CTA Bus Accident Illustrates Danger to Public Transit Users

 Posted on January 24,2019 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

On January 23, a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus crashed into a pole on Chicago Avenue, resulting in injuries to 15 people, including 13 bus passengers. The accident occurred when the bus driver lost control of the vehicle due to ice on the road and veered into oncoming traffic. In an attempt to avoid a collision with any other vehicles, the driver rapidly changed direction and ultimately collided with a street pole. While no passengers were killed in the accident, injuries to the 13 riders were severe enough to require hospitalization. For users of Chicago-area public transit, the collision served as a stirring reminder that accidents do occur while riding on public transportation. 

Bus Accidents in the United States

While the vast majority of Americans believe they are entirely safe while utilizing public transportation, bus accidents are actually quite common in the U.S. According to studies conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), around 225 Americans were killed in bus accidents in 2016. In the 10-year span from 2006-16, intercity transit bus accidents accounted for 13 percent of all fatal bus accidents across the country. 

While fatalities in bus accidents are fairly uncommon, severe injuries are not. Statistics compiled by FMCSA state that in 2016, over 119,000 Americans were injured in accidents involving large busses or trucks. Due to the fact that most bus riders do not wear seat belts while in motion, bus accident injuries are often severe. Serious injuries suffered in bus accidents include traumatic brain injury, bone breaks and fractures, and injuries to the spinal cord. 

Contact a Waukegan Bus Accident Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our legal team is dedicated to helping our clients receive the injury compensation they deserve in the aftermath of a vehicle accident. If you have been injured in a public transit accident, it is common for municipalities to try and avoid paying out full compensation for injuries suffered. Fortunately, with decades of experience operating within the state of Illinois, we know what it takes to provide aggressive legal representation and fight for your rights as an accident victim. This includes payment for medical bills, physical therapy treatment, loss of work hours, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2016