Free Consultation
Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Broken Bones (Fractures) in Biycle Accidents
A Chicago bicycle broken bones accident can cause significant suffering for the victim. Bicycling is a growing trend as the infrastructure for riders continues to improve. However, bicycles offer minimal protection when riders collide with vehicles, pedestrians, or even road hazards.
Bone fractures are some of the most common bicycle accident injuries. Since 2015, almost 15,000 crashes in Chicago have involved bicyclists. Many of these collisions have resulted in serious bone fractures.
If you get hurt in a collision, you may be eligible for compensation with the help of our Chicago bike crash attorney team
Common Types of Bike Accident Fractures in Chicago
Bone fractures can be very serious bicycle accident injuries. A closed fracture occurs when the bone does not break the skin, while an open fracture breaks through the skin layer. While some fractures caused by a bicycle crash may be minor, others could alter your lifestyle completely.
Upper extremity bone fractures occur in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Some examples of these injuries include a dislocated shoulder, a broken clavicle, a fractured arm, or a broken wrist.
Lower extremity injuries involve the hips, pelvis, and legs. Injuries to the hip or pelvis can cause serious mobility issues. Broken bones in the legs, knees, or feet will also be severe and could require extensive therapy.
While traumatic brain injuries are the most serious type of damage to the head, bone fractures can also be serious. Skull fractures, broken teeth, and facial fractures are commonly associated with accidents involving bicycle riders.
Other types of bone fractures include broken ribs, spinal cord injuries, and vertebral fractures.
To avoid the risk of these types of fractures, be especially careful in certain areas of Chicago.
Eleven accidents have occurred on Michigan Avenue since 2016. Since 2018, six accidents involving bicycles and vehicles have happened on the popular bike route of Milwaukee Avenue. Though you have a right to use Chicago roads, you must yield the right-of-way correctly per municipal code 9-52-040.
Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Accidents Leading to Broken Bones
A bone breaks due to significant force, and many bicycle accidents account for these types of injuries. The cause of the accident can affect how badly the injured cyclist is hurt.
Driver negligence causes many catastrophic injuries to bikers. Some drivers do not pay attention before making turns or stops. They also may be distracted by phones, eating, or other issues. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris could result in bone fractures even if you are wearing protective gear.
Your bone breaks could also be the fault of defective bicycle components or an equipment malfunction. For example, if the brake line is faulty, you may be unable to stop yourself from hitting an object.
Liability in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Case with Broken Bones
When you require medical treatment because of serious injuries from a bicycle crash, you could seek compensation. You must prove liability for the accident to be eligible for legal damages. Proving negligence will require evidence that the defendant had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that their actions led to your injuries, and that you suffered legal damages.
Some areas that have higher rates of bike and motor vehicle collisions include the North Side, Western Avenue, Pulaski Road, and State Street in the Downtown Loop.
Potential defendants in a bicycle injury case include other drivers, pedestrians, business owners, property owners, dog owners, bike manufacturers, and even local governments. In Illinois, the comparative negligence rule states that you must be less than 50% responsible for the incident, and the percentage of fault can reduce your compensation.
Steps to Take After a Chicago Bicycle Accident Resulting in Broken Bones
If you experience bone breaks after a bicycle collision, you must follow these steps to protect yourself and prepare for an injury claim.
- Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention and following all treatment plans.
- Report the accident to the Chicago Police.
- Document the accident scene with photos, videos, and eyewitness information.
- Preserve the evidence, such as your bike, helmet, and clothing.
- Keep all records of medical treatment, expenses, and lost wages.
- Do not admit fault or speak to other insurance companies before speaking to a lawyer.
Filing a Lawsuit for Broken Bones Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident
If you choose to pursue a lawsuit for bone fractures after a bike accident, you should understand the basic legal process.
First, consult an experienced bicycle attorney in Chicago. They will investigate the claim and start gathering evidence. Next, they will help you file the lawsuit in Illinois courts. This will be followed by a discovery process where information and evidence are exchanged.
Finally, your lawyer will negotiate for fair compensation for your suffering. In some cases, the claim could even proceed to a civil trial.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to for Broken Bones from a Bicycle Accident
Depending on the severity of your bone breaks and the fracture type, you could be eligible for compensation. Economic losses for bone fractures may include lost income, medical bills, property damage, and future medical costs. Non-economic losses may include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Chicago Bicycle Accident Claims
Illinois has a statute of limitations for bicycle accident injury lawsuits that lasts for two years after the date of the incident. (735 ILCS 5/13-202) This means you will typically have two years to file a claim after the accident occurs.
Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Broken Bone Injuries
An experienced bike accident lawyer can increase your chances of success. They will help you prove liability and assess all damages. When dealing with insurance companies and defense lawyers, your attorney will know how to negotiate.
A dedicated lawyer knows what it takes to protect your rights as a biker under municipal code 9-52-010 and maximize compensation for bone fractures.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Our law firm is prepared to safeguard your rights and pursue compensation, whether you have suffered from spiral fractures, surgical procedures, or other types of fractures from a bike crash. Our Illinois bike crash attorney team has secured many settlements for injured bicyclists and can do the same for you. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
