Motorcyclist injured in October crash files lawsuit against First Student

Posted on March 28, 2017
Bus crash
The motorcyclist in a crash at Bunn and Hazel streets in Bloomington is suing First Student. . (Photo by Kevin Embry)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – The company that buses Unit 5 students faces a lawsuit in connection with a bus-motorcycle crash in Bloomington last October.

Christopher Beck filed the suit against First Student and the driver, Kellee Travis-Hughes. Beck was southbound on Bunn Street when his motorcycle struck the bus in the driver’s side as it pulled from Hazel Street early on October 17.

Beck claimed in his lawsuit that he suffered head, skull and back injuries. First Student spokesman Chris Kemper noted that police made a determination at the time.

“I think it’s important to point out that as a result of the incident the motorcyclist was cited by the police for high speed and unsafe driving and our driver was not cited,” Kemper said. He declined further comment, citing the ongoing lawsuit.

The bus driver and passengers were not injured.

Beck is seeking more than $50,000. The next court hearing on the lawsuit is on September 8.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…