Chicago Car-Bus Crash That Injured 9 Caused by Teen Angst?

There are many different causes of motor vehicle collisions. Distracted driving, excessive speed, mechanical failure, and alcohol are some of the most common reasons that drivers get into crashes. But can teen angst cause an auto accident?

That's what authorities believe to be the catalyst of a two-car, one bus wreck in Chicago a little before 11am on Sunday morning. The accident occurred near the intersection of Diversey and Cicero Avenues in Kelvyn Park on the city's Northwest Side when a CTA bus was struck from behind by two cars. According to a preliminary investigation, a teenage girl was so distraught over a boy that she stole her brother's sport utility vehicle and drove it into at least two other vehicles. A total of nine people were transported to nearby hospitals, including three in serious-to-critical condition. However, none of the injuries appears to life-threatening.

Based on the facts of the incident thus far, it looks like the hysterical teenager will soon have more than just relationship troubles. If investigators determine that she caused the accident, then she could be held responsible for all nine of the injuries sustained in the crash. Since she is a minor, her parents could be named by the victims in personal injury lawsuits against the girl. They may be ordered to pay damages for medical costs, lost wages from missed work, and perhaps even pain and suffering for any or all of the injured victims. The total monetary amount could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A lesson can be learned from this incident by all drivers, not just those who are teenagers. Whenever you are unusually upset, angry, or emotional, you should try to avoid driving as much as possible - and never fly off the handle and into the driver's seat. You won't be thinking clearly or concentrating on the road, and you could hurt (or even kill) a large number of other drivers and pedestrians with your vehicle.