One Killed, 13 Injured In Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Bus Accident
Bus Accident - November 22, 2024
Deadly South Side Chicago CTA Bus Crash Possibly Preceded By Police Chase
CHICAGO, CALIFORNIA (November 22, 2024) – One person was killed and 13 people were injured in a South Side Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus accident.
Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. A vehicle may have been pursued by the police when it was involved in a collision with another vehicle and both hit a bus near 60th Street and State Street.
The suspect was allegedly speeding prior to the collision. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. The driver of the vehicle hit by the vehicle fleeing police was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
Tragically, they later died at the hospital. Three people inside the fleeing vehicle were also taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
Ten other people inside the CTA bus were taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Cook County Bus Accidents
Bus accidents lead to many serious injuries and deaths every year. 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 factors that can make buses uniquely dangerous.
- Buses have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles.
- Buses have a high center of gravity, which makes them more prone to rollovers.
- Buses have a wide turning radius, which can lead to more side-impact collisions.
- Buses weigh 10 times more than passenger vehicles and can be deadly even at lower speeds.
Buses are considered common carriers under Illinois law. They must operate with a great deal of care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601) “No vehicle may be driven upon any highway of this State at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or endangers the safety of any person or property.” Victims of bus accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any bus accident. A police department could be liable if they led a police chase that was dangerous or violated department policy. There are very specific guidelines on when officers are allowed to engage in pursuits and when those pursuits can be terminated. Generally speaking, police officers should not engage in pursuits in densely populated urban areas.
Investigating Cook County School Bus Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this South Side CTA bus collision. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a South Side, Chicago CTA bus accident? Our team of Chicago bus accident attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.
