On October 17th, 2018, a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus collided with a pole in the South Side neighborhood of Grand Crossing, resulting in injuries to 26 people. In all, 21 passengers were sent to hospitals throughout the city after the bus crashed into a pole on the corner of 71st Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Fortunately, no passengers were fatally injured in the accident, but the collision served as a sobering reminder of the risks of public transit accidents.
Every day, more than 1.5 million people use public transportation throughout the city of Chicago. If you or a family member are injured in a mass transit accident, you should seek out the assistance of a legal professional.
How Common Are Bus Accidents?
While most people believe that bus accidents are a traffic anomaly, these types of collisions are fairly common both in Chicago and throughout the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 227 bus crashes that resulted in fatalities throughout the United States in 2016 alone. Tragically, these accidents are seemingly on the rise, as the FMCSA found that the number of fatal collisions involving large trucks or buses has increased by a staggering 28% since 2009. Transit buses accounted for 34% of all fatal bus accidents in 2016.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus passengers are likely to face severe injuries in mass transit accidents due to the lack of safety features such as seat belts or airbags. In addition, due to the large size of CTA buses, drivers and passengers of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians who are struck by a bus are likely to suffer serious harm.
In many cases, public transportation collisions are caused by vehicle-related factors or driver error. Some common factors leading to bus accidents include issues involving brake systems, steering capabilities, or flaws with the tires or headlights. However, the vast majority of fatal bus collisions are solely caused by the negligence of the driver. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 97% of fatal passenger vehicle accidents in 2016 involved no vehicle-related factors and could be completely attributed to reckless or negligent driving.
Contact a Lake County Mass Transit Accident Lawyer
At Pullano & Siporin, our legal team knows how vitally important financial security can be in the aftermath of an automobile accident. With years of experience, our staff is dedicated to helping you and your family receive maximum financial compensation for any injuries you suffer in an accident involving a CTA bus. To set up a free consultation with a Cook County bus accident attorney, call us today at 312-551-1100.
Sources:
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/26-hurt-after-cta-bus-crashes-into-pole-in-grand-crossing/
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2016
