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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Amputation Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
A bike accident amputation in Chicago is an incredibly serious injury. Although biking is an economical and healthy way to travel through Chicago, it can also be dangerous. Bikers can get into accidents involving motor vehicles, pedestrians, road hazards, and even other cyclists.
Sometimes, the most severe crashes result in serious injuries to the rider, especially if the collision involves a motor vehicle. Working with our Chicago bike accident attorneys you could win compensation with an injury claim after a bad accident.
Types of Amputation Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
A cycling accident could result in various types of amputations depending on the severity of the collision. In most cases, these injuries occur when cyclists are hit by motor vehicles at high speeds, but infections of seemingly minor wounds could also lead to surgical amputations.
Let’s look at the different types of amputations.
Traumatic Amputation
A traumatic amputation is very aptly named. This occurs when the victim’s limb is severed at the scene of the accident. Their limb may have been crushed by a vehicle, or they could lose a finger when they land at high speeds. Often, this type of amputation is the most severe because the victim needs emergency medical attention to save their life.
Surgical Amputation
Surgical amputation is a procedure done because of significant damage to the cyclist’s extremities. For example, a completely crushed foot could require amputation because it cannot be saved through other medical means.
Upper Extremity Amputation
Upper extremities refer to your arms, hands, and fingers. Whether one of these parts is removed surgically or due to the forces of the collision, it is considered an upper extremity amputation.
Lower Extremity Amputation
An amputation involving your leg, foot, or toes is considered a lower extremity amputation. This type of damage will have a serious impact on your mobility, so it will only be employed if the damage to the extremity is too severe to fix.
Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Accidents Resulting in Amputation
The trauma of an amputation injury can be devastating. Understanding the common causes of cycling accidents will help you avoid dangerous situations to prevent such injuries.
Driver negligence is one of the primary causes of catastrophic collisions involving bikers, especially since many don’t realize bikers and drivers follow the same rules of the road per municipal code 9-52-010. These incidents are more likely to occur along busy areas where many cyclists and vehicles ride in close proximity.
Milwaukee Avenue between Logan Square and the Downtown Loop is one of the most dangerous cycling routes. The intersection of this route with North and Damen is particularly risky. Other areas to be cautious include Halsted Street near West Loop, Lakeview Trail intersections, Clark Street between Andersonville and River North, and Western Avenue.
Large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, can also cause cycling accidents. Areas without bike lanes may experience more dooring accidents since cyclists have to ride on the streets next to parked vehicles.
All these scenarios and locations could lead to cycling accidents, so be cautious in these situations.
Establishing Liability in a Chicago Bike Accident Amputation Case
If you are hurt in a cycling accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal path to compensation for damages suffered. You will need to prove that the at-fault party was liable for your accident.
To establish liability, you must prove the defendant had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that their actions caused your suffering, and that you experienced legal damages.
Several parties may be held liable for your amputation injury after a cycling accident.
Negligent Drivers
Motorists on the road must follow traffic laws and safety precautions when bikers are nearby. If a driver is distracted, fails to check their blindspots, or makes a turn without considering a nearby cyclist, they could be held liable for the biker’s injury. Remember to always signal your intentions visually when riding in the city per code 9-52-045.
Employers of Drivers
A statute called vicarious liability allows some parties to be sued for the negligent actions of others they are affiliated with. For example, if a delivery driver causes a cycling accident and the victim is hurt, the driver’s employer may be held partially responsible.
Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers
The maker of a bike or vehicle could be held responsible for an accident based on product liability. A faulty part or defect could lead to a cycling accident. In this case, the manufacturer of the defective product is somewhat responsible for the victim’s injury.
The City or Local Government
Local entities are responsible for maintaining roads, bike lanes, and trails. If you are injured in a cycling accident because of road hazards, the city of Chicago may be partially responsible for your injury.
Steps to Take After a Cycling Accident Resulting in Amputation
In all likelihood, an amputation injury from a cycling accident is very serious. Here are the steps you must follow to prioritize your health and prepare for a potential lawsuit for compensation.
The first step is to prioritize medical care. Whether you need emergency treatment at the scene or a follow-up surgical procedure, your health is essential. Ongoing care may also be necessary since an amputation will likely cause persistent pain and a need for rehabilitation.
Next, you should report the accident to the Chicago Police Department. This ensures an official accident report will be created, which can be used as evidence in your claim.
Document the accident scene and be as detailed as possible. Ask for contact information from witnesses. Take photos and videos of the scene, the damage to your bike, and your injuries. You should also preserve physical evidence, such as your bike, helmet, and clothing.
Keep detailed records of all your medical treatment, tests, expenses, and lost income. This evidence will play a key role in your lawsuit.
Finally, do not admit fault to anyone or discuss the accident before speaking to a lawyer. You should consult an attorney for legal support as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Filing a Lawsuit for an Amputation Injury Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident
A lawsuit can be a complicated process without legal assistance. The basic steps include an investigation of the cycling accident, gathering evidence, developing a life care plan for recovery, filing the lawsuit in court, a discovery process, settlement negotiations, and a potential trial.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Cycling Accident Amputation
There are two primary categories of damages your lawyer could assess after a cycling accident injury: economic and non-economic.
Economic losses for injured cyclists may include lost wages, medical expenses, future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Cycling Accident Amputation Claims in Illinois
Most bike accident injury claims follow the two-year statute of limitations in Illinois. 735 ILCS 5/13-202 says you have two years from the date of the cycling accident to file a claim. If you wait until after these two years are up, your case could be dismissed.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Your life could be turned upside down because of someone else’s negligence in a cycling accident. An amputation injury, whether it occurred during the accident or afterward as a medical procedure, can alter your lifestyle significantly. You deserve a fair shot to earn compensation for your suffering.
Our Illinois bike accident attorneys are ready to support your cycling accident lawsuit and increase your chances of winning a fair settlement. Whether you are facing steep hospital costs, a long rehabilitation process, or lost income, our team will help you earn the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to request your free consultation.
