13 Injured In South Side, Chicago Bus Accident

Bus Accident - March 29, 2024

13 Injured, 3 Seriously Injured In Chicago Transit Authority Bus Accident on Chicago’s South Side

13 Injured In South Side, Chicago Bus Accident

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (March 29, 2024) – At least 13 people were injured in a CTA bus accident on Chicago’s South Side by 79th Street and Cottage Grove.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday morning. A bus was traveling on route No. 79 when it was hit by a van traveling westbound.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. A total of 13 people were taken to local hospitals. Three people were listed in serious condition, and seven were listed in fair condition.

Another three were listed in good condition. A full investigation into the Chicago Transit Authority bus accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Chicago Bus Accidents

Thousands of people are injured every year in bus accidents. Transit buses were involved in a disproportionate number of collisions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “On average, from 2006 to 2016, intercity buses accounted for 13 percent, and school buses and transit buses accounted for 40 percent and 34 percent, respectively, of all buses involved in fatal crashes.” City data from Chicago has shown that roughly 500 people were injured in CTA bus crashes. There are a number of steps that bus companies should take to prevent collisions.

  • Bus companies should make sure their buses are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
  • Bus companies should ensure that all of their drivers are well trained.
  • Bus companies should plan their routes ahead of time. Ideally, routes should avoid left turns whenever possible.
  • Bus companies can implement safety technology such as collision avoidance systems and lane departure warning systems.

Bus companies are considered “common carriers” in Illinois and their drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to drivers who are speeding. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601), no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

The company or municipal entity that a bus driver worked for could also be held at fault for a collision. In general, employers are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. This could include instances where a bus driver was transporting passengers. It is important that certain steps are taken after any bus accident.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • The event data recorder on the bus should be reviewed.
  • Medical records related to the crash should be collected.
  • An experienced Chicago bus accident attorney should be contacted.

A large number of bus accidents are preventable. They often involve drivers who are not following traffic regulations. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. The FMCSA requires buses that can carry 16 or more passengers to have at least $5,000,000 in liability coverage. Any person who is injured in a bus accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A bus accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Chicago Transit Authority Bus Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this South Side CTA bus accident. It is our hope that all involved will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a CTA bus accident? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our team of Chicago bus accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.