Free Consultation
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 Product Liability Accidents
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Handling Product Liability Claims
An experienced product liability attorney can help you pursue a claim against the responsible parties if a defective bicycle caused your injuries.
With a proven track record of securing compensation for injured cyclists in Chicago, our team has recovered tens of millions in bicycle crash settlements, including:
- $1,000,000 for a dooring accident
- $760,000 for a rear-end crash
- $605,000 in a bike-truck accident in a marked crosswalk
What is Product Liability?
Product liability is the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers when a defective product causes harm. Companies that design, produce, or sell bicycles and cycling components must ensure their products are safe for consumers.
If a manufacturing defect, design defect, or failure to warn makes a bicycle unreasonably dangerous, those responsible may be liable for injuries.
Types of Product Defects in Bicycle Cases
When a bicycle crash results from a defective product, the issue typically falls into one of three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, or marketing defects (failure to warn). Each type of defect creates safety risks for cyclists and may be grounds for a lawsuit.
Design Defects
A design defect occurs when a bicycle or one of its components is inherently dangerous due to flaws in its blueprint. Even if manufactured correctly, a poorly designed bike or cycling product can fail under regular use.
Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing defect occurs when an error during the production process makes a bicycle or its parts unsafe. Unlike design defects, these flaws happen during assembly, affecting only certain products.
Marketing Defects
A marketing defect, also known as failure to warn, occurs when a company fails to provide proper safety warnings or instructions for using a product in a reasonably foreseeable manner.
Common Defective Bicycle Components
A defective bike can put riders at risk, especially when critical components fail while riding. Defects in key parts can cause an accident, leading to serious injury or even death. Some of the most common defective parts include:
- Frames – A weak or poorly welded frame can crack or break, causing a rider to lose control and crash.
- Forks – A defective fork can snap under pressure, leading to a fall hazard and potential head trauma.
- Wheels and tires – Weak rims, faulty spokes, or defective tires can lead to sudden blowouts, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Brakes – Brake failure due to a manufacturing defect or poor design can make stopping difficult, leading to severe injuries in a crash.
- Handlebars and stems – Faulty handlebars or loose stems can suddenly detach or collapse, making the bicycle impossible to steer.
- Seats and seat posts – A defective seat or seat post may break or shift unexpectedly, throwing the rider off balance.
- Pedals – Poorly made pedals may detach, break, or fail to provide proper grip, increasing the chance of a crash hazard.
- Gears and drivetrain components – Malfunctioning gears, chains, or derailleurs can cause sudden mechanical failures, leading to accidents.
- Helmets and other safety equipment – A defective cycling product, such as a helmet that does not meet federal regulations, may not protect against head injuries.
- Electric bike batteries – Faulty e-bike batteries can overheat or catch fire, putting riders at risk of burns and sudden loss of power.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Product Liability Case?
Under product liability law, multiple parties may be liable when a defective bike leads to serious injury. Liability often depends on where the defective product failed in the production process and who was responsible for ensuring its safety.
- Bicycle manufacturers;
- Parts and component manufacturers;
- Distributors and retailers;
- Testing and certification companies;
- Repair shops and assemblers.
Proving a Bicycle Product Liability Claim in Illinois
To succeed in a bicycle product liability case, the injured cyclist must prove that a defective product caused their injuries. Since these cases can be complex, working with an experienced product liability attorney can help injured cyclists understand their legal options and build a strong case.
The first step is establishing a defect, which may require expert testimony and evidence such as recall notices, maintenance records, and crash reports. Next, the cyclist must prove causation, demonstrating that the defective bicycle directly caused the accident, leading to loss of control or a crash hazard.
Finally, the cyclist must document their damages. Medical records, employment documents, and expert analysis help establish financial and physical losses, allowing injured cyclists to seek compensation for their injuries.
Strict Liability vs. Negligence in Product Liability Cases
Illinois law allows product liability claims under two main legal theories:
- Strict liability – The injured party does not need to prove negligence. They only need to show that the product was dangerous and caused harm when used correctly. Strict liability means that manufacturers, retailers, and distributors can be held liable even if they took reasonable care in production.
- Negligence – In some cases, the injured cyclist may claim negligence by proving that a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, making, or selling the product.
Common Injuries Caused by Defective Bicycles
A defective bicycle can cause a serious accident, leading to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Cyclists have little protection in crashes, making them vulnerable to life-altering harm. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Facial injuries;
- Road rash and lacerations;
- Internal injuries;
- Soft tissue injuries.
Steps to Take After an Accident Caused by a Defective Bicycle
If you were injured in a bike accident caused by a defective bicycle, taking the proper steps can help protect your health and legal options.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Preserve the bicycle and all components. Do not repair or discard anything.
- Document the accident scene and gather witness information.
- Report the accident to local law enforcement or the manufacturer or retailer of the defective cycling product. If the product poses a widespread danger, report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Keep detailed records of medical treatment and financial losses related to the accident.
- Consult with a bicycle accident attorney who is experienced in product liability.
Filing a Bicycle Product Liability Lawsuit in Illinois
If you were injured due to a defective bicycle or a faulty component, you may be able to file a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, which includes several key steps.
First, your lawyer will investigate the claim to determine whether a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn made the bicycle unreasonably dangerous and identify who may be liable. Once enough evidence is gathered, they will file a product liability claim in court, ensuring you meet Illinois’ statute of limitations.
During the discovery process, both sides exchange evidence, including expert testimony, manufacturing records, and safety reports. Many cases are settled, but if no agreement is reached, your lawyer will present your case in court, proving the defect that caused your injuries.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to in a Bicycle Product Liability Case
If you suffered injuries due to a defective bicycle, you may have the right to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses caused by the accident. Compensation in product liability lawsuits typically falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the measurable costs related to your serious injury, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Rehabilitation and assistive devices;
- Property damage.
Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Disfigurement and permanent disability.
In cases involving fatal bike accidents, the victim’s family may also pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Product Liability Claims in Illinois
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most bicycle product liability cases is two years from the accident or when the injured party discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) the defective product that caused their injuries. (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
The time limit for cases involving property damage, such as a damaged bicycle, is five years from the date of the incident. (735 ILCS 5/13-205)
If a product leads to a fatal accident, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. (740 ILCS 180/)
Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Why You Need a Chicago Bike Accident Lawyer Experienced in Product Liability
Working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your case if you are injured due to a defective bicycle. Your attorney will gather and preserve all necessary evidence before filing a liability claim. Bicycle manufacturers, distributors, and retailers often have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability.
Without experienced legal representation, injured cyclists may struggle to prove their case or receive fair compensation. An attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for your rightful compensation. If necessary, they can take your case to court.
Consult a Chicago Bicycle Product Liability Lawyer Near You!
If you or a loved one suffered cycling injuries from a design or manufacturing defect, our legal team is here to help. Our Illinois bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience handling product liability claims and fighting for injured cyclists against large manufacturers and insurance companies.
Whether your accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, design defect, or failure to warn, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties liable and seek the rightful compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact our law office to speak with an experienced attorney.
