Chicago Pace Bus Accident Lawyers
PRACTICE AREAS
The Chicago Pace bus accident lawyers at Curcio & Casciato represent victims injured in crashes involving Pace Suburban Bus Service throughout Cook County and surrounding areas. Our firm navigates claims for passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and children injured in Pace bus collisions and related transit accidents.
The Pace transit system operates as a common carrier, so it must exercise the highest degree of care to protect passengers under Illinois law. When Pace drivers, independent contractors, or third parties fail to meet this standard, our Chicago Pace bus accident attorney team helps personal injury victims and their families pursue compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and other damages.
Because claims against Pace are subject to a one-year statute of limitations, victims must act quickly to preserve their right to file a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one was harmed in a Pace bus accident in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, contact our legal team today for a free consultation. Call us at 312-321-1111 or use our contact form.
Cook County Pace Routes and Service Areas Where Serious Injuries and Accidents Occur
The extensive public transportation network means Pace accidents can happen throughout the suburbs:
Types of Pace Accidents We Handle
Pace Bus Crash
Whether involving fixed-route buses traveling through neighborhoods or Pulse rapid transit vehicles on the Milwaukee and Dempster Lines, these collisions can cause serious personal injuries to passengers, other motorists and occupants, and pedestrians. Pace bus rashes also occur on express services, along the Stevenson (I-55), Edens (I-94), and I-290 corridors, where speeding can result in particularly severe outcomes.
Additionally, Pace On Demand shared-ride vehicles, Dial-a-Ride vehicles, Vanpool and VanGo vehicles, and ADA paratransit vehicles are all subject to the risk of accidents that can leave victims with significant injuries and mounting expenses. If you have been injured in any type of Pace vehicle crash, an attorney experienced in transit liability can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Passengers Injured On Pace BUS
Pace bus passengers can suffer significant injuries due to negligent operations or unsafe conditions on board. Common causes include sudden stops or hard braking that throw passengers from their seats, slip-and-fall accidents while boarding or exiting, and failures to properly secure wheelchairs or deploy accessibility ramps. Passengers may also be injured by assaults from other riders, and under Illinois case law, like McCoy v. Chicago Transit Authority, transit agencies have a duty to protect passengers from foreseeable harm.
Pace Accident Wrongful Death
When a person is killed in a Pace accident, families can pursue wrongful death claims against responsible parties. These cases most often arise from bus crashes or pedestrians fatally struck by buses. We assist in seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and anguish caused by a loved one’s untimely death through fatal auto accident claims and pedestrian fatality claims in Chicago. Our experienced attorneys work tirelessly to ensure the family’s rights are upheld and respected.
Pace Assault
Passengers can become targets of violent assaults on board or at bus stops. Bus drivers have been attacked by passengers or others.
Our Pace bus accident attorney team assists clients in pursuing claims against the attacker and Pace through inadequate security claims in Chicago.
Riders Injured at Pace Facilities
Our Chicago bus accident lawyers help people hurt at every type of facility across Cook County and the surrounding areas.
Bus Stop Injuries
The Pace transit system operates hundreds of marked stops. Our Chicago Pace bus accident lawyers navigate cases where riders are struck by vehicles while waiting on the bus, as well as severe injuries caused by crumbling sidewalks, missing curb cuts, or debris in the waiting area. If a dangerous condition around a bus stop contributed to harm, the municipality, property owner, or the company itself may be held liable.
Pulse Station Injuries
The Pace transit system has stations that are more complex than standard bus stops, featuring
- heated shelters
- raised boarding platforms
- marker signs
- bicycle racks
- smowmelt systems
When any of these features malfunctions, the results can be serious.
- Milwaukee Line stations: Jefferson Park Transit Center, Central Ave, Austin Ave/Ardmore Ave, Devon Ave/Haft/Highland, Touhy Ave, Harlem Ave/Howard St, Oakton St/Oak Mill Mall, Main St, Dempster St, Golf Mill Shopping Center (Niles)
- Dempster Line stations: Davis Street CTA/Metra Station (Evanston) through Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines to O’Hare Airport Multi-Modal Facility
When the transit company fails to maintain the infrastructure it built, a Chicago Pace bus accident lawyer can help file claims and pursue compensation for serious injuries.
Pace Transit Center Accidents
We assist in transit center accident claims involving:
- Joliet Transit Center
- Jefferson Park Transit Center
- Harvey Transit Center
- Buffalo Grove Transportation Center
Slip-and-fall injuries, tripping hazards in boarding bays, inadequate security, and collisions within the transit center grounds are all scenarios our personal injury lawyers have the experience to evaluate and pursue.
Park-n-Ride lots are either operated by the transit company, independent contractors, partner agencies, or private entities. Determining responsibility is the first question for these cases.
