Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries, especially if a vehicle strikes a cyclist. Under Illinois law, bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles on the roads, and motor vehicle drivers must be cautious to avoid hitting a bicyclist.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers are ready to stand on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation today and regain control of your life.
Why Do You Need An Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
Bicycle accident claims can be complicated, particularly when dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys will ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process. We provide legal services for bicycle accidents to victims in Chicago and other locations in Illinois. Our plan is to:
Investigate the Accident
We investigate the accident thoroughly to collect evidence and determine who’s at fault.
Deal with Insurance Companies
Our team handles all communications between the insurance company and you, ensuring your claim is treated fairly.
Defend Your Rights in Court
Even if a settlement is not reached, our legal team can represent you in court.
Passionate, Effective Legal Support
Let our Chicago bicycle accident advocate fight for your financial compensation. A passionate attorney can make all the difference.
24/7 Immediate Help
When faced with tragedies like bicycle disasters, you need confidence, support, and guidance. No matter what you need, we’re here to help you.
We are a game-changer! Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer to discuss your bicycle accident case and get maximum compensation.
How Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers Establish Crash Fault
Proving fault in a bike accident is crucial. Your bicycle accident lawyer will gather evidence to demonstrate that the defendant is responsible for your damages. We will conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Valuable evidence may include:
- Traffic camera footage
- Dashcam footage
- Photos of your injuries
- The driver’s history
- Blood alcohol test results
- Data from the vehicle’s event recorder
- Your medical records
- Witness statements and expert testimony
- Reports from accident reconstruction specialists
- Police reports
- Bicycle parts recalls
Our bicycle crash lawyers are dedicated advocates for establishing crash faults. We leverage extensive experience and thorough investigations to gather crucial evidence to protect your rights.
Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Identifying the reason for your bicycle accident is essential to pinpointing who is responsible. Illinois is a fault state, which means the party at fault is bound to compensate you for your damages.
If a careless driver is responsible for the accident, you likely have reason to file a claim against them. However, you may also be able to sue the bar or social host who served that driver under 235 ILCS 5/6-21(a).
Bicycle accidents are often caused by:
- Right-of-way violations
- Ignoring bicyclists when turning right
- Drunk driving and distracted driving
- Rolling stops
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Passing a bicycle too closely
- Road defects
- Dooring
- Safety equipment defects
That’s why having an experienced bicycle accident attorney is crucial. We can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all liable parties, and seek fair compensation.
Top Injuries Cyclists Suffer in Vehicle Accidents
As bicycles lack protection, cyclical accidents typically cause more severe injuries than other motorized vehicle collisions. Medical bills can become extremely high as a result of this. In bicycle accidents, people often suffer the following injuries:
- Head injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Scratches, bruises, and road burn
- Psychological distress
- Muscles and ligaments torn
- Dental injury
- Eye injury
- Vision or hearing loss
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injury
- Joint injuries
If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Initially, a minor injury can turn into something more serious and expensive. If your family member has died because of a bicycle accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation under a wrongful death claim.
Key Steps to Take Right After a Bicycle Crash
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident and have been injured, the attorneys at Chicago Injury Lawyer recommend the following steps:
- Call 911 for police and medical help right away.
- Record the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle makes, license plate numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident.
- Get the crash report number from the officer on the scene.
- Also, collect any witnesses’ names, phone numbers, and addresses, as they can help clarify what happened.
- Take photos of any damage to your bicycle and any marks on the vehicles, as these images can support your account of the crash.
- If you are seriously injured, stay still until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.
Note: Avoid yelling or damaging other vehicles. Such behavior can hurt your chances of receiving compensation by making you appear reckless. Staying calm is crucial for your claim.
Timeframe to Take Legal Action After a Bicycle Accident
According to Illinois law, the deadline for filing a claim is limited. You have two years to file your bicycle accident lawsuit before losing the right to pursue it. However, minors and disabled people have some exceptions.
Thus, filing an insurance claim may shorten the time. Most insurance companies require claims to be filed within days of an accident. However, gathering evidence, reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts can take months. Over time, evidence proving negligence can be lost or destroyed. Some details may also fade from witnesses’ memories. Luckily, an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can defend your rights to compensation.
Different Bicycle Accident Claims in Chicago We Usually Deal With
Often, bicycle accidents happen when another vehicle strikes a biker. However, there are many types of bicycle crashes:
- Head-on collisions
- Collisions involving pedestrians
- Crashes with semi-trucks
- Rear-end collisions
- Accidents at intersections
- Lost load accidents
- Accidents involving motorcycles
- Collisions from fatigued driving
- Distracted driving crashes
- Drunk driving accidents
- Speeding accidents
Generally, bicycle accidents can be caused by various factors. As bicycle accident lawyers, we will investigate thoroughly to identify the liable parties. So why not contact us? Let’s discuss.
