Pedestrian Riding Scooter Injured In Urbana Bus Accident

Bus Accident - September 23, 2024

Investigation Underway After Scooter Rider Injured In Urbana MTD Bus Accident By Goodwin Avenue and Nevada Street

URBANA, ILLINOIS (September 23, 2024) – A pedestrian riding a scooter was injured in an Urbana MTD bus accident by the intersection of Goodwin Avenue and Nevada Street.

Champaign County officials are saying that the incident took place around 12:58 p.m. on Tuesday. A female student was riding a black electric scooter when they were hit by an MTD bus.

The scooter ended up becoming tucked under the bus following the collision. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Champaign County Scooter Accidents

Thousands of people are injured in accidents involving commercial buses every year. According to The Journalist’s Resource, “on average, about 63,000 buses [of all kinds] are involved in an accident each year; about 14,000 result in an injured person, and 325 result in a fatal injury. About 50 passengers (including the driver) are killed, on average, in a given year.” Bus drivers should take a number of measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.

• Bus drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
• Bus drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Bus drivers should use their horn when necessary to alert pedestrians of their presence.

Buses are considered “common carriers” under Illinois law. Their drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. If a driver fails to avoid slowing down to hit a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a civil claim. Several other entities could face liability for a bus accident.

• The city or company that operated a bus could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees.
• A municipal entity could be held at fault if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property.
• The company that manufactured a bus or a scooter could be held at fault if a design defect contributed to a collision.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any bus accident. Many accident victims suffer very serious and costly injuries. These injuries can impair their ability to study or be gainfully employed. It is crucial that accident victims understand that they do have rights. Any person injured in a bus accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Urbana Bus Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the student injured in this Urbana bus accident. It is our sincere hope that she is able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Urbana bus accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of bus accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.