A school bus transporting children through Wicker Park was involved in an accident on Tuesday afternoon when it collided with another vehicle. In all, 22 children on the bus were taken to area hospitals to be examined and treated for injuries they sustained in the crash. The current condition of the children and the extent of their injuries are not currently known, but the Chicago Fire Department stated that all of the children were in “good to fair” condition at the time of hospitalization.
The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the collision between the school bus and a car which occurred near the intersection of North Milwaukee Avenue and North Ashland Avenue in Chicago. The details of the crash are not yet clear as police continue their investigation. It is also not clear whether either driver was cited in the crash or is expected to be cited. Officials were able to confirm that the large number of injured students required them to be split among area hospitals including Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center.
While it is not yet known which driver caused the crash, it is clear that the young passengers on the bus were not at-fault. Yet they were the ones who suffered and were injured as the result of the negligent conduct of a driver. As victims, they may incur medical bills and expenses, may be forced to miss time from school or summer camps, may require care by their parents who may have to miss work, and could suffer from lifetime effects, including scars, permanent injuries, and pain.
To protect those like these innocent bus passengers, the law provides for the possibility of a financial recovery through the use of a civil claim. Depending on the facts of the accident, the drivers involved, and the amount of insurance coverage available, if any, each student could have multiple claims for their losses. Claims may be made against the bus driver, the bus company, the school district or organization running or operating the bus, the driver of the other car, or even against an uninsured or underinsured provision of the automobile insurance carried by a parent of an injured child.
School bus accidents can be minor or severe. Some may result in no injured children and yet others can cause death. We have seen children with broken bones, neck and back injuries, cuts and abrasions from broken glass, head injuries, post traumatic stress, and even death through our representation of school bus accident victims.
With so many possible claims and so many possible defendants, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney after an accident to make sure your child’s interests are protected. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand how devastating it can be when your son or daughter is injured while in the care of a school bus driver. We focus our entire practice on the representation of those who have been injured and we are prepared to represent you.
Call the Chicago school bus accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 924-7575 for a free consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day so please call us now.
Prior Blog Entries:
Chicago Motorcyclist Killed on Dan Ryan, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 10, 2013.
Illinois to Combine Ignition Interlock Devices with Camera, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 8, 2013.
Resources:
22 children hospitalized after Wicker Park bus crash, by Michael Lansu, Chicago Sun-Times, published July 9, 2013.