

Who is liable for tour bus incidents?

It is not always easy to ascertain who is responsible in the incident of a tour bus crash. Perhaps it is the driver of the other vehicle, or perhaps it is the bus driver. The bus manufacturer or even the tire manufacturer might be to blame. In many cases, there is a shared responsibility of fault for accidents such as these. Common determinations of fault fall into these three categories:

• Tour company. The tour company and the bus company are often in a contract together. The tour company typically assumes much or all of the liability in the event of a bus accident. It is the responsibility of the tour company to hire capable staff, and to ensure the safety of guests.
• Bus company. The bus company, on the other hand, is responsible for the mechanisms that create the safe environment of the bus. If there is a mechanical or equipment failure, the bus company may very well be liable. In some cases, the tour company and the bus company are both liable for damages.
• Bus destinations. In some cases, the destination or place where the bus is stopping could be liable for an accident, as well. Poorly marked construction areas or entrance and exit areas might contribute to liability in the case of an incident. If a tourist, for example, slips and falls on icy pavement or other dangerous grounds, the bus destination may be liable for their negligence of safety.

If you are involved in a tour bus accident, you should seek immediate medical attention if necessary and alert the authorities to the situation. After you have received adequate medical attention, it is important that you call a Chicago tour bus accident lawyer. You will need legal representation that can advocate for you. Even if you were from out of town, it is best to work with someone in Chicago that understands Illinois law and the ins and outs of the Windy City’s tour buses.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a tour bus accident, you have legal rights and options to pursue them. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we represent tourists who have been involved in bus accidents in our city. We examine the facts of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and help you decide what compensation is honest and fair for your injuries. If you would like to have a conversation about your options, schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 312-600-9585 or contact us today.