Free Consultation
Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Internal Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accident internal injuries can risk the lives of Chicago cyclists. Bicycling has become a growing trend, and the number of bikers in the city is increasing as the infrastructure improves.
However, even with more bike lanes and traffic signals, bicyclists still face some inherent risks from accidents. Our Chicago bike accident lawyers can help with your injury claim if you get hurt.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Internal Injuries in Chicago
Even minor accidents can cause severe injuries to bikers. The lack of protection makes riders incredibly vulnerable. It is important to understand the potential causes of bicycle crashes that may lead to internal bleeding.
High-speed collisions are the most dangerous for bikers. They could get hit with the blunt force of a vehicle and thrown to the ground or into another object. Left- and right-hook accidents occur when a driver turns into the path of a biker next to them.
A dooring accident occurs when a vehicle opens its door into the path of a biker. It is also possible for a bicyclist to collide with other riders or pedestrians on trails, bike paths, or sidewalks.
Areas with high traffic are major concerns for bikers. Both drivers and bikers must follow right-of-way regulations according to municipal code 9-52-040. Six accidents have been reported along Milwaukee Avenue, a popular biking route in the city, since 2018. Since 2016, Michigan Avenue has seen eleven collisions involving bikes and vehicles.
Types of Internal Organ Damage Common in Bicycle Accidents
One of the primary dangers of a serious bike accident is the potential for organ damage. While broken bones, dental injuries, herniated discs, and other consequences can be painful and require intense treatment, damage to your organs can be life-threatening.
Abdominal injuries could result in damage to your spleen, liver, diaphragm, stomach, or intestines. Thoracic injuries occur in the chest and could affect your heart or your lungs. Vascular injuries include varying levels of damage to your blood vessels.
In many cases, these injuries can cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent after your accident. This is why it is essential to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you do not feel significant pain or discomfort.
Symptoms of Internal Organ Damage After a Bicycle Accident
The symptoms you may experience because of organ damage or internal bleeding will depend on where the injury occurred. Some general symptoms may include swelling, pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, changes to your skin, nausea, and vomiting.
Some symptoms will depend on the organ that has been damaged. A damaged liver may cause vomiting, nausea, and even shock. Damage to your lungs may result in coughing, painful breathing, blue skin, wheezing, or chest pain.
Traumatic brain injuries can come with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and loss of motor skills. If you suffer from spinal cord injuries, such as compression or pinched nerves, the symptoms could be pain, numbness, weakness, or a loss of control.
If you notice any of these symptoms after a bike accident, you must seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel anything after the collision, you should schedule a check-up to make sure there is no internal bleeding or other hidden issues.
Diagnosing and Treating Internal Organ Damage
Immediate medical treatment could save your life after a bicycle accident, especially if your internal bleeding or nerve damage is severe. Once you schedule a check-up with your doctor, they may conduct a physical examination and run a few tests. They may recommend additional methods to diagnose and treat organ issues or internal bleeding.
If you went to the emergency room straight after the collision, you will be evaluated and stabilized there. Imaging tests can be used to view the body’s organs closely, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
You will likely undergo blood tests and other laboratory examinations. In some cases, surgery may be needed, such as a laparotomy for abdominal pain or a thoracotomy for organs in your chest.
Lastly, your long-term health will be considered. You may need to discuss your options for long-term care and rehabilitation.
Legal Options for Cyclists with Internal Organ Damage in Chicago
The best way to avoid a serious bicycle accident is to be careful in certain parts of the city and always signal your intentions per municipal code 9-52-045. The Downtown Loop, Pulaski Road, Ashland Avenue, and Western Avenue are particularly risky for bikers.
If you suffer internal bleeding or damage to your organs from a bicycle accident, you could have a legal path to compensation. The purpose of a legal claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek legal damages.
The key to winning a lawsuit is establishing negligence and liability. You must prove that the defendant had a duty of care toward you, that they breached that duty, that there is a link between their actions and your suffering, and that you faced legal damages.
Providing liability will require evidence. Working with an experienced lawyer will be necessary to gather strong evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Then, you will file the lawsuit and proceed through the litigation steps.
Compensation for Internal Organ Damage in Bicycle Accidents
There are several types of legal damages you can pursue if you suffer internal injuries in a biking accident in Chicago. The two primary categories of damages are economic and non-economic.
Economic losses include lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic losses may include emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment 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 a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney for Internal Organ Damage
As an injured cyclist, pursuing a lawsuit is a difficult process. Hiring an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer will significantly increase your chances of winning fair compensation.
First, your attorney will know how to work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries and any future needs. They also have expertise in assessing all damages. This includes future losses that are harder to predict.
Lastly, a legal team will negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company for a fair settlement. Insurance companies often use shady tactics and low offers. A legal expert will see right through those strategies and fight for maximum compensation.
It is also important to understand your rights as a biker in Chicago. The right law firm will help you understand your rights and protect them throughout the claims process, especially if your civil case goes to trial.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
The right legal team can make all the difference in your personal injury or insurance claim. Our firm knows what it takes to build a strong case, protect your rights, and gather enough evidence to help you earn fair compensation.
You should always be informed when pursuing legal action after a bicycle accident, so our Illinois bike accident lawyers offer a free case evaluation. During this conversation, you can ask questions about the legal process and your specific case, whether you have suffered from head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, shoulder injuries, or internal bleeding.
