When a loved one is tragically taken in a bicycle accident, the heartbreak is overwhelming. The pain of losing someone is made worse by the financial and emotional struggles that follow. If your family is facing this difficult loss, our team of experienced Chicago bicycle accident wrongful death lawyers is here to help.
We understand that no amount of money can bring your loved one back, but we believe justice can provide some peace and closure. We are here to guide you through the legal process, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Can Our Experienced Chicago Lawyers Help You?
Losing a loved one in a bicycle accident is devastating. The legal complexities of filing a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to cope with your grief. Our Chicago Injury Lawyer goal is here to ease this burden by handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on what matters most.
Understanding the Legal Process
The laws governing wrongful death claims in Illinois can be complex, especially when they involve accidents involving bicycles. You have the legal right to seek justice if your loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence. Our team will explain your rights in clear terms, help you understand what steps to take, and ensure that your case is handled properly.
Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
In order to build a strong wrongful death case, gathering solid evidence is crucial. We work with accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and medical professionals to thoroughly examine all aspects of the accident. This includes:
i) Accident scene investigation: We gather critical evidence, such as photographs, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony, to reconstruct the accident and determine liability.
ii) Medical records: We examine the medical records related to the deceased’s injuries and cause of death to determine the impact of the accident on their health.
iii) Bicycle safety and road conditions: We assess whether the accident could have been prevented by better road design, traffic regulations, or the negligent actions of drivers or other parties.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle wrongful death cases quickly, offering a low settlement to avoid paying what the family truly deserves. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for full compensation. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure the maximum settlement possible.
Representing You in Court
If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced trial lawyers are ready to fight for justice in court, presenting your case with the skill and conviction necessary to secure a fair verdict.
What to Do If Your Loved One Dies in a Bicycle Crash?
Losing someone you love is never easy, and when the loss is the result of a tragic bicycle crash, it can feel even more senseless. During the difficult days following such an incident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your legal rights and secure justice for your loved one.
Here are some crucial steps to take:
Contact an Attorney Immediately:
It is essential to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Our Chicago Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. This ensures that evidence is preserved and the legal process is started without delay.
Gather Evidence and Information
If you are able, gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking photographs of the scene, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and collecting police reports. Your lawyer will be able to use this information to build a strong case.
Focus on Your Family’s Healing
While it’s important to take legal steps, it’s also essential that you prioritize your emotional and physical well-being. Grieving takes time, and while we fight for justice, you can focus on healing and spending time with your loved ones.
Understand Your Legal Options
A wrongful death claim may be one of the avenues available to you for seeking justice and compensation. Our team will work with you to explore your options, whether that involves filing a claim against the responsible party or negotiating a settlement.
Who is Liable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death case arising from a bicycle accident, the party responsible for your loved one’s death can be held liable. Identifying who is at fault can sometimes be complex, but here are some of the common parties who may be liable:
- Motorists: If the accident occurred because of a negligent driver—such as someone who was speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence, they may be held responsible for the wrongful death.
- Government Entities: Sometimes, an accident is caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other hazards created by government entities. In such cases, it may be possible to pursue a claim against the city, county, or state responsible for maintaining the roadway.
- Bicycle Manufacturers or Mechanics: If the accident was caused by a defect in the bicycle or a mechanical failure, the manufacturer, designer, or mechanic who failed to properly maintain the bike could be held responsible.
- Other Cyclists: In some cases, other cyclists who were involved in the crash may share liability. For example, if another cyclist was riding recklessly or breaking traffic laws, they could be held responsible for your loved one’s death.
Our experienced legal team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine who is liable, gathering evidence to build a strong case for you.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, financial compensation can help ease the burden of medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. In Chicago, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Funeral and burial expenses: We can help recover the costs associated with funeral services, burial, and related expenses.
- Medical expenses: This includes any medical bills incurred before your loved one’s passing due to the accident.
- Loss of income: If your loved one was the primary earner in your family, we can seek compensation for the lost wages, future income, and benefits they would have earned.
- Pain and suffering: Though your loved one has passed, their suffering in the moments before death, as well as your family’s emotional pain, can be factored into the compensation amount.
- Loss of consortium: The loss of your loved one may have caused significant emotional damage to your relationship, and you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
The Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death in Illinois
If your loved one has tragically died as a result of a bicycle accident, it’s important to act quickly. In Illinois, there is a statute of limitations—this is the deadline by which a wrongful death claim must be filed in court.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), you typically have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim. Missing this deadline can result in the loss of your legal right to seek compensation, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our team understands the urgency of these cases and will ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly to protect your rights. We will work quickly and efficiently to investigate the case, gather evidence, and file your claim within the statutory period.
Why Choose Us for Your Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Case?
When it comes to wrongful death cases, particularly those involving a bicycle accident, you need a compassionate and skilled attorney who can protect your family’s rights. Our attorneys have years of experience handling wrongful death cases in Chicago.
Here’s why you can trust us to handle your case:
Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers:
Our team has a deep understanding of Illinois bicycle laws and knows how to navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims. We have a proven track record of success in bicycle accident cases, including those resulting in fatal injuries.
Compassionate Legal Counsel:
We know how difficult this time is for you, and we want to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. We listen to your concerns and provide clear, honest communication every step of the way.
Personalized Legal Representation:
Every case is unique, and we treat it as such. We take the time to understand your family’s specific needs and tailor our approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
Proven Track Record of Success:
Our team has helped many families win wrongful death cases, securing significant compensation. We have the experience and results to fight for your family’s rights.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If your loved one has tragically died in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward justice. Don’t wait—contact Chicago Injury Lawyer today to learn how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if the driver was uninsured?
Yes, you can still file a claim. Your lawyer can help you explore other options, like uninsured motorist coverage or suing the driver directly.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, close family members like spouses, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can help determine who is eligible to take action.
