The Chicago Transit Authority, known at the "CTA," operates 1,865 buses in and around Chicago. They have over 128 bus routes, and it's all part of Chicago's large transportation system. Those significant numbers, in combination with the fact that the CTA services Chicago's "L" trains as well, helps to explain how thousands of public transit rides are taken each and every weekday in the greater Chicago area.
The system of mass transit and the buses that run in the city provide a significant service. They assist those who otherwise would have to drive, walk, or travel by another means. Unfortunately, with all these people and all these moving machines, CTA bus accidents happen often in Chicago. Take a look with the experienced Chicago CTA accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C.
How many people ride CTA buses?
In 2013, CTA buses saw an average ridership of 957,033 on weekdays with an annual ridership of 300.12 million. These numbers were higher than the comparable numbers for the CTA's "L" trains. This illustrates the prevalent use of the CTA bus system in Chicago and the suburbs.
In most cases, a passenger boards a CTA bus at a bus stop, pays the fare, and then picks a location on the bus to either sit or stand for the duration of trip. When that passenger reaches his or her destination, the passenger disembarks from the bus. However, not every trip goes this smoothly. CTA buses are in traffic incidents several times each week on average. Further, many of those incidents result in personal injuries.
Victims of a CTA Bus Accidents
When a bus accident involving the CTA takes place, there are several types of potential victims. First, those riding the bus may have injuries in the crash even though they play no role in the accident. When a collision happens, bus passengers are not in seat belts or other safety devices. Also, common safety features like airbags are not present to protect them. This can lead to significant injuries among those who are on board the bus at the time of the impact. A collision can even prove fatal.
But passengers on the bus are not the only people who can get hurt in a CTA accident. Drivers and passengers in other vehicles, like a typical passenger car, are likely to be hurt if they are in a crash. When compared to a standard CTA bus, a car is much smaller, much lighter, and much more likely to sustain damage in the event of a crash. This puts those inside the car at a greater risk of harm. Experienced Chicago bus accident attorneys can help convey the financial consequences of being involved in an auto accident with a large vehicle.
Pedestrian accident injuries can also happen when people are walking near a CTA bus. Additionally, bicyclists who are riding on the road or in a marked bicycle lane can become victims of a crash. Occasionally, a motorcyclist may sustain injury as well.
What Should I do if Injured in a CTA Bus Crash?
Here are some suggestions if you have injuries from a collision involving the Chicago Transit Authority:
CTA Passengers
After a bus accident:
- Don't immediately walk away. Stay at the scene of the accident. Make sure you give your information to anyone from the CTA or Chicago Police department investigating the accident.
- If necessary, seek medical care shortly after the accident. Do not refuse an ambulance ride to an emergency room if hurt.
- Contact a CTA bus accident attorney in Chicago.
Other Drivers, Passengers, Pedestrians, Cyclists
After a collision, those occupying other vehicles should:
- Call police and make a report
- Take photos of the scene of the accident
- Gather contact information from any independent witnesses
- Seek necessary medical treatment
- Contact a Chicago CTA injury lawyer
Legal Options for Victims of CTA Bus Accidents
After the dust settles on a collision, the first thing that crosses many victims' minds is the realization that they will incur substantial financial harm due to their accident. From medical bills and rehabilitative expenses, to missed wages and pain and suffering, the toll from collisions can be extreme.
Fortunately, those who suffer injuries in a CTA bus accident in Chicago have the right to seek relief against those responsible for the crash. This includes the CTA itself in many cases. Claims can help victims recover monetarily following accidents. They can help place those who suffer injuries in the same position they were in prior to the impact.
But when a CTA vehicle is in a traffic incident, the laws are slightly more complicated than those that apply to a typical crash between two cars. A lawsuit must be on file within a shorter time period or the victim may not be able to make a recovery. Therefore, acting promptly is of utmost importance.
CTA Accident Lawyers in Chicago - Abels & Annes
It is the right of every victim to consult and work with a personal injury attorney in their case. If you have been in a collision with a CTA bus and you are hurt, know the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by to help you.
Our legal team handles many accidents involving the CTA and we fight for the best possible outcome for our clients in each case. If we represent you for the injuries you sustain in your accident, we will do the same and we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at (312) 924-7575. When you call, a CTA bus accident lawyer will give you a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation. If you prefer, contact us online to discuss your claim.
If you were injured in a CTA bus accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (855) LAW-CHICAGO or Contact Us online for a free case consultation.