Vehicle ran a red light and hit the passenger side of a westbound bus in Rock Island
April 13, 2026 | Rock Island, IL
A 20-year-old driver faced a citation after a collision with a public transportation bus in Rock Island that sent six individuals to area hospitals with injuries on April 13.
Shermiya Thomas, 20, was cited after running a red light and striking a public transit bus at 24th Street and 4th Avenue in Rock Island.
Rock Island police reported that Shermiya Thomas received a citation for disobeying a traffic control device by running a red light. The incident occurred around 12:26 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and 4th Avenue, where Thomas's southbound vehicle impacted the passenger side of the westbound bus.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities detailed that the crash resulted from the driver failing to stop at a red light, leading to a significant impact on the bus. Emergency responders transported six patients to nearby medical facilities for treatment of unspecified injuries.
- Date and Time: April 13, approximately 12:26 p.m.
- Location: 24th Street and 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois
- Vehicles Involved: Southbound personal vehicle and westbound public transportation bus
- Injuries: Six people were hospitalized with unspecified conditions
- Citation: Disobeying a traffic control device issued to 20-year-old driver Shermiya Thomas
Why Do Intersection Crashes Like This Occur?
Intersections represent high-risk areas for motorists, with data indicating a substantial portion of collisions happening there. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 40% of automobile accidents occur at road intersections, often due to violations like running stop signs or signals.
Common contributing factors include:
- Impatience leading to hasty decisions
- Reckless driving behaviors
- Distracted operation of vehicles
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes at intersections |
40% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Primary causes |
Running stop signs/lights |
Federal Highway Administration |
Common driver factors |
Impatience, recklessness, distraction |
National Safety Council |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough investigation is crucial to determine the full scope of the incident and protect those affected. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of independent reviews.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and injured victims must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Bond. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Hire an attorney promptly to secure evidence and witness statements
- Independent investigations can uncover factors beyond initial police findings
- Legal representation ensures a comprehensive review of insurance and liabilities
Those hospitalized may pursue personal injury claims to address medical expenses, lost income, pain, and emotional distress. Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, noted the challenges posed by insurance providers.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of various expenses,” said Formica. "Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).