According to a report from ABC 7 News, one person was killed and three other people were injured after a sedan collided with a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. Witnesses report that the driver of the vehicle ran a red light. The fatal crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation. Within this blog post, our Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyers explain what we know about the crash, highlight the risk of CTA bus crash claims, and highlight the unique points to understand about the claims process in these cases in Illinois.
Car Ran Red Light, Collides With CTA Bus in Little Village
A tragic motor vehicle collision was reported in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. As reported by law enforcement, there was a crash between a CTA bus and a white Infiniti sedan. Witnesses reported that the Sedan—which was being operated by an 18-year-old—ran a red light. Tragically, the driver of the sedan was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The bus collided with a nearby building, causing a partial collapse to the structure. Notably, three other people, including the bus driver and a bus passenger, were hurt in the crash. A passenger in the sedan was also hurt. The matter is still under a more thorough investigation by the Chicago Police Department.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Operates a Comprehensive Network of Buses
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a comprehensive network of buses. In doing so, the agency provides transportation services across the city and in several of the surrounding suburbs. CTA buses are a key component of Chicago’s public transportation system. The City of Chicago reports that its buses transport more than one million passengers on average each day.
An Overview of the Law for Claims Against a CTA Bus in Chicago
Personal injury claims are complicated—especially so if the defendant is a public entity. The Illinois Tort Immunity Act is that state law that applies to most personal injury cases against government defendants. However, it does not apply to CTA bus accident claims. When filing a claim against a CTA bus for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision, the applicable law is the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. The Act sets specific guidelines and limitations for pursuing claims against public transit entities in Illinois, including the Chicago Transit Authority. Unlike the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, which provides broader protections to various governmental bodies, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act directly addresses issues related to public transit systems.
Every Crash With a CTA Bus Should Be Thoroughly Investigated By an Attorney
CTA bus accident claims are fault-based legal cases. To hold the CTA—or any other party legally responsible for your collision—you must prove that they bear liability for the crash. Your Chicago bus accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. Indeed, engaging a lawyer is one of the keys to uncovering the evidence that you need to build a case. Without comprehensive evidence, it can be difficult to impose liability. The CTA and its insurers waste no time in investigating incidents to build their legal defense.
Metropolitan Transit Authority Act: Key Deadline (Six Months)
In Illinois, there is a two year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including motor vehicle collision. However, injured victims have less time to start the claims process against a public entity, such as the CTA. Indeed, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act imposes a strict deadline for those seeking to file claims against transit authorities. More specifically, injured victims must submit their claims within six months from the date of the accident. What happens if you miss the deadline? You could lose out on your opportunity to hold the CTA liable for your injuries. Be proactive: Consult with a Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyer right away after a bad crash.
What to Know Recovering Compensation After a Crash With a CTA Bus in Chicago
Through a car accident claim against the CTA or a private bus operator, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages. However, defendants and their insurers are not eager to pay. They have a strong financial incentive to resolve claims for the lowest amount possible—potentially only pennies on the dollar. In fact, they could even try to deny liability altogether. Our Chicago, IL motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you pursue justice. Depending on the nature of the accident, compensation may be sought for:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical care, including ambulance costs;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical costs;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering/mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a spouse, child, or parent.
How Our Chicago, IL Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help
Were you involved in a traffic collision with a CTA bus? These can be complicated claims. A key point to remember is that Illinois has a specialized tort claims process for personal injury cases in which a government entity—including the Chicago Transit Authority—is the defendant. You do not have to take on the legal claims process alone. These cases can be especially challenging. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our team of Chicago attorneys have the professional expertise to take on these cases. Our verdicts and settlements tell the story. We provide free, no obligation case reviews to victims.
Contact Our Chicago Car Crash Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago car crash attorneys fight aggressively for justice. If you or your loved one was injured in a collision with a CTA bus, we are more than ready to help. Call us now or connect with us online for your free case review. With a law office in Chicago, our firm handles accident cases in Cook County and throughout the wider region in Northern Illinois, including in Forest Park, Evanston, Cicero, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge, and Harwood Heights.