Accidents on a Chicago Transit Authority Bus: What You Need to Know

Riding a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. But what happens when something goes wrong? A bump in the road can turn into a life-altering experience if you’re involved in an accident. Knowing what causes these accidents, how often they happen, and what your rights are as a passenger can make all the difference if you find yourself in this situation.

CTA facts and stats

Before we dive into what causes CTA bus accidents or what you should do as a passenger, let’s talk about facts and statistics.

According to Transit Chicago:

• The CTA operates almost 1,900 buses.
• Almost 770,000 rides happen every single day.
• The CTA serves 35 suburbs, as well as Chicago itself.
• CTA bus routes cover over 1,500 miles with almost 16,000 stops per day.

That’s pretty impressive. It also means a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong.

What causes CTA bus accidents?

Chicago’s busy streets are a recipe for potential hazards, especially for CTA buses navigating through traffic, tight schedules, and unpredictable weather. Many are aware of (and alarmed by) the multiple-vehicle accident in early June 2024 caused by a runaway CTA bus. However, there are many other causes of bus accidents. Here are some of the most common:

• Driver error: Fatigue, distraction, or misjudging the space needed to make turns can lead to collisions. Bus operators have a tough job, but when they make mistakes, passengers (and other drivers) pay the price.
• Reckless drivers: Reckless drivers weaving in and out of traffic can force bus drivers to make sudden stops or swerve, creating dangerous conditions for everyone. For instance, in July 2024, a driver killed one person and injured three others after running a red light and colliding with a CTA bus. More recently, a car trying to evade a traffic stop crashed into a West Side CTA bus in January 2025.
• Poor maintenance: A poorly maintained bus can be a disaster waiting to happen. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or inoperable lights can turn an ordinary ride into a nightmare.
• Bad weather: Chicago’s snow, rain, and ice are hard on any vehicle, and buses are no exception. Slick roads can make it difficult to stop or maintain control. A bus sliding on ice-coated roads is a disaster for anyone around (and often within) it.
• Pedestrian and cyclist collisions: Sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists adds another layer of risk, especially at busy intersections, at night, and during inclement weather (like winter snows or summer’s torrential thunderstorms).

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons that CTA bus accidents happen. But how often do they occur?

How common are CTA bus accidents?

While CTA buses are generally safe, accidents do happen. According to news reports, CTA buses are involved in crashes each year, although the CTA doesn’t publish total numbers.

Some are minor fender benders, but others result in serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. And even a minor fender bender involving something the size of a CTA bus can still be pretty serious. As such, it’s important to know your rights in case you’re ever involved in one.

Your rights as a passenger

If you’re injured on a CTA bus, you have rights. Here’s what you need to know:

• Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, might not show symptoms right away, so don’t be too quick to dismiss the chance that you’re injured.
• Report the incident: Make sure the bus operator files an official accident report. If you’re able, take down the details yourself. You’ll want to note things like the time, location, and any other relevant facts.
• Document everything: Use your phone to take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Get contact information from other passengers or witnesses who saw what happened so that they can corroborate.
• Understand the clock: In Illinois, there are strict deadlines for filing claims against a government entity like the CTA. Don’t wait to take action. The one-year clock begins ticking as soon as the accident occurs.

Who can be sued after a CTA bus accident?

Determining who’s at fault in a bus accident can be tricky. That’s particularly true if there were mitigating circumstances, like ice or heavy rain. Depending on the circumstances, several parties might share responsibility for the accident:

• The CTA: If the bus driver was negligent or the accident was caused by poor maintenance, the CTA itself might be liable.
• The driver: In some cases, the bus driver may bear responsibility for the crash. For instance, if the driver was distracted by something else.
• Another vehicle’s driver: If a reckless or impaired driver caused the accident, they could be held accountable. This is by far the most common cause of CTA bus accidents.
• Manufacturers or maintenance providers: If faulty parts or poor repairs played a role, the companies responsible for those could be held partially responsible for the accident.

Whatever the case, don’t try to go it alone. You’ll need experienced legal help to help determine who is at fault and then hold them accountable.

How Gainsberg Law can help

Navigating a personal injury claim after a CTA bus accident isn’t something you should tackle alone. At Gainsberg Law, we understand the unique challenges of these cases, from identifying the at-fault party to dealing with the complexities of government claims.

We’re here to guide you through every step, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You didn’t choose to be in an accident, but you can choose to have someone in your corner who knows how to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on your case.