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Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Bicycle Cases We Handle
- Dooring Accidents
- Right Hook Accidents
- Left Hook Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Crosswalk Accidents
- Road Rage Incidents
- Hit and Run Incidents
- E-Bike Crashes
- E-Scooter Crashes
- Bus Collisions
- Truck Collisions
- Rideshare Collisions
- Taxi Collisions
- Failure to Stop Accidents
- Underinsured Motorist Collisions
- Product Liability Claims
- Delivery Worker Accidents
- Messenger Accidents
- Bike Share Incidents
Bike Messenger Accidents
Helping Injured Bicycle Messengers Recover Compensation
Our Chicago bicycle messenger accident lawyers help injured cyclists seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
For example, we secured a $499,000 bicycle accident settlement for a messenger who was hit by a vehicle exiting a parking garage in Chicago. During litigation, our attorneys uncovered that the driver was unfamiliar with the area and did not realize the street had two-way traffic.
Common Causes of Bike Messenger Accidents
Dooring Accidents – Despite laws like §9-80-035 that ban drivers from opening their car doors in the path of traffic, many bicyclists are hit when inattentive drivers open their vehicle doors.
Right-Hook and Left-Hook Accidents – These occur when cars turn across a rider’s path at an intersection.
Rear-End Collisions – A speeding driver may not stop in time, hitting the bicycle messenger.
Sideswipe Accidents – §625 ILCS 5/11-703(d) requires drivers to provide at least three feet of space for cyclists. However, many fail to do so and cause a collision.
Intersection Accidents – Drivers may not know that bike couriers have the same rights as cars or trucks at traffic lights, so they may drive into their path of travel.
Road Hazards – Potholes, construction, and debris can cause crashes. Litigating these can be challenging due to Alave v. City of Chicago, which stated that bicyclists are not intended road users and that the city is immune from lawsuits for road hazards.
Aggressive or Inattentive Drivers – Nationwide, distracted driving killed 3,308 people in 2022. Speeding or distracted drivers may run red lights or not notice a cyclist.
Pedestrians – Those walking might stray into the bike lane and cause a collision, or they may walk out in front of a messenger.
Common Injuries Suffered by Bike Messengers
Bike messenger crashes are common in Chicago, which has even more bike couriers than bike-friendly cities like San Francisco. Sadly, despite bike lane improvements, bicycle accidents increased 19% between 2017 and 2021.
Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries because vulnerable road users do not have the same protection as those in a vehicle. These injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
Legal Rights and Options for Injured Bike Messengers in Chicago
Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers will protect your rights and help you review your options, including the following.
Workers' Compensation Claims
If you’re injured while riding for your employer, you can get money through workers’ compensation, regardless of fault.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
You can also file a lawsuit against negligent third parties, like motorists and property owners, even if you pursue workers’ compensation
Establishing Liability in a Chicago Bike Messenger Crash Case
Negligence includes four elements. Duty of care means the other person has a responsibility to you, and breach means they did not fulfill this duty. Causation implies that their breach of duty caused the circumstances, and damages are the financial losses incurred.
Several parties can be held liable, including:
- Negligent motorists
- Employers of negligent motorists, if they were working, called vicarious liability
- The City of Chicago and other government entities for unsafe streets
- Bicycle manufacturers, if bicycle defects were responsible
Steps to Take After a Bike Messenger Accident in Chicago
- Prioritize your safety and seek medical care
- Report the accident to the police and your employer
- Document the accident scene through photos, videos, and witness information
- Preserve evidence like your bicycle, helmet, and clothing
- Keep records of medical treatment, expenses, and lost wages
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident without your lawyer
Filing a Claim
The legal process includes:
- Consulting with an attorney
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Investigating the accident for a personal injury claim
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
- Sharing evidence with the other party
- Negotations
- Trial representation
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Messenger Crash
The insurance company may provide a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
Statute of Limitations for Bike Accident Claims in Illinois
735 ILCS 5/13-202 provides injured cyclists 2 years to file a claim, meaning you need to act quickly.
Consult a Chicago Bike Messenger Accident Attorney Near You!
Bike couriers deserve aggressive legal representation. While you focus on recovery, let us handle the rest of your legal claim, including determining liability and negotiating with insurance. Our Illinois bike accident lawyers have recovered over $450 million for clients and are ready to help you, too.
