At least 18 people were hurt in a recent accident when the PACE suburban bus they were passengers on struck an automobile in Chicago Heights. According to PACE spokesperson Patrick Wilmot, the bus was headed north on Halstead Street when another vehicle attempted to turn in front of it near 12th Street. The bus was reportedly unable to stop before colliding with the automobile. Although both vehicles allegedly sustained minor damage, 18 passengers were transported to area hospitals following the crash. Wilmot stated the accident was minor and none of the passenger injuries were considered to be life-threatening.
It is unclear exactly how many passengers were riding on the PACE bus at the time of the collision. Wilmot said no delays in bus service resulted from the crash. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local police and no citations were issued in connection with the incident.
Many people throughout Chicago utilize passenger buses on a daily basis. Children on their way to school, commuters headed to work, and others rely on bus drivers to get them to their destination in a safe and timely manner. All buses used to transport passengers must be properly designed and regularly inspected for safety hazards. The Illinois Vehicle Code also requires school bus operators in Illinois to adhere to additional safety requirements. Despite safety regulations, thousands of Chicago bus passengers are injured in unexpected collisions every year. Although some crashes are caused by other motorists on the roadway, bus accidents too often result from driver, bus company, or bus manufacturer negligence.
Because most buses do not provide passengers with safety belts, the injuries sustained by a bus rider who was involved in a Chicago area bus crash may be severe. In addition to physical harm, many victims are also faced with the financial hardships associated with lost wages and temporary or permanent disability. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash while riding as a passenger on a bus, you are advised to discuss your injury claim with a hardworking bus accident lawyer as soon as you are able.
If you were injured in a Chicago area bus accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. at (312) 475-9596. Our knowledgeable Illinois bus accident attorneys are available to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury case. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our experienced lawyers are on hand to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Our capable attorneys are here to help injured clients receive the compensation they deserve following an accident that was caused by a negligent bus or other driver. To speak with a committed personal injury lawyer today, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
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Additional Resources:
18 suffer minor injuries in Chicago Heights bus crash, by Susan DeMar Lafferty, Chicago Sun-Times