Despite the noted disdain that some drivers in Chicago have for bicyclists, the City of Chicago and other towns and cities throughout Illinois have declared that bicyclists have just as much of a right to use the roadways as vehicles do! In fact, the City of Chicago Municipal Code prohibits bicyclists from riding on sidewalks— requiring them to share the roads with motorists. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to appreciate their responsibility to keep an adequate lookout for bicyclists on the roadway.
Increased danger for cyclists
Consequently, bicycle collisions with cars are now the largest threat to the safety of bicyclists today. More than 75% of bicycle accidents that involve a severe injury to the cyclist stem from a collision with a car.
Legal advocates for injured bikers
When a bicyclist is struck by a negligent car driver and sustains injuries, he is entitled to recover damages against the responsible driver. Pursuant to the insurance coverage afforded by the driver’s auto insurance policy, a bicyclist hit by a car may be entitled to recover all expenses related to his or her medical care, lost wages, disability and pain and suffering.
Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers have experience negotiating claims for injured cyclists with insurance carriers and lawyers. Don’t go through the claim process yourself. Put our legal team to work for you and take the steps necessary to protect your future.
Additional Resources:
- http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/3/205.full.pdf
- http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/How-to-Handle-a-Bike-Accident-With-a-Vehicle
- http://www.crashdataservices.net/bicycle_accident_reconstruction_expert.html
- http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2011/06/02/how-to-handle-bike-car-accidents-part-1/