What Happens If Your Child Is Injured in a School Bus Accident in Illinois?

 Posted on July 28, 2025 in Car Accidents

School bus accidents are incredibly frightening for children and their families. Although buses are generally considered a safe way to get to and from school, accidents can and do happen, and sometimes they result in serious injuries. If your child has been hurt in a school bus crash, you may be wondering who is responsible. An experienced Glenview, IL personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and how you might pursue compensation.

Who Is Liable for a School Bus Accident in Illinois?

The first step in any school bus injury case is determining who caused the accident. Liability in these cases can be complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue a claim against:

• The school district or private school operating the bus

• A private transportation company hired to provide bus services

• The bus driver, especially if they acted negligently

• Another driver who caused the crash

• The manufacturer of a defective bus part

• A maintenance provider that failed to ensure the bus was safe

Many school districts use third-party transportation providers. These companies must follow state safety regulations and perform background checks on drivers. If they fail to do so, they may be considered negligent under Illinois personal injury law.

Can You Sue the School District for a School Bus Accident Even if It Is a Public Entity?

Public school districts are government bodies, which means special rules apply if someone wants to file a claim against them. Under the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/, there are strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed. You must file a notice of claim quickly — typically within one year of the accident. This is significantly shorter than the usual two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed, even if your child suffered serious injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Could You Recover?

If another party was legally responsible for the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for your child’s injuries and related losses. These might include their medical bills and rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability or disfigurement, loss of normal life, and any future medical or educational needs due to the injury. Each case is unique, and the compensation available in your case depends on the severity of the injuries and the facts surrounding the accident.

Do Not Let Language Stop You From Seeking Justice

If you speak Russian, Mongolian, or Spanish, help is available in your language. Our law firm is proud to serve the diverse communities of Northbrook and surrounding areas. We are passionate about ensuring that clients can get the compensation they deserve regardless of their English fluency. Call our offices to schedule a meeting with someone who can speak to you in your own language.

Contact a North Shore, IL School Bus Accident Lawyer

If your child was hurt in a school bus crash, contact a Glenview, IL personal injury attorney at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. for guidance. We offer free consultations and speak Russian, Mongolian, and Spanish. Let us help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation your family may be entitled to. Call 847-729-7660 today to get started.