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Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Helping Bicycle Accident Victims in Aurora, IL, Recover Compensation
Aurora bicycle accident lawyer assistance is crucial for bicycle riders in Aurora. They may suffer severe injuries during a crash with a motor vehicle, leading to high medical expenses and significant lost wages. Common injuries suffered in such cases include road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
If you’ve been harmed in an accident caused by a negligent motorist, an Aurora bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can help you recover compensation and explore your legal options.
We’ve recovered thousands for our clients, including:
- $350,000 – Hit-and-run settlement
- $510,000 – Policy limit settlement for traumatic brain injury and facial injuries
- $760,000 – Rear-end collision settlement
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Aurora
Preventable deaths from bicycle accidents increased by 10% in 2022 and 47% in the last ten years, demonstrating that roads are becoming more dangerous for cyclists.
While Aurora is considered relatively safe, many bicycle accidents occur here every year, putting hundreds at risk. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following.
Distracted Driving
Aurora, IL, has heavy penalties for those who drive while distracted, but this often doesn’t stop people who decide to text or talk on the phone despite the many dangers.
Speeding
Per §10.08.010, residential streets have a 25 mph speed limit. However, many of Aurora’s largest streets, including Farnsworth Avenue, Eola Road, and Orchard Road, have high speed limits, and many choose to go even faster than the posted signs.
High speeds make it more likely that a cyclist will sustain serious injuries in a crash, even if the motor vehicle driver is not harmed.
Dooring
While downtown Aurora has plentiful public parking lots, it also allows for ample street parking, which can put cyclists at risk. On busy downtown streets like Broadway (IL-25), Galena Boulevard, and Lake Street (IL-31), negligent motorists might open their doors right in front of a cyclist, causing a bike accident.
Reckless Driving
Both cyclists and drivers are required to follow traffic laws, including paying attention to traffic signals, yielding to oncoming vehicles, and obeying speed limits. However, many ignore these guidelines, causing accidents. Last year, a 65-year-old man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run bike accident on Route 59 and Liberty Street.
Busy Intersections
Very busy areas like Broadway and Galena, Lake Street and Galena, Broadway and New York Street, and Lake Street and New York Street, are notorious for accidents. Another dangerous area is Ogden Avenue and Montgomery Road, where a 16-year-old boy was killed in 2023.
No Dedicated Bike Lanes
According to the cyclist activist group People For Bikes, Aurora has made significant gains in bike safety, particularly with its protected bike lane on River Street. However, many streets and intersections still lack dedicated bicycle lanes. Examples include Farnsworth Avenue, Eola Road, Indian Trail, and East New York Street.
Road Hazards
Like many Midwestern towns, Aurora, IL, has a serious issue with potholes, especially in the spring. These can easily cause serious bicycle accidents. Additional concerns include poor signage or obstructed views, as was the case in Saldana v. Malawski.
Areas Near Schools and Parks
Aurora has two high schools: one at Galena Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue, and one at South Farnsworth and Fifth Avenue. Children cycling to and from school could suffer serious injuries from speeding or dooring.
Additionally, Phillips Park, off Smith Boulevard and Parker Avenue, is popular with families and young children. A small child biking on their own for the first time could suffer broken bones or even spinal cord injuries if a negligent driver hits them.
Aurora, IL Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were 29 Aurora bicycle accidents, 27 of which resulted in injuries and 2 involved property damage. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred that year. The victims ranged in age from 9 to 84. Of the victims, 18 were male, 9 were female, and 2 did not specify their gender.
The greatest danger was entering from a drive or alley, which was listed as the primary cause of 10 of the 29 accidents. Per bicycle accident statistics, the other highest cause of bicycle accidents was crossing somewhere other than an intersection, which caused 7 accidents.
Aurora, Illinois Laws Protecting Bicycle Accident Victims
Under section §11-1003.1 of the Vehicle Code, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or bicyclist and use their horn when necessary. They must also give cyclists at least three feet of passing room and can pass bikes on the left in a no-pass zone if this would be safer for the cyclist.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Aurora
An Aurora bicycle accident can be a terrifying experience that can result in serious internal injuries or broken bones. To ensure your safety, follow these steps as soon as possible.
Prioritize Your Safety
Move out of the way of oncoming traffic and assess your injuries. Try to stay as still as possible.
Report the Accident
Call 911 and provide your location as closely as possible. Explain that you have been in a bicycle accident and will need both police and ambulance assistance.
Gather Information
If the at-fault driver is still on the scene, get their contact and insurance details, which you will need to make a personal injury claim. If the driver fled, write down any details you have about the vehicle. Get witness contact details as well.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos and videos of the scene, including any injuries and property damage. These can be used as evidence in a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Do Not Admit Fault
This can prevent you from receiving fair compensation. Your Aurora bicycle accident lawyer will investigate the crash and determine fault on your behalf.
Seek Medical Attention
Even serious injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, may not be immediately apparent. You should get to the hospital as soon as possible for a full examination.
Contact an Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact a personal injury lawyer from our law firm for a free consultation, and we will guide you through the accident claims process.
Investigating Your Aurora Bicycle Accident Claim
An Aurora bicycle accident lawyer from our firm will gather evidence that will support your personal injury claim and establish liability. The process includes:
- Obtaining the police report
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Analyzing the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary
- Consulting with physicians about your injuries
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After an Aurora Bicycle Accident
Never speak to the insurance agency without an Aurora bicycle accident lawyer. The agency can use anything you say to diminish your personal injury claim. Our attorneys can protect you from unfair tactics, such as lowballing, and ensure that you get the funds you deserve.
You should report the accident to both your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s company; we will help you with the claims process. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this may be used to pay your claim.
Potential Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
You may receive economic and non-economic damages for a bicycle accident lawsuit, including the following.
Economic Damages
In personal injury cases, these are for hard financial costs you incurred, such as:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Funeral expenses for a wrongful death claim
Non-Economic Damages
You can also recover compensation for harm done to you, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement, like facial injuries
- Disability, like traumatic brain injury
- Emotional distress
- Grief for a fatal bicycle accident
Why You Need Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers
An Illinois bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation, ensure a fair settlement, and protect your legal rights throughout the process. Our personal injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your claim, identify who should be held liable, and evaluate how much your injuries should be worth.
Next, we will negotiate with insurance companies to recover compensation. We always push for maximum compensation based on your specific injuries.
While we are often able to settle out of court, it is sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit. In this case, we will provide trauma-informed legal representation throughout the process, helping you share your story in court.
Consult an Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!
Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys are ready to assist with a bicycle accident claim. Call us for a free case review about a bicycle accident lawsuit.
