Police in O’Fallon, Illinois are investigating a school bus accident that injured one pedestrian and killed another. On Tuesday afternoon, a school bus transporting several elementary school students was traveling westbound on Highway 50 in O’Fallon when the bus struck two pedestrians. The pedestrians, 36-year-old Junu Rai and 45-year-old Dal Mager, were also walking westbound on the roadway when the accident occurred. Authorities claim they were walking on the roadway where there is little to no shoulder available. Both pedestrians were transported to the hospital where Rai was pronounced dead, and Mager remains in serious condition. The bus belongs to the Illinois Central Bus Company, and the driver is a female who has been employed with the company since February. The investigation is ongoing, and there have not yet been any charges filed.
Roadways are shared by a variety of travelers including pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents claimed the lives of 4,432 individuals in 2011 and injured an additional 69,000, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The death toll is not as great as compared to car accidents, but the number is still alarming. The NHTSA encourages all pedestrians to follow safety precautions such as using sidewalks and crosswalks when available and wearing reflective clothing. Even the safest pedestrian can be injured or killed in an accident due to the negligence of drivers. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorney.
Deborah Besserman believes your safety should be a priority in all settings, and when that safety is compromised, those responsible should be held accountable. Deborah will aggressively fight to hold all negligent parties accountable while recovering the maximum financial compensation for your damages. Contact Besserman Law today for a free consultation.