If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from an accident involving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), an experienced CTA accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, offers invaluable assistance in establishing liability and pursuing a full and fair settlement to help you recover from your losses.
What Kinds of Accidents Occur in the CTA System?
Accidents on public transportation in Chicago that could involve the CTA include:
Bus-on-Bus Collisions
These involve crashes between two public transit buses.
Bus-on-Pedestrian Accidents
These occur when buses hit pedestrians crossing streets or boarding/exiting.
Train Derailments
These result from factors like a mechanical failure, human mistakes, or weather.
Train-on-Train Collisions
These occur when trains rear-end or sideswipe each other.
Accidents at CTA Train Stations or Bus Stops
These may happen on platforms, during boarding or exiting CTA buses or trains.
What Is the Chicago Transit Authority?
The Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest public transportation system in the United States, responsible for providing bus and train service to millions of people every day.
Even though the CTA bus system has a good safety record overall and is generally safe, serious accidents causing severe injuries can still happen.
CTA Facts
The CTA operates bus and train services in Chicago and 35 suburbs, covering over 300 miles of track with more than 1,800 buses.
Accidents involving L train riders, bus passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles can cause serious injuries. Public transportation accident lawsuits often involve multiple parties, including the CTA and their insurance company, and can be especially complex in cases of wrongful death claims.
Is the CTA a Common Carrier Under Illinois Law?
The Metropolitan Transit Authority Act created the CTA and governs public transportation operations and responsibilities for common carriers. A duty exists to ensure passenger safety while providing transportation services for a fee. Therefore, the duty of the CTA is to ensure safety that surpasses what is expected from a private individual or entity, and they are required to implement reasonable measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the CTA is obligated to provide reasonable assistance to affected passengers.
What Causes CTA Accidents?
Mishaps like CTA bus accidents can be caused by:
- Driver negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, impairment, or driver fatigue,
- Mechanical failures such as brake or tire issues,
- Poorly maintained or defective equipment,
- Weather conditions, especially when combined with factors like icy platforms at CTA stations or difficulties boarding and exiting buses and trains.
Who May Be Liable for CTA Accidents?
Because the CTA is an independent government agency, seeking compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim can be very complicated, so you will likely need experienced CTA accident lawyers on your side to help.
Ways that the CTA can be held liable for an accident with a public transportation vehicle like CTA trains, include:
- Failing to properly maintain buses and trains,
- Failing to properly train or supervise bus drivers or train drivers,
- Failing to properly investigate accidents, and
- Failing to take corrective action after an accident has occurred.
Can I Sue the CTA for My Injuries?
Yes, you can sue the CTA for injuries sustained in an accident involving their buses or trains. Due to the complexities involved in holding a governmental agency accountable, it is highly recommended to seek legal assistance from a lawyer experienced in CTA accident claims.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive From a CTA Accident Claim?
Compensation from a CTA accident claim can include medical expenses, including an ambulance ride, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costs associated with long-term recovery or lifestyle changes caused by the accident.
What Evidence is Important in a CTA Accident Claim?
Key evidence includes medical records, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, maintenance records of the CTA vehicle involved, and any correspondence with the CTA.
What Determines the Value of My CTA Accident Claim?
CTA accident lawyers consider several factors when they value your CTA public transportation accident lawsuit:
- Severity of injuries
- Duration of recovery
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Impact on lifestyle
- Pain and suffering
Do I Have a Case?
If you were injured in a CTA L train or bus accident you might wonder if you even have a case to recover compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney from our legal team will review your CTA bus accident or train accident case and evaluate what kind of personal injury claim you should file and what financial compensation you may be entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to File My CTA Accident Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for CTA accident claims is one year from the date of the incident according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
Each CTA bus accident attorney at our law firm serves severely injured CTA passengers involved in bus or train accidents in Chicago and Cook County.
Call us for an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss whether a public transportation accident personal injury lawsuit could help you to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.
We Offer a Free Consultation
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represents seriously injured mass transit accident victims in the Chicago area.
Contact us today for a no obligation accident case consultation. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless we win your personal injury case.
(312) 223-1700