In the United States, accidents involving public transportation entities such as taxis, buses, and trains are not rare, and many people suffer injuries during the commute. These carriers offer services to the general public, therefore, need a license of a regulatory government body to operate. Hence, they are required to exercise the highest degree of care to ensure the safe travel of their passengers.
There are numerous reasons that can lead to an accident involving public transportation, most of which usually involves negligence. Some of the common causes include:
Driver fatigue.
Driver impairment.
Failing to adhere to traffic laws.
Faulty vehicle maintenance.
Speeding.
Public transportation is mostly owned by a municipality, thus different liability rules apply to accidents involving taxis, buses, and trains. The procedure of the claim is generally longer compared to conventional auto accidents involving cars and trucks. The laws that govern these types of lawsuits are referred to as State Tort Claims and usually, fall under State Tort Claims Acts.
The amount of compensation will vary from one case to another, but there are certain limitation and caps applicable in case of public transportation i.e. many states allow a maximum amount of $100,000 to be paid as compensation, despite the number of damages it caused. Furthermore, the statute of limitations in cases involving public transportation accidents are much briefer, as shorter as six months or even less.
Public transportation is an essential component of daily life in Illinois, serving millions of residents by offering access to a variety of transit options, including buses, trains, and light rail systems. Despite its importance, safety concerns arise due to the potential for accidents involving public transportation vehicles. These incidents can lead not only to injuries and fatalities but also to significant financial implications for those involved. By examining the latest statistics and trends, both policymakers and commuters can take proactive measures to enhance safety in public transportation.
The frequency of public transportation-related accidents in Illinois is noteworthy, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reporting a substantial number of incidents annually. In 2025, the state documented hundreds of accidents involving various transit modes, such as buses, trains, and other vehicles. Although many of these incidents resulted in minor injuries, there were numerous cases that had severe outcomes, including deaths. This alarming trend underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve safety protocols and reduce the occurrence of such accidents.
A wide range of factors contributes to public transportation accidents in Illinois, including:
Driver Error – Human mistakes by transit operators are a major cause of accidents. Factors like distracted driving, misjudging traffic conditions, or failing to adhere to safety protocols can result in serious collisions. Training programs that focus on reducing these errors are critical for improving overall safety.
Mechanical Failures – Issues with critical vehicle components—such as brakes, engines, and other mechanical systems—can greatly increase the risk of accidents. Regular maintenance and timely inspections are vital to ensure that all vehicles remain in safe, operating condition.
Incidents Involving Pedestrians and Passengers – Slip-and-fall accidents among passengers inside buses and trains are particularly common, especially in crowded conditions where the risk of losing balance is heightened. These incidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures.
Adverse Weather Conditions – Weather can play a significant role in transit-related accidents. Snow, rain, and fog can impair visibility, reduce traction, and create hazardous travel conditions, making it crucial for transit systems to adapt operations accordingly during inclement weather.
In response to these challenges, Illinois has implemented several robust measures designed to enhance public transportation safety:
Enhanced Driver Training Programs – By providing comprehensive training that emphasizes safe driving practices, transit agencies are working to minimize operator errors and improve overall driving performance.
Regular Vehicle Inspections – Instituting routine inspections helps identify and address mechanical issues before they result in accidents. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the safety of transit vehicles.
Infrastructure Improvements – Upgrading transit infrastructure is critical for safety. This includes installing better lighting at transit stops, improving signage, and enhancing pedestrian crossings to ensure the safety of those accessing public transportation.
Public Awareness Campaigns – Initiatives aimed at educating commuters about safety practices are essential. These campaigns can inform the public about how to travel safely on public transit, including being mindful of surroundings and reporting unsafe conditions.
If you were involved in a public transportation accident, it is highly important that you seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that your legal rights remain protected. Moreover, as the accident cases pertaining to public transportation entities are different from conventional auto accidents, there is a specific procedure to initiate a lawsuit, thus having a competent personal injury lawyer in Lake County is essential to pursue a claim.
If you did not sustain critical injuries, you should take photos of the scene of the incident from different angles, showing any personal injuries or damages to the property. You should also obtain a copy of the police report and contact information from the witnesses if any. This will enable your personal injury lawyer to devise a solid case against the negligent party and help you obtain maximum compensation for your loss and sufferings.
If you wish to find out more about public transportation accidents or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Office, have offices in Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Woodstock and Barrington. We represent clients throughout the communities of Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Barrington, Woodstock, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, North Chicago, Zion, Inverness, Palatine, Wauconda, Island Lake, Fox Lake, Barrington Hills, Spring Grove, Lake Bluff, Lakemoor, Long Grove, Lake Villa, Kildeer, Wadsworth, Indian Creek, Fox River Grove, Lindenhurst and other cities within Lake and McHenry Counties Illinois.
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