Common Park-N-Ride locations include:
- Blue Island Park-n-Ride
- Homewood Park-n-Ride
- Bolingbrook – Canterbury Park-n-Ride
- Burr Ridge Park-n-Ride
- I-90/Randall Road Park-n-Ride
- Bolingbrook – Old Chicago Park N-Ride
- Hillside Park-N-Ride
- Plainfield Park-n-Ride
- DeVry University Park-N-Ride (Tinley Park)
- Shorewood Park-N-Ride
- Palos Heights Metra Park-N-Ride
- Oak Lawn Metra Park-N-Ride
- Naperville Park-N-Ride
Park-N-Ride accidents occur most commonly from pavement issues, missing light poles, ice and snow, faulty electric vehicle charging stations, and vehicles striking pedestrians in lots that lack sufficient traffic control. Regardless of ownership, our Chicago Pace accident attorneys will identify all responsible parties and ensure they’re held liable.
Slip-and-Fall and Poor Maintenance Claims
Property owners must keep their facilities reasonably safe. When companies advertise features like heated shelters or snowmelt systems at Pulse stations, they are expected to keep them working. If those systems are broken, turned off, or not maintained, and someone is injured, it can support a personal injury claim.
Our personal injury lawyers also see injuries from uneven pavement, standing water, construction debris, and inadequate signage at boarding areas. Slip and fall claims in Chicago require a thorough investigation into inspection schedules and prior complaints. Our law firm is skilled at obtaining this proof.
Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Other Drivers Injured by a PACE Bus
Pace accidents aren’t limited to bus passengers. Many motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are struck by a Pace bus are left in critical condition, facing high costs from medical care.
Accidents involving Pace buses can occur in many ways, including:
- Car and Pace bus collisions on suburban roadways
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents involving Pace buses
- Individuals struck by Pace buses
- Multi-vehicle pileups triggered by Pace bus movements
- Accidents involving Pace buses running onto shoulders on I-55 (Stevenson), I-94 (Edens), or other expressways
- Injuries caused by Pace bus driver negligence, such as running red lights, making illegal turns, speeding, or distracted driving
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a Pace bus, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Pace Bus Accidents Involving Students
When a child rides a Pace bus in the absence of standard school buses or through a Ventra pass, it generally does not change the special rules that apply to the Pace transit system. They are a public transportation provider and have a higher duty to keep children safe.
However, school involvement raises questions about supervision at the time of injury and how transportation was arranged, especially when districts rely on Pace due to school bus driver shortages.
Our Pace bus accident attorneys focus on the required standard of care when navigating childrens injury lawsuits in Chicago. We can help determine if parents should sue a Chicago school district or take legal action against the Pace transit system.
Pace Employees Injured on the Job
When workers are hurt on the job due to an outside party’s negligence, such as an independent contractor, they can pursue damages through personal injury claims in addition to workers’ compensation. While workers’ comp covers medical care and partial lost wages, a personal injury claim can recover the full value of lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, and the two claims can run simultaneously.
Our Pace bus accident attorneys commonly assist with Chicago work accident claims involving:
- Bus drivers in on-route collisions caused by other negligent drivers
- Pace drivers and maintenance workers at operating divisions and garages, including divisions at Evanston, Des Plaines, Oak Park (former), Markham, Bridgeview, South Campus/Bus Acceptance Facility at Markham, and the headquarters in Arlington Heights.
- Paratransit drivers and aides during ADA service operations
- Vanpool and VanGo drivers during routes
- Injuries caused by defective bus components, such as brake failures or steering malfunctions
- Passenger assaults on bus drivers
If you’re a worker who’s sustained personal injuries, a Chicago Pace bus accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and maximize your recovery.
Who is Responsible for Pace Bus Accidents in Chicago
- Pace Suburban Bus / Chicago Regional Transportation Authority: as a common carrier, held to the highest degree of care
- Pace bus drivers: individual fault (driver fatigue, distractions, running red lights, improper stops)
- Third-party negligent drivers: motorists who crash into Pace buses or injure staff
- Bus manufacturers and parts manufacturers: defects in brakes, tires, doors, ramps, wheelchair securement systems
- Maintenance contractors: Negligent maintenance can create liability for contractors like Transdev and First Student
- Municipal government authorities: dangerous street conditions, missing signage, poorly maintained intersections near routes or facilities
- Property owners: unsafe conditions at privately owned Park-n-Ride lots or bus stop-adjacent properties
Most Common Causes of Pace Accidents in Chicago, IL
The most common causes of incidents our Chicago Pace bus accident lawyers see include:
- Driver error: Including the Pace driver or those in other vehicles. Common driver errors include distracted driving, driver fatigue, and failure to follow traffic laws.
