Chicago Car Accident Kills Four in Collision with a Bus

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 16, 2017

reported that four people died when a car struck a Chicago Transit Authority bus. The accident was a head-on collision. Police determined that the speeding car first struck a parked car and then rammed into the bus. The accident, which occurred at 5:50 in the morning, killed the driver and three passengers in the car. The bus driver and four people in the bus had injuries and were taken to the hospital. The car driver was a 27-year-old male. The three other passengers were women between the ages of 22 and 25. Police officers found alcohol in the car.

The claimants and their legal remedies

Each of the four passengers in the bus and the bus driver have the right to sue the estate of the car driver for their injuries. The police report did not indicate how serious the injuries were. Normally, a head-on crash can cause catastrophic injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or other internal and external bodily damage. The size and weight of the bus probably offered the bus occupants some protection.

Experienced Chicago car accident lawyers would also bring a claim against the owner of the vehicle on the victim’s behalf. In this case, the driver’s parents may have been owners and could be sued for the harm that was caused. Any tavern that served alcohol to the driver could be held accountable if the alcohol caused the car driver to become intoxicated and the drunk driver caused the car to speed out of control. Since alcohol was found in the car, it is likely the driver was under the influence.

The families of the three passengers in the car could bring wrongful death claims against the estate of the driver. Wrongful death claims can be brought on behalf of the parents of the deceased. If any of the female car passengers had a spouse or children, then the wrongful death claim would also be brought on behalf of the husband and kids. They would also have the right to bring a claim against the car owners, if different than the driver, and any taverns or inns that contributed to the accident by serving alcohol.

Even if the car was owned by the young man’s parents and the parents had a lot of liability insurance, it is unlikely that their insurance was sufficient to cover the damages for five personal injury actions and three wrongful death lawsuits. If any of the plaintiffs had underinsurance coverage, they could seek payment from their own insurance carrier for any shortfall.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we work to hold all responsible parties accountable. In death cases, we calmly guide families through the litigation process because we understand that grieving the loss of a loved one takes priority. To speak to a caring advocate, please phone us at 312-600-9585 or make an appointment by filling out our contact form.

Posted in Bus Accident