CTA Bus Strikes Pole; Over Two Dozen Passengers Injured

That's what happened to dozens of people who were riding on a CTA bus last Friday afternoon on the far South Side of the city. CTA bus #1607 was traveling on Cottage Grove Avenue near 95th Street, which is just north of Chicago State University. For an as-yet undetermined reason, the bus struck a pole near the 95th Street Metra underpass. A total of 26 passengers on the bus sustained injuries and had to be transported to nearby hospitals. Seven of them were listed in serious condition.

Authorities continue to investigate the CTA bus accident. But if the driver of the bus is found to be completely or even partially at fault, the 26 people who were hurt have grounds to file personal injury lawsuits against both the driver and CTA. That's largely because CTA is a common carrier, which means it is required by law to exercise the highest possible degree of care for anyone who rides its buses.

These types of suits can help victims get reimbursement for ambulance charges and treatment expenses they incurred as a result of the wreck. The more seriously injured individuals may also receive compensation for prescription medications, physical therapy, and lost wages from time missed at work this week or in the future.

However, if any of these 26 injured victims of the bus crash want to file a personal injury lawsuit, they must do so before the statute of limitations runs out on November 11, 2012 - which is one year from the date of the incident.