- Inadequate bus maintenance leads to mechanical issues
- Poor road conditions: potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris
- Bad weather hazards
- Other drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians or engage in reckless driving
- Overcrowding leading to bus passengers falling or being thrown
- Lack of proper training or bus drivers with inadequate experience driving large vehicles
- Defective bus components or manufacturer defects
- Not security mobility devices or providing adequate accommodations for disabled passengers riding or entering the bus
- Inadequate equipment to ensure safety during sudden stops or collisions
Common Pace Bus Accident Injuries in Chicago
The most common Pace bus accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: sudden stops, hard braking, or rear-end collisions
- Spinal cord injuries: impacts, falls, or being thrown from a seat
- Head injuries: striking interior surfaces or objects during a crash or sudden stop
- Broken bones: falls while boarding, exiting, or inside the bus
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions: broken glass, metal, or contact with dangerous interiors
- Soft tissue injuries: being jolted or losing balance
- Knee, ankle, and foot injuries: falls entering/exiting the bus
- Burns: vehicle fires or mechanical defects
- PTSD: serious collisions or traumatic events
What To Do After a Pace Bus Accident in Cook County
If you are involved in a Pace bus accident in Chicago or sustained serious injuries at an affiliated facility:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident to the Pace bus driver and get their information
- Contact the police and get an accident report
- Photograph/video the scene, the bus number, the route number, and your injuries
- Exchange information with witnesses
- DON’T give a recorded statement to Pace staff or insurers
- Contact a Chicago Pace bus accident lawyer immediately. Remember, you have one year to take legal action.
Filing a Pace Bus Accident Claim in Chicago
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Pace Bus Accident Lawsuit in Chicago
The statute of limitations is one year to file lawsuits against Pace under the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Plaintiffs must also notify the Illinois Attorney General and the Clerk of the Court of Claims within one year.
Defense teams will investigate quickly, attempt to minimize pay, and offer lowball settlements to those without experienced Chicago Pace bus accident attorneys.
Under the Illinois modified comparative fault law, you can still pursue compensation if you were less than 50% at fault.
Special Rules for Common Carriers in Illinois
Common carriers are service providers, like Pace, that offer transportation for a fee. Because of this, Pace drivers have a higher duty of care to passengers than other motorists.
This includes protecting passengers from:
- Pace driver negligence
- Bus maintenance issues or defective bus components
- Assaults by other passengers or foreseeable third-party conduct
- Unsafe conditions
This responsibility applies from the moment a passenger boards until they leave the vehicle.
This elevated standard is why Pace bus accident claims are often evaluated more strictly than other vehicle cases.
CTA and Pace
The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) oversees and helps fund the three main transportation operators in the area:
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Metra
- Pace Suburban Bus Service
In practice, the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority serves as a municipal government authority. It does not run routes, manage day-to-day service, or manage Pace drivers.
Our Chicago Pace Accident Lawyers Help Victims Recover Compensation
Our Chicago Pace accident attorneys work tirelessly to help secure the compensation you deserve. We seek compensation for damages, such as:
- Immediate medical care costs and future medical treatment expenses
- Lost income and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families of those killed (funeral costs, lost financial support, loss of consortium)
Chicago Pace Injury FAQs
Here are common questions and answers:
How long do I have to file a claim against Pace?
Pace claims follow shorter deadlines in Illinois. In most cases, you must provide a formal notice within one year and file a lawsuit within the one-year statute of limitations.
Can I sue Pace if I was hit by a Pace bus while driving?
Yes, if a Pace driver hit you, you can bring a claim against the company. Responsibility depends on fault, road conditions, and whether other drivers contributed to the crash.
Can a Pace employee file a personal injury lawsuit if they're injured on the job?
Typically, employees can’t sue employers in a personal injury lawsuit if they’re covered by workers’ compensation. However, if other parties are responsible, you can pursue lawsuits against them.
Does Pace’s common carrier status affect my case?
Yes, common carriers owe passengers riding or waiting the highest degree of care. So, the company must take extra precautions. This strengthens personal injury claims compared to other types of cases.
What is a Pace Pulse station, and can I file a claim if I'm hurt there?
Pace Pulse stations are designated stops along corridors. If you are harmed at a Pulse station, you can take legal action against the entity that controls the property.
Who is responsible if I'm hurt at a Pace Park-n-Ride lot?
Responsibility depends on who owns and controls the parking lot.
Other Bus Accidents We Handle
Our Chicago bus accident law firm assists with a range of bus accident claims, including:
- CTA accident claims
- Chicago school bus accident claims
- Charter bus accidents
- Intercity bus accidents
- Shuttle bus accidents
Contact a Chicago Pace Bus Accident Attorney For a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been hurt in a Pace bus accident in the Chicago area, an experienced attorney from our firm can review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the settlement you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact a Chicago Pace bus accident attorney today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Call us at 312-321-1111 or use our contact form.