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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
Bus-Bike Collisions
Defending Injured Cyclists’ Rights Following Bus Accidents
A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation by holding negligent bus drivers and transit companies accountable. With a proven track record of advocating for injured cyclists in Chicago, our team has secured millions in bicycle accident settlements, including:
- $2,730,000 – A bicyclist was struck by a bus making a left turn, resulting in a significant settlement.
- $760,000 – A cyclist stopped at a traffic light and was hit from behind. The driver claimed poor lighting contributed to the crash.
- $250,000 – A driver failed to yield to cyclists on a busy city street during rush hour, causing a rider to suffer a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
Common Types of Bus Accidents Involving Bicycles
Bus accidents involving bicycles happen in various ways, often leading to severe injuries for cyclists. Some of the most common types include:
- Right-hook accidents – Occur when a bus driver turns right at an intersection or driveway, cutting off a cyclist riding in a bike lane or on the road.
- Left-hook accidents – Occur when a bus operator turns left across a cyclist’s path, often misjudging their speed or failing to yield.
- Sideswipe accidents – A bus passes too closely, hitting a cyclist or forcing them off the road.
- Rear-end collisions – A bus accident occurs when a bus strikes a cyclist from behind, often due to distracted driving or failure to maintain a safe distance.
- Bus stop accidents – Cyclists are struck near bus stops when passengers board or exit, sometimes due to blocked visibility or unsafe maneuvers.
Common Injuries in Bus-Bike Crashes
Bus accidents involving bicycles often cause cyclists serious harm due to the size and force of a bus. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries – Even with a helmet, cyclists can experience concussions or traumatic brain injuries, leading to lasting cognitive and physical challenges.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis, significantly affecting a victim’s quality of life.
- Broken bones – The impact of a bus accident can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, requiring extensive recovery.
- Internal injuries – Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Road rash – Severe skin abrasions occur when cyclists are thrown onto the pavement, sometimes leading to infection or permanent scarring.
Liability for Bus Accidents Involving Bicycles
Liability in bus accidents involving bicycles is based on proving negligence, which consists of four elements:
- Duty – Bus drivers and other motorists must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
- Breach – A driver or transit company violates this duty by failing to follow traffic rules or using unsafe driving practices.
- Causation – The breach directly leads to an accident, causing harm to the cyclist.
- Damages – The victim suffers medical treatment expenses, lost income, or other losses due to the crash.
Potential Defendants in Bus-Bicycle Accident Cases
Several parties may be liable for bicycle accidents involving buses:
- The bus driver – If the driver was speeding, making unsafe turns, or engaging in distracted driving, they may be held responsible.
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or other public transportation agencies – If a CTA bus was involved, the agency may share liability for poor training, unsafe policies, or improper vehicle maintenance.
- Private bus companies – If a private transit or charter bus was involved, the company may be liable for the driver’s actions or inadequate safety measures.
- Other negligent drivers – In some cases, another motor vehicle may cause a crash by cutting off a cyclist or forcing a bus into their path.
Steps to Take After a Bike-Bus Accident in Chicago
If you’ve been injured in a bus and bicycle accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Prioritize safety and seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions, like internal injuries or spinal cord injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Chicago police. A police report provides an official record, which is crucial for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Exchange information. Get contact and insurance details from the bus driver and other parties involved.
- Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic law violations. If possible, obtain witness statements.
- Preserve evidence. Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing.
- Keep detailed records of medical treatment bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance adjusters or CTA representatives without consulting a bicycle crash lawyer.
Taking Legal Action for a Chicago Bus-Bike Crash
If you’ve been injured in a bus and bicycle accident, the legal process typically begins with consulting a Chicago bike accident attorney. A lawyer will assess your case, explain your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies and transit agencies.
Next, your attorney will investigate the accident and gather evidence, such as the police report, surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records, to help prove negligence. If the bus accident involves the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or another public agency, you must meet notice requirements, which include filing a formal claim within a strict deadline.
If a fair insurance claim settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer can proceed with filing a lawsuit in Illinois courts. During discovery, negotiations, and trial, both sides exchange evidence, attempt to settle, or take the case to court to fight for fair compensation.
Compensation Awarded to Victims of Bus Accidents Involving Bicycles
Victims of bus and bicycle accidents may be eligible for compensation covering both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages – Compensation for diminished earning capacity due to recovery or permanent disability.
- Property damage – Costs to repair or replace a damaged bicycle and gear.
- Pain and suffering – Payment for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Bike-Bus Crash Claims in Illinois
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for bike crash cases depends on who is responsible.
Against private parties (bus drivers, private bus companies, and other negligent motorists) – you have two years from the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202).
Against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or other government entities – you must file a formal notice of claim within one year, and a lawsuit must be filed within two years (745 ILCS 10/8-101).
Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation for your damages.
Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bus and bicycle accident, recovering from severe injuries is challenging enough without dealing with insurance companies, transit agencies, and legal deadlines. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal process, build a strong case, and fight for your deserved compensation. Here’s how legal representation can help:
Navigating Complex Laws and Procedures
Illinois personal injury law, traffic rules, and the regulations governing the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) can make bicycle accident cases complicated. A skilled attorney understands these laws and ensures your case meets all legal requirements to protect your right to seek compensation.
Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
Proving negligence in a bus accident involving a bicycle requires strong evidence. A law firm can obtain critical records, including police reports, surveillance footage, bus maintenance logs, and driver history. Attorneys also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling case that may be difficult to develop without legal assistance.
Maximizing Your Compensation
A bicycle accident attorney evaluates all damages and long-term care needs. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but an attorney negotiates aggressively to ensure you receive full compensation. Your lawyer can take the case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process
From filing an insurance claim to negotiating with bus operators and public transit agencies, having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected at every step. They handle legal complexities, prevent you from saying anything that could harm your case, and fight for a fair outcome.
Consult a Chicago Bus-Bike Accident Lawyer Near You!
If you’ve been injured in a bus and bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The experienced team at our law firm is dedicated to helping injured cyclists recover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages after a serious crash.
Our Illinois bicycle accident lawyers understand local traffic laws and the challenges of filing claims against bus drivers, private companies, and the CTA. We will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
