CTA Ordered To Pay $3 Million To Bus Crash Victim

A Chicago judge recently approved a settlement requesting that the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) needs to pay a $3 million settlement to a man who was hit by a bus in 2018. As a result of the accident, the 80-year-old victim had to have his leg amputated above the knee. He was in a coma in the hospital for a while directly after the accident, as well.

While he’s no longer fighting for his life in a coma, he does have to live in an assisted living center due to his injuries, which was why he sought damages. During the accident case, the CTA claimed the man was in the bus driver’s blind spot as he crossed Madison Street while the bus turned the corner. They also noted he wasn’t in a crosswalk at the time of the accident.

But the victim’s lawyers argued that the bus driver should have been able to see him as he crossed the street, as video surveillance showed he was not in the driver’s blind spot at all. In addition, the crash took place in the daytime, making the man clearly visible to drivers. His lawyers used a combination of the video, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction to show that the bus driver was simply not paying attention to the road as he turned.

This case went into mediation, where both parties agreed to the $3 million settlement. CTA is no stranger to settlements like this, as in just two years, it paid out over $16 million due to its buses being involved in about 500 accidents.

Bus Accidents in Maryland

While this case took place in Illinois, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has had its own share of accidents followed by lawsuits. After all, there are many ways in which bus drivers can cause collisions that result in injuries or deaths. Just one of the most common causes of bus accidents in Maryland is the driver being distracted, such as by their cell phone or radio. The bus driver might also be in too much of a hurry to start going, taking off before all passengers are fully seated. And in some cases, the bus is not well maintained, causing the brakes to fail or a tire to come off, resulting in a crash.

Not surprisingly, bus accidents can lead to serious injuries to the neck, back, or head. Broken bones and cuts are also common injuries after a bus crash. Of course, when a pedestrian is struck by a bus, the injuries are often serious enough to cause a coma or death. Regardless of the injuries, the driver who caused the Maryland accident—as well as his or her employer—should be held liable for damages so the victim doesn’t have to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

If you were a victim of a Maryland bus accident, it’s important to talk to a lawyer so you can find out your legal options. Contact a Maryland personal injury lawyer today to begin your case!