Being involved in a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) accident can be a life-altering experience. Whether it’s a bus collision, train derailment, or an accident at a CTA station, victims often face significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages.
Navigating the legal complexities of a CTA accident claim requires the expertise of experienced CTA accident lawyers who understand the unique challenges of these cases. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in representing victims of CTA accidents, ensuring they receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.Â
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Stats
The Chicago Transit Authority serves a population of 3.2 million across Chicago and 35 suburbs.
On the average weekday, the ridership count reaches 762,564, of which 445,445 CTA bus rides and 317,118 CTA train rides. [1]
Types of Cases Our CTA Accident Lawyers Handle
CTA accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting unique legal challenges and requiring specialized knowledge to navigate successfully. Our firm has extensive experience handling different types of CTA-related accidents, including:
- Bus-on-Bus Collisions: These involve CTA bus accidents between two public transit buses or school buses, often resulting in significant injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles. A CTA bus accident attorney from our team can help injured bus passengers recover compensation following such incidents.
- Collisions with Other Vehicles: A CTA bus or train can also be involved in an accident with other vehicles on the road or tracks. Such accidents can result in serious injuries for CTA passengers and other vehicle occupants.
- Bus-on-Pedestrian Accidents: These occur when CTA buses hit pedestrians, either while crossing streets or boarding/exiting the bus, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Injured victims can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. In the event of a CTA bus accident fatality, our CTA bus accident attorney team can help families recover damages through a wrongful death claim.
- Train Derailments: Resulting from mechanical failures, human error, or adverse weather conditions, train derailments can cause catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.
- Train-on-Train Collisions: Train accidents where two trains collide can lead to multiple casualties and complex liability issues.
- Accidents at CTA Stations or Bus Stops: Incidents that happen during boarding or exiting CTA vehicles or due to unsafe conditions at stations and stops.
Common Causes of CTA Accidents
Understanding the common causes of CTA bus or train accidents is crucial for building a strong legal case. Our attorneys meticulously investigate each incident to identify the root causes, which often include:
- Driver Negligence: This includes behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, and driver fatigue.
- Mechanical Failure: Issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical defects can lead to serious accidents involving CTA buses and trains.
- Poor Maintenance: Neglected or improperly maintained CTA buses, trains, and infrastructure can cause preventable accidents.
- Defective Equipment: Faulty equipment, such as malfunctioning doors or safety systems, can contribute to a CTA bus or train accident.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, combined with factors like icy platforms or poor visibility, can result in CTA bus accidents, particularly if proper safety measures are not in place.
Liability in CTA Accidents
Our attorneys are skilled at identifying and proving negligence in CTA accident claims and wrongful death claims to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement. Potential areas of liability include:
- Improper Maintenance: Failing to adequately maintain buses, trains, and related infrastructure can lead to accidents.
- Insufficient Training: Lack of proper training or supervision of CTA drivers and staff can result in preventable errors and accidents.
- Inadequate Investigation: Failing to thoroughly investigate previous accidents and implement corrective actions can lead to repeated incidents.
- Negligent Actions: Any actions or inactions by CTA personnel that contribute to unsafe conditions can form the basis for liability.
CTA as a Common Carrier
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates as a common carrier under Illinois law, which imposes a heightened duty of care to ensure the safety of its train and bus passengers. As a common carrier, the CTA is obligated to provide safe and reliable transportation services to the public.
This legal status means that the CTA must adhere to stricter safety standards than private individuals or entities, ensuring that its buses, trains, and related facilities are properly maintained and operated to prevent accidents and injuries.
Damages a CTA Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
Those injured in a CTA accident have the right to seek compensation for various damages. An experienced attorney from our legal team can ensure that all avenues for recovery are explored, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency room visits and the ambulance ride, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for wages lost during your recovery period, reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job, and future lost income if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and discomfort, emotional suffering such as anxiety and depression, and loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations caused by the injury.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of personal belongings damaged or destroyed in the accident, including vehicles, electronics, clothing, and other items.
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: Funds for in-home care services, long-term rehabilitation programs, and modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities if you suffer severe or disabling injuries.
- Wrongful Death: In the event of a fatality, compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and emotional suffering of surviving family members.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or misconduct by the CTA, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
What to Do Following a CTA Accident
Taking the right steps immediately following a CTA accident is crucial for protecting your rights and building a strong case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care as soon as possible, even if you don’t initially feel injured.
- Gather Evidence: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, gather contact information of witnesses, and document any details you remember.
- Report the Incident: Notify the CTA and your insurance company about the accident and ensure it is officially recorded.
- Contact an Experienced CTA Accident Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and the best course of action for your situation.
You Have Limited Time to File a CTA Accident Claim
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a public transportation accident lawsuit is typically one year from the date of the incident. It is crucial to act quickly to ensure you do not miss this critical deadline and fail to recover financial compensation. A personal injury attorney from our team can help you file your claim promptly and efficiently.
Contact a CTA Accident Lawyer Today!
Our dedicated team is well-versed in Illinois law and the specific regulations governing the Chicago Transit Authority. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping our clients recover from their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a CTA accident, our attorneys are here to provide the legal support you need to move forward with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
References: [1] Transit Chicago