Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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Bike Accident? We Can Help.
Our bicycle accident law firm is experienced, dedicated, and ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf.
While no Chicago bicyclist plans on being involved in a bike accident, the reality is that they happen far too often along busy Chicago roads and intersections.
Some accidents can be minor, while others can lead to lifelong disabilities, pain, and suffering. If you have been injured while biking in the windy city, our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers can help you recover fair compensation.
Our law firm has represented countless bicycle crash victims in Chicago and helped them recover.
Some of our recent Chicago bike accident settlements include:
$790,000
Settlement for a cyclist hit from behind while stopped at a traffic light on Halsted Street. The driver who hit him claimed poor lighting was to blame for the crash.
$630,000
Bicycle accident lawsuit settlement for a 72-year-old struck by a commercial truck while crossing in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue.
$525,000
Policy limit settlement for a cyclist who suffered facial injuries and mild traumatic brain injury after being struck by a car making a left turn on Fullerton Avenue.
$515,000
Bike accident lawsuit settlement. A vehicle exiting a parking garage on State Street struck a bike messenger. Our attorneys proved through discovery that the driver was new to the area and unaware of the two-way traffic on the street. This settlement was achieved within four months of litigation and covered virtually the full amount of available.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Chicago’s streets, bicycle lanes, and intersections pose unique dangers to cyclists. Accidents can happen anywhere, whether commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride—from the designated bike paths along Lake Shore Drive to congested downtown intersections.
Some of the most dangerous areas for Chicago cyclists include:
When an accident occurs, injured bicyclists often face more than just physical pain. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, wages lost due to missed work, and the emotional toll can be significant.
Fortunately, Illinois law provides legal remedies for accident victims. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The specifics of each personal injury case, such as the extent of injuries and medical bills, significantly influence the claim’s value.
Bicycle accidents in Chicago often result in severe injuries. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash. Because of the severity of these injuries, having an experienced bike crash lawyer on your side is crucial to help you understand your legal rights and navigate this crucial claims process.
Moreover, Illinois law mandates that motor vehicle drivers share the road with cyclists and exercise caution. Drivers who fail to do so and cause accidents can be held liable for the damages suffered by the cyclist.
Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bike crash, many injured bicyclists underestimate the complexity of pursuing a personal injury claim. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, making it essential to have an experienced attorney fighting on your behalf.
A bicycle crash lawyer in Chicago will help you understand your legal options and ensure that insurance adjusters do not take advantage of you. With specialized knowledge of personal injury cases and the intricacies of bicycle accidents, your lawyer can gather crucial evidence, such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, to strengthen your claim.
Additionally, your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, they will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for fair compensation.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Taking the proper steps after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention
See a medical professional even if your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident
Contact the police and file an accident report. This documentation will be valuable when filing your claim.
Document the Scene
Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
Do not give statements or sign documents without consulting a bicycle accident attorney.
Keep Records
Save all medical bills, proof of lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Chicago occur for various reasons, many of which are preventable. Some common causes include:
Dooring Accidents
When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, it can cause severe injuries. These accidents frequently occur in busy urban areas with parallel parking and limited bicycle lane space.
Right-Hook Accidents
Right-hook accidents happen when a motor vehicle turns right across a bike lane, cutting off a cyclist. These incidents often occur at intersections and driveways, leaving cyclists little time to react.
Left-Hook Accidents
Left-hook accidents occur when a vehicle turning left fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist. These dangerous collisions typically take place at intersections where visibility may be limited.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents happen when vehicles pass too closely to bicyclists, often on narrow streets or during heavy traffic. The sudden contact can knock cyclists off balance, leading to serious injuries.
Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalk accidents involve cyclists being struck while crossing at intersections or marked pedestrian crossings. Negligent drivers frequently fail to yield or check for cyclists.
Road Rage Incidents
Aggressive drivers intentionally or recklessly endanger cyclists, often leading to collisions or near-misses. These incidents are hazardous as they may involve deliberate actions.
Hit-and-Run Collisions
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver flees the scene after striking a cyclist. Victims of these collisions may face difficulty identifying the responsible party and recovering damages.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
Collisions involving e-bikes and e-scooters can result from defective equipment, user error, or interaction with motor vehicles. The higher speeds of these devices increase the risk of serious injuries.
