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 can be your advocate in seeking compensation for damages.
In this Article
What Kinds of Accidents Occur in the CTA System?
Accidents on public transportation services 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 mistake, 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.
According to CTA’s ridership data, 231,181,366 passengers rode their buses and trains in 2024, nearly 12% more than in 2023.
CTA’s 1,480 rail cars operate eight routes and 224.1 miles of track. CTA trains make about 1,888 public transit trips each day and serve 145 stations.
The CTA does not operate school buses, but it does offer a number of programs and services to help students get around Chicago.
While the CTA bus system is generally safe, accidents causing severe injuries can still occur.
Is the CTA a Common Carrier Under Illinois Law?
The Metropolitan Transit Authority Act established the CTA and governs public transportation. The CTA is responsible for ensuring passenger safety and must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries, exceeding the duties of private individuals or entities.
In the event of an accident, the CTA is obligated to offer appropriate assistance to affected passengers.
What Causes CTA Accidents?
Mishaps like CTA bus accidents resulting in serious injuries 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.
CTA can be held liable for an accident with a public transportation vehicle for failing to:
Properly maintain buses and trains
Properly train or supervise bus or train drivers
Properly investigate accidents
Take corrective action after an accident has occurred
Can I Sue the CTA for My Injuries?
Yes, you can sue the CTA for injuries from bus or train accidents. Since holding a government agency accountable can be complex and the CTA is self-insured, handling all claims for injuries—you will not be dealing with an insurance company—it’s best to seek help from a CTA bus accident attorney.
Do I Need a CTA Accident Lawyer?
If you were injured by a CTA train service or bus accident you might wonder how an attorney can help you, or if you even have a case to recover compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney from our legal team can help you:
Review your accident and determine if you have a valid case
Explain your legal options for recovering compensation
Estimate the amount of compensation you might receive
Explain how much time it will take to settle your claim
Gather evidence and documentation
Handle communication with the CTA and their lawyers
Fight for fair compensation in court, if necessary
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 and medical bills for future treatment), 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?
Essential evidence includes medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, maintenance logs for the CTA vehicle involved, and any communication with the CTA.
What Is 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
How Long Do I Have to File My CTA Accident Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for CTA accident claims (70 ILCS 3605/41) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 341) 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
If you’ve been seriously injured in a CTA accident, we can help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have a strong record of winning cases and will fight for the full and fair settlement you deserve.
We Offer a Free Consultation
Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your accident case. With no upfront costs and a commitment to only getting paid if we win your personal injury case, we’re here to advocate for you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from an accident involving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
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