NBC Chicago 10-15-2014

Passengers File Lawsuit After Megabus Rollover Crash in Indiana

October 15, 2014

Four people from Chicago are suing Megabus after a double-decker bus crashed early Tuesday on I-65 in Indiana.

The lawsuit, filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County, states that each plaintiff suffered “personal injuries, financial damages and subsequent medical expenses.” Injuries included a separated shoulder, knocked-out teeth and numerous facial cuts that required stitches.

“The passengers reported hearing the bus driver complain that the windshield wipers were not working, and it was difficult to see the road in the rain,” attorney Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr. said in a statement. “We suspect a malfunction in the windshield wipers prevented the bus driver from adequately seeing the road, and contributed to the crash.”

The suit alleges Megabus was negligent in maintaining and operating the bus.

The bus was traveling from Atlanta to Chicago when it crashed and rolled onto its side at about 4:25 a.m. in Greenwood, Indiana. Between 50 and 60 people were on board, and officials said at least 18 people suffered injuries.

State police Sgt. Shawn O’Keefe told reporters the driver apparently tried to avoid an accident when the crash happened.

The plaintiffs said they took the bus on their way home from Sunday’s Bears game in Atlanta.