Key Parties in Bicycle Accident Liability: Know Your Rights
Under Illinois law, anyone contributing to a bicycle accident may be held financially responsible. Potentially liable parties could include:
Negligent Motorist: Drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or drive carelessly can be held responsible for causing a bicycle accident.
Another Bicyclist: If another cyclist’s actions contribute to the crash, they may share liability.
Pedestrian: A pedestrian who steps into the path of a cyclist or behaves recklessly near traffic may also be liable.
Employer: The employer might share liability under “vicarious liability” rules if the driver is on the job.
Property Owner: Property owners may be liable if poor property conditions, like dangerous sidewalks, contribute to the accident.
Bicycle or Vehicle Manufacturer: Defects in a bicycle or vehicle can place liability on the manufacturer if a weakness causes the accident.
Government Agency: A government entity could be responsible if poor road conditions or lack of proper signage contributed to the accident.
Truck Driver or Trucking Company: Truck drivers or their companies may be liable if negligent driving or unsafe practices caused the accident.
IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation): IDOT may also be held responsible if they fail to address known issues, such as the lack of bike lanes in high-traffic areas.
Uninsured motorist insurance will still cover your injuries even if you were not in a vehicle, according to the Illinois Insurance Code, Section 143(a).
The Value of Your Bicycle Accident Damages
Determining the value of your bicycle accident case is our top priority. Understanding the full extent of your damages is essential for maximizing your financial recovery. You can recover various economic damages with tangible value and non-economic damages with no intrinsic financial value.
Our bicycle accident attorneys will quantify your non-economic damages to ensure you receive fair compensation. Examples of recoverable damages include:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Bicycle repair costs
- Diminished earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Medical bills
- Future healthcare costs
- Emotional distress (fear, shock, shame)
- Pain and Suffering
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of household services
When filing an insurance claim, the insurer typically covers part of your medical bills and property damage up to the policy limits. Any remaining damages not covered can be recovered through a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Handling the Chicago Bicycle Accident Settlement Journey
To file a bicycle crash claim in Chicago, consult a knowledgeable attorney immediately after the accident. Most bicycle accidents involve both parties recovering compensation unless one party is more than 50% at fault.
For example, if one party is 70% at fault in an accident, and the other party is 30% at fault, the party with less fault can recover 70% of their damages. The party with greater fault (70%) would receive 0% based on their percentage of fault.
Bicycle accident compensation in Chicago can differ widely based on factors like available evidence, quick reporting of the accident, and legal representation. These elements influence the overall strength and outcome of a claim. A bicycle accident injury lawyer can make the difference between recovering partial or total damages in a bicycle accident settlement.
Latest Bicycle Accident Statistics
Bicycling is a popular way of transportation in Chicago, but it carries significant risks.
In 2022, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 2,256 pedal cyclists injured in road incidents, with 341 sustaining serious (“A”) injuries, and 35 losing their lives.
Urban areas saw the highest impact, with 29 pedal cyclists killed, 229 suffering severe injuries, and a total of 1,424 injured.
Rural areas experienced 6 fatalities, 118 serious injuries, and 876 total injuries among pedal cyclists. These figures underscore cyclists’ dangers.
With more cyclists sharing the road, drivers and cyclists must stay alert. When accidents happen, they can cause severe injuries and financial burdens.
Don’t Delay! Get Legal Help After A Bicycle Accident
Our lawyers are dedicated to making roads safer for cyclists and securing justice for those harmed by others’ negligence. Bicycle injuries often have lasting impacts, and we’re here to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Call the Chicago Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do Bicyclists Have the Right of Way?
Cyclists should follow traffic laws and ride using bike lanes on the right side when available. If cyclists must move due to an obstruction, drivers should yield. Drivers who don’t yield may be held responsible for any injuries or damages to the cyclist.
What if My Child is Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident can result in compensation for children as well as adults. However, children may be entitled to additional protections and rights. Your child’s statute of limitations will temporarily be suspended until they turn 18. Meanwhile, you are free to bring a claim on their behalf.
Is My Bike Safe to Ride After a Crash?
It is incredibly dangerous to ride your bike without an inspection after crashing. The truth is, it increases your risk of crashing again. So, either book an appointment with a professional mechanic or perform a thorough inspection yourself.
What is the Most Common Bike Accident?
“Left cross” accidents are the most common bike accidents. When turning left, a motorist fails to see an oncoming cyclist and drives head-on into him. A “car vs bicycle” accident caused by the closing speed is the second most common.
