Manhattan, IL (January 16, 2026) –Early on Friday morning, January 16, a head-on crash between a school bus and a passenger vehicle left one person dead and 11 others injured on Manhattan-Monee Road. The accident occurred around 8:17 a.m. in the suburban Chicago area.
Emergency units responded after reports of the collision. The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Ten students on the school bus from Manhattan School District 114 were evaluated for injuries. None of the children sustained major injuries, according to state police. The bus driver and students were later taken to nearby hospitals for further evaluation due to the severity of the crash.
The accident prompted temporary road closures as emergency crews assisted those involved and secured the area. Police and investigators have not yet released details on what caused the collision.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. We send our sincere condolences to the deceased’s family members during this difficult time. And our thoughts remain with those affected as they receive care and recover from their injuries.
What You Need to Know After a Serious Accident in Chicagoland
After a serious traffic accident in the Chicagoland area, many victims and families face a mix of medical, emotional, and financial challenges. Even if injuries are non-life-threatening, the costs of emergency care, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation can add up quickly. Consulting with a Chicagoland car accident lawyer can help victims understand their legal options and ensure their rights are protected.
A lawyer can begin by reviewing the facts of the crash. This includes examining police reports, witness statements, and any available video or photographic evidence. Understanding exactly how the accident occurred is critical when determining whether another driver or party may be responsible for injuries.
Medical expenses are often a primary concern. Legal guidance can help families recover costs related to hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care. In addition, time away from work due to injuries or caregiving responsibilities can lead to lost wages. A lawyer can explain how compensation may cover both immediate and future financial losses.
Insurance companies may contact families soon after a crash. While offers or statements might seem routine, they can sometimes undervalue the impact of injuries. A car accident attorney can communicate with insurers, ensuring victims are not pressured into settlements that do not reflect the full extent of their losses.
For families of students injured in a school bus accident, emotional trauma and stress are also factors to consider. Legal guidance can provide support while navigating both medical and financial recovery. A lawyer can help families focus on healing without worrying about the complex claims process.
If you or a loved one was injured in a school bus or vehicle accident in Manhattan or the greater Chicagoland area, speaking with a Chicago wrongful accident lawyer can provide clarity and advocacy. Legal guidance ensures victims understand their options, pursue fair compensation, and receive support during a difficult time.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
