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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Nerve Damage in Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists in Chicago could suffer from bicycle accident nerve damage after a crash. Even with more bike lanes and traffic signals, bikers still face significant risks from collisions. Severe crashes can even cause nerve damage, which is one of the most common injuries in these crashes.
If you are hurt in a bike crash, you could seek compensation with help from our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Chicago.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Nerve Damage in Chicago
Numerous factors can cause bicycle crashes in Chicago. Some falls occur because of slippery surfaces or wet conditions. Other bikers crash because of road hazards, like potholes, uneven pavement, or debris.
One of the most common causes of dangerous bicycle collisions is other motor vehicles. Often, negligent drivers do not pay enough attention to nearby bikers, even though cyclists have the same rights per municipal code 9-52-010. This can lead to the most common injuries in bike collisions, such as broken bones, road rash, and nerve damage.
Chicago has many locations that are particularly dangerous for cyclists. Fullerton Avenue, Halsted Street, and Lincoln Avenue form a complex intersection with frequent merging collisions. Damen Avenue, North Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue are popular biking routes with dense vehicular traffic.
Vehicles often fail to yield at the intersection of Chicago Avenue, Halsted Street, and Ogden Avenue. Bucktown and Logan Square also feature dense traffic and numerous bike path intersections.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Bicycle Accident
Damage to your nerves can be one of the most serious injuries from a bike accident. While prevention strategies can minimize the risk of a crash, there is only so much a helmet and protective gear can do if you are hit by a car.
Significant pain is typically associated with nerve damage, especially if it is a sharp, burning, aching, or shooting pain. Numbness and tingling may also result from the collision. A loss of muscle function or weakness is a major cause for concern.
In some cases, the damaged area may be sensitive to touch or temperature. Loss of coordination or damage could signify deep nerve damage. Lastly, you could suffer from autonomic nerve dysfunction in which involuntary body functions become impaired.
It is essential to seek medical care immediately after your accident for an accurate diagnosis and professional medical treatment of your injuries.
Legal Options for Cyclists with Nerve Damage in Chicago
If you suffered from injuries because of the collision, you could pursue compensation for legal damages. You will need to establish negligence for the at-fault party. This will require proving a duty of care, a breach of duty, causation, and the presence of legal damages.
Filing a lawsuit will involve gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. You’ll need to deal with insurance companies and defense lawyers. Once you file the lawsuit, a complex litigation process will follow.
Your best chance of navigating this process successfully is to hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
Compensation for Nerve Damage in Chicago Bicycle Accidents
There are several legal damages you can pursue because of bicycle accident injuries. Economic damages may include medical treatment bills, future medical costs, therapy bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic losses include emotional distress, pain and suffering from your injuries, disability and impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney for Nerve Damage
An experienced attorney can make all the difference in winning your injury claim. As you seek medical care and focus on healing, your legal team can handle the logistics of the case.
Your lawyer will understand the complex medical issues involved in a nerve damage case. They will work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries and future medical needs. Your attorney will calculate and prove damages to recover compensation. Finally, they will use their expertise to negotiate with the insurance company.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, in Illinois, the statute of limitations for bike accident claims is two years from the date of the incident. This means you must file your claim within two years if you want to recover compensation. If you wait until after this period, your case may be dismissed entirely.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Nerve damage injuries from a bicycle accident could change the course of your life. Prevention strategies and protective gear can only do so much when other drivers behave negligently, or road hazards cause you to lose control of the bike.
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Illinois will build a strong case, gather compelling evidence, and let you focus on healing from your injuries while we handle the legal logistics.
Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation. During this conversation, you can ask questions about the legal process or your specific case.
