Illinois Mega Bus Accident Lawyer

On the morning of Monday, April 13, 2015, a Mega Bus that departed from Chicago collided with a semi-truck in Indiana, injuring 19 passengers on board. Thankfully, none of the injuries involving the driver and passengers were critical or fatal.

However, this commercial bus accident placed the company under intense scrutiny because it was the fourth accident involving a Mega Bus between October 2014 and April 2015 to occur in Indiana alone.

Stressed and fatigued drivers, inadequate maintenance schedules, or defective bus designs may all be contributing factors that have increased the rate of accidents involving large buses. However, it is the responsibility of bus companies to ensure the safe travel of every one of the passengers using their services.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is committed to protecting the rights of passengers injured in Mega bus accidents in Illinois. Our law firm represents injured people exclusively. We have experience investigating and litigating bus accident cases in and around Chicago. If you need an attorney following a Mega bus accident, complete our online form, and an attorney will be in contact with you within hours.

Discount Bus Fares May Be Representative of Corner Cutting When it Comes to Safety

A few years ago, the United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced its consideration of conducting annual inspections on vehicles managed by Megabus operating carriers. For years, companies that provided curbside bus service (not including school bus operations) sidestepped many safety requirements that resulted in crashes that harmed or killed bus passengers.

Mega Bus is known for its extremely low fares. Mega bus operating carriers have faced criticism that the company may be cutting corners to keep its operating costs down. The use of poorly manufactured parts or the failure to perform regular maintenance of buses can increase the likelihood of a Megabus crash.

The double-decker Megabus' critical systems could fail and cause all types of accidents, including a tire blowout. To cut corners, the Megabus might require the bus driver to work extra hours.

The drivers might be overworked and not given an adequate amount of time to rest between shifts, which only serves to exacerbate the chances of being involved in an Illinois bus accident.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the leading Megabus operating carrier began downsizing their weekly schedule to manage their profits better. Many routes originating in Chicago, St. Louis, and other Midwest locations eliminated.

Types of Injuries Occurring on Mega Buses

The severity of injuries sustained by passengers on Mega Buses can vary depending upon the circumstances of the accidents. Victims have reported being injured when being thrown from their seats, when windows have shattered, and by debris caused in the wreckage on the scene. Common injuries include the following.

 
• Lacerations caused by glass, metal, or debris from other vehicles or contact with the ground
 
• Broken or shattered bones due to sudden impact with objects or from being thrown out of one's seat
 
• Traumatic brain injuries caused by blows to the head or spine. These injuries can be as minor as a concussion or lead to more severe conditions which may not present symptoms until weeks or months after the initial injury.
 
• Amputations caused by severe injuries or infections. These injuries are more likely when the victim is traveling in another vehicle that has been struck by the bus.
 
• Partial or complete paralysis from the location of an injury to the spine downward. The cost of caring for a loved one who has been paralyzed is tremendous and often places undue stress on the victim's family, who must not only provide constant care but find a means of paying for ongoing treatment.

In 2015, numerous plaintiffs filed a civil lawsuit against Mega bus involved in a crash that occurred in southern Indiana. Megabus was listed as a defendant. Personal injury attorneys handling the lawsuit were seeking compensation for severe injuries and wrongful death.

The Rights of the Injured Due to Megabus Crashes

Were you injured in a Megabus crash caused by a bus driver or the failure of the Megabus company to maintain its vehicle correctly? If so, you are entitled to receive compensation for the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, out of pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.

Bus companies continue to place a higher priority on their bottom lines than on public safety. They should be held accountable for their negligent choices and behavior.

Hiring a Mega Bus Accident Attorney

Contact the Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago bus accident attorney who has successfully represented individuals just like you.

We will advise you of your legal rights and options. Our attorneys will gather all pertinent information required to conduct our in-house investigation. Our experts will establish whether you have a claim for compensation. We have all the necessary resources to build a strong case to resolve your claim successfully.

Our legal team will work hard on your behalf to ensure you receive the monetary recovery needed to pay your accident-related expenses. If we are unable to assist you or fail to recover compensation for your Illinois Megabus accident, all our services will be free of charge.