On behalf of Steven Seidman
Passengers say windshield wipers were broken and bus was going too fast
Five passengers on a Chicago-bound bus from Atlanta are suing the carrier Megabus over a serious highway accident that led to multiple injuries, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The passengers allege that the windshield wipers on the bus were not working properly when the bus rolled over on the wet highway near Indianapolis. The lawsuits also allege that the driver was going too fast given the road conditions and that Megabus failed to properly maintain its vehicle.
Bus rolled over
The accident occurred Oct. 14 in the Indianapolis suburbs when a man driving a Saturn crashed into the cable barrier due to distracted driving. After another car stopped to check on the Saturn, the bus struck the stopped Saturn. The bus then went off the road and hit the cable barriers before turning over onto its side.
All 56 passengers on the bus were taken to the hospital, with up to eight passengers described as having serious injuries. The crash occurred during what passengers described as a torrential downpour.
Wipers not working
Five passengers have now filed lawsuits in Cook County alleging negligence on the part of both Megabus and its driver. According to the Chicago Tribune, passengers overheard the driver saying that the windshield wipers were not working properly and that he was having trouble seeing the road. Another passenger also said the driver made an announcement to notify passengers he was having technical issues with the wipers.
The lawsuits allege that Megabus failed to properly maintain its vehicle and that it did not properly supervise its driver. Furthermore, the lawsuits claim that given the wet conditions and the alleged problems with the wipers, the driver was going too fast. At least four of the passengers are seeking at least $100,000 in damages from Megabus.
Motor vehicle accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, as the above case shows, can be caused by many different factors. This story alone shows how distracted driving, speeding and a poorly maintained vehicle may have all combined to contribute to a serious accident that caused many injuries.
Anybody who has been injured in an auto accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Although legal action cannot make up for the pain and suffering caused by an accident, it may be able to help with the considerable financial expenses, such as medical bills and lost income, that often arise after a crash. An experienced Chicago car accident attorney can discuss what options may be available, including the possibility of compensation.