Can I Sue the CTA for Damages Caused by a Bus Accident in Chicago?

 Posted on August 30, 2025 in Bus/Train Accidents

Public buses are part of daily life in Chicago, with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) carrying thousands of riders every day. Unfortunately, accidents involving CTA buses can result in serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. When this happens, you need to know who to hold responsible for your injuries and losses. An experienced Chicago, IL personal injury attorney can explain how liability works in these cases.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Liability for Auto Accidents?

Illinois law holds drivers accountable when their negligence causes harm. The Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, requires all motorists, including CTA bus operators, to use due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians and other road users. If you are involved in an accident, you may be able to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Special rules apply when the at-fault party is a government entity. Under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/9-102, agencies like the CTA must pay judgments for injuries caused by employees acting within the scope of their jobs. However, strict procedures and deadlines apply, making these claims more complex than they are for typical car accidents.

You also have to consider Illinois’s statute of limitations. According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years, though claims against government bodies may involve shorter notice requirements.

Potentially Liable Parties for a Public Bus Accident in Illinois

The CTA can be responsible not only as the driver’s employer but also if it failed to properly train or supervise employees, neglected to maintain its buses, or allowed unsafe conditions to continue. However, liability can extend beyond the transit agency itself. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may share responsibility:

• The bus driver: Liability may fall on the driver if they were distracted, fatigued, under the influence, or failed to obey traffic laws, like speeding or ignoring signals.

• Other drivers: Accidents are not always caused by the bus itself. A negligent car, truck, or rideshare driver may have cut off the bus, run a light, or otherwise triggered the crash.

• Maintenance contractors: Some repairs and inspections are handled by outside companies. If brakes, tires, or steering systems were poorly serviced and contributed to the accident, the contractor may share fault.

• Manufacturers: In cases involving design flaws or defective components, a manufacturer may face liability through a product defect claim.

• Government entities responsible for roads: Dangerous intersections, poor signage, or a lack of crosswalk markings may create additional responsibility for municipal or state agencies in charge of roadway safety.

Each case is unique, and multiple parties may be included in a lawsuit to help you recover full compensation.

How Is Liability Determined for a Chicago Bus Accident?

Proving liability takes careful investigation. Your attorney may review CTA reports, talk with witnesses, and gather video from the bus or nearby cameras. Your medical records can also show the extent of your injuries, and experts may help explain how the crash happened.

Keep in mind that Illinois follows comparative negligence rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which means if you are partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. As long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible, you can still recover damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago, IL Bus Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a CTA bus accident, our dedicated Chicago, IL bus accident lawyers at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can guide you through every step of the legal process of seeking compensation. We believe strong communication and thorough investigation are key to achieving results. Call us today at 312-236-6324 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.