Bus, Truck, and Rideshare Collisions
Larger vehicles like buses, trucks, and rideshares pose heightened risks to cyclists due to their size and limited visibility. Accidents often happen during turns or lane changes.
Failure to Stop Accidents
Failure to stop accidents occur when drivers ignore stop signs or red lights, leading to collisions with cyclists who have the right of way. These accidents are common at busy intersections.
Underinsured Motorist Collisions
These accidents happen when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance for the cyclist’s economic and non-economic damages. Victims may need to seek compensation through their insurance companies.
Bike Product Liability
Defective bicycle parts, such as brakes or tires, can cause sudden crashes. In these cases, manufacturers or retailers may be held liable for injuries.
Bike Delivery Worker and Messenger Accidents
Cyclists working as delivery personnel or messengers face unique risks due to their exposure to high-traffic environments. These accidents often involve collisions with vehicles or road hazards.
Bike-Share Accidents
Bike-share accidents can arise from malfunctioning shared bikes, inadequate maintenance, or rider inexperience. These incidents can cause significant injuries, especially in congested areas.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can lead to many injuries, some of which can have long-term or permanent consequences. Common injuries include:
Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case
Establishing liability is key to winning a bicycle accident case. To prove negligence, you must show that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in your injuries. Here are some ways liability can be established:
Driver Negligence
Evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony can demonstrate the negligent motorist was at fault.
Defective Equipment
The manufacturer or retailer may be liable if a defective bike part contributed to the accident.
Poor Road Conditions
If hazardous road conditions cause the accident, the city or state government responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Multiple Factors
Some cases involve a combination of factors, requiring thorough investigation to assign fault.
Your lawyer will gather evidence to build a strong case, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Illinois bicycle accident laws and regulations are designed to protect bicyclists’ rights and ensure their road safety. As a reputable bike accident law firm in Chicago, we deeply understand these laws and regulations and how they apply to bicycle accident cases.
In Illinois, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means drivers must share the road with cyclists and exercise caution to avoid accidents. For instance, Illinois law mandates that drivers maintain a safe distance when passing bicyclists and yield the right of way to cyclists in bike lanes and at intersections.
Additionally, specific regulations, such as Section 9-8-035 of the Chicago Municipal Code, aim to prevent common types of bicycle accidents.
For example, the “dooring” law requires drivers and passengers to check for oncoming bicyclists before opening their car doors. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties and liability for any resulting accidents.
Understanding bicycle laws is crucial for building a strong case. Our Chicago bike accident attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and can leverage them to establish liability and secure fair compensation for our clients.
Whether it’s gathering evidence to prove a driver’s negligence or demonstrating how a violation of traffic laws led to the accident, our law firm is committed to advocating for the rights of injured bicyclists.
Suppose you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Chicago. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can navigate the complexities of Illinois bicycle accident laws and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Recovering compensation after a bicycle accident involves more than just covering your immediate medical bills. A skilled Chicago bike accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Current and future medical bills, including surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
Lost Wages
Compensation for time missed from work due to the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
Choosing the Right Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney
Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some factors to consider:
Experience
Choose a lawyer with a proven track record of handling bicycle accident cases.
Knowledge of Illinois Law
Your lawyer should know the local laws and regulations governing bicycle accidents.
Reputation
Look for reviews, testimonials, and referrals from previous clients.
Professional Associations
Membership in Illinois Trial Lawyers Association organizations can indicate expertise.
Free Consultation
Many reputable personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case.
Our Dedicated Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Jonathan Rosenfeld
Lawyer
Gerald J. Bekkerman
Lawyer
Haig A. Himidian
Lawyer
Jason H. Sherwood
Lawyer
Martin D. Gould
Lawyer
Scott Shapiro
Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation. Navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming, but with the right attorney, you can focus on healing while they handle the rest.
We help cyclists throughout Illinois, including:
Remember, there is a limited time to take legal action in Illinois, so acting quickly is essential. Schedule your free consultation today, and let an experienced lawyer fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
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Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
