Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Megabus Filed After Pedestrian Killed

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Megabus Filed After Pedestrian Killed

Last week, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a Megabus driver near Union Station. Consequently, the family of the victim has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Megabus and the driver, alleging both acted negligently. The lawsuit contends the bus driver failed both to properly look for pedestrians and to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The pedestrian, a 76-year-old woman from Chicago, was crossing the street in a designated crosswalk when the bus driver started to make a turn. Reportedly, the Megabus was empty save the driver, and a side mirror on the bus hit the pedestrian. The impact caused the pedestrian to fall onto the pavement. She passed away thereafter.

Megabus is an inexpensive passenger transportation company.

Shockingly, this is the second fatality involving Megabus in Illinois in one week. The Chicago Tribune reported the first accident occurred on Interstate Highway 55, when the bus driver drove the bus at a high rate of speed into a concrete column supporting an overpass. The accident resulted in the death of one Megabus passenger – many others were injured.

Consequently, questions have been raised as to whether Megabus training and policies are sufficient, given the frequency with which Megabus drivers have been involved in accidents lately.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Governor Quinn has asked the federal government to initiate an investigation into Megabus’ “history and business and operating practices.” Gov. Quinn requested that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation look into the company “to ensure that all proper procedures and precautions are in place regarding vehicles and drivers in accordance with state and federal law.”

Source: CBS Chicago, “Pedestrian’s Family Sues Megabus For Fatal Accident,” August 10, 2012.

Our firm handles situations similar to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Arlington Heights wrongful death page.