Helping Chicago Bicycle Riders Hit by a Bus Recover Compensation

Experienced Bicycle-Bus Collision Law Firm in Chicago

Collisions with a CTA bus or other large vehicles often leave cyclists with severe or fatal injuries. Consulting with a Chicago bus-bicycle accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help cyclists receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Some of our bike crash settlements include:

• $760,000 for a bicyclist struck from behind while stopped at a traffic light. The driver who struck him claimed poor lighting contributed to the crash.
• $605,000 for a 72-year-old cyclist struck by a commercial truck while crossing in a marked crosswalk.

The Dangers of Bus Accidents for Chicago Cyclists

Collisions between bicyclists and buses in Chicago can be devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. A CTA, Pace, or Metra vehicle is significantly larger than a bicycle, creating dangerous blind spots that make it harder for a bus driver to see a cyclist riding nearby. When a bicyclist is struck, the impact can lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Many crashes occur at intersections, such as the one of North Avenue, Damen Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park, bus stops, or designated bike lanes when a bus operator makes a sudden turn or fails to yield.

Per Chicago Municipal Code 9-48-050, bus drivers must yield to bicycles when operating in shared lanes and follow proper procedures when stopping to load or unload passengers, ensuring minimal disruption to bicycle traffic.

Ordinance O2023-0006210 also sets regulations for intercity bus drivers on stopping, loading/unloading passengers, and shared use with bicycles.

Chicago Municipal Code 9-120-060 mandates that bicycle operators adhere to all applicable traffic regulations, ensuring that cyclists follow the same rules as motor vehicles.

Liability in Chicago Bus-Bicycle Accidents

When a Chicago bicycle rider is hit by a bus, determining liability is key to pursuing compensation. In many cases, the bus driver may be at fault for failing to yield, making an unsafe turn, or not checking blind spots. However, liability can extend beyond the driver.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or Metra may also be responsible if improper training, poor bus maintenance, or negligence contributed to the collision. If a third party, such as a vehicle forcing the bus operator to swerve, played a role, they may also share liability. Identifying all responsible parties helps injured cyclists seek fair compensation for their losses.

Types of Collisions Between Buses and Bicycles

• Right-hook crashes – A bus driver turns right at an intersection or bus stop, cutting off a cyclist riding alongside.
• Left-turn crashes – A bus operator turning left may fail to see an oncoming bicyclist in the crosswalk or bike lane.
• Sideswipe collisions – A CTA bus passing too closely may strike a bicyclist, causing them to lose balance.
• Rear-end crashes – A bus following too closely may hit a bike at a stoplight or intersection.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Bus-Bicycle Accident

Taking the proper steps after the collision happened can protect victims’ health and legal rights:

• Check for injuries and move to a safe location then seek medical attention to ensure you’re in fair condition.
• Report the accident to the police and request medical help.
• Collect the bus number, driver’s name, CTA details, and witness contacts if possible.
• Take photos of the bike, crash site, injuries, and bus.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with others

Investigating a Bus-Bicycle Accident in Chicago

Investigating a bus-bicycle accident in Chicago is essential to gathering evidence and proving liability. Key steps include:

• Obtaining the police report, which contains important details, including statements from the bus driver, bicyclist, and witnesses.
• Gathering witness statements, which can help clarify how the collision happened and who was at fault.
• Securing video footage from onboard cameras and nearby businesses.
• Examining the bus and bicycle for any damage.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability.

Potential Compensation in a Bus-Bicycle Accident Case

If a CTA bus struck a person riding a bicycle, victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

Why You Need Experienced Legal Counsel

Hiring an attorney after a CTA bus hits a person riding a bike can make a significant difference in securing fair compensation. A Chicago bike crash attorney understands the complexities of cases involving the CTA and government entities.

We will gather evidence, obtain surveillance footage, and consult experts to establish fault. Insurers often try to minimize payouts while we negotiate for the maximum recovery. If necessary, we can file a lawsuit against the CTA or the bus operator.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one have been struck by a CTA bus, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago fight for injured cyclists to recover maximum compensation.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and further information on your legal options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.