If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from an accident involving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the experienced CTA accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers offer invaluable assistance in establishing liability and pursuing a full and fair settlement to help you recover from your losses.
CTA bus accidents and train accidents can involve L train riders, bus passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles causing serious injuries and potentially resulting in complex cases. A public transportation accident lawsuit might involve multiple injured parties, the CTA, their insurance company, and can be particularly challenging when they include wrongful death claims.
Chicago Transit Authority Statistics
The CTA is one of the largest public transportation systems in the country.
According to their 2023 report, the annual ridership for CTA bus and rail reached 243.5 million rides. CTA bus ridership was 140 million in 2022, growing 19% from 2021. Rail ridership grew 32% in 2022 from 79 million to 104 million.
Though the the CTA bus system has a good safety record overall for such a large public transportation network, serious accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries do happen.
CTA Quick Facts
- 2.0 million rides on an average day
- 2nd largest public transportation system in the US
- Serves 35 suburbs around Chicago
- CTA buses serve as school buses for students and airport shuttles for travelers
- The system is patrolled by The Chicago Police Department
Types of Accidents That Fall Under CTA Jurisdiction
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 during boarding or exiting CTA buses or trains.
Common Causes of CTA Accidents
CTA 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 can precipitate incidents, especially when combined with factors like icy platforms at CTA stations or difficulties boarding and exiting buses and trains.
Liability in 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 an experienced lawyer on your side to hold the CTA accountable. Some of the most common ways that the CTA can be held liable for an accident by public transportation vehicle 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.
What Determines the Value of My CTA Accident Claim?
The value of your CTA accident claim can be determined by several key factors:
- Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries typically warrant higher compensation.
- Duration of Recovery: Longer recovery periods might increase total medical bills.
- Lost Wages: The greater the income loss, the higher the claim.
- Medical Expenses: These include costs of surgeries, medications, therapies, etc.
- Impact on Lifestyle: If your lifestyle is significantly altered, compensation increases.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional trauma can significantly impact the claim value.
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 Chicago Transit Authority to ensure safety surpasses what is expected from a private individual or entity.
The CTA is 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 to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a CTA Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a CTA accident, there are some important steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention – It’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
- Gather evidence – If possible, take photos of the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses.
- Contact an experienced CTA accident lawyer – Experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Is there a statute of limitations for a CTA accident claim?
Yes. 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. If clients don’t file most personal injury claims within one year from when they got hurt, they may be barred from being able to recover compensation.
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. An experienced 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.
Discuss Your Case with a CTA Attorney Today
Each CTA bus accident attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers serves severely injured CTA passengers involved in bus or train accidents in Chicago and Cook County. Call today for a free 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.
How The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Can Help You
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represents seriously injured mass transit accident victims. We understand the unique challenges involved in these cases and know how to build a strong case for compensation.
Contact us today for a no obligation case consultation. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless we win your personal injury case.
(312) 223-1700