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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Child Bike Accidents
Recovering Compensation for Children Injured in Chicago Bicycle Crashes
Chicago child bike accident injuries are terrifying when they happen to someone you love. Although many infrastructural elements are being added to support this growing need, there are still dangers for bicycle riders in the city. Bicycle accidents involving children can be especially dangerous, leading to severe injuries.
If your child is hurt in a collision, our Chicago bike crash lawyer team can help you navigate the claims process.
Why Children Are More Susceptible to Serious Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Since 2016, 303 bicyclists between the ages of 6 and 12 have experienced crashes that involved vehicles.
Children are more susceptible to bike accident injuries because of their physical makeup. Their bodies are not as strong as the average adult’s, so a collision is more likely to cause damage like head, back, arm, leg, and neck injuries.
Additionally, children are not as mentally developed as adults, so they are less likely to take precautions or follow the rules of the road for bikers per municipal code 9-52-010.
Many areas of the city see a lot of traffic from kids on bikes, especially near schools and parks. South Loop Elementary and Ogden Elementary are both located in very high-traffic areas. Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Union Park, and Eckhart Park are all locations where children often bike near traffic.
Common Causes of Child Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Numerous factors could cause a bike accident involving a child. A motor vehicle driver may not be paying enough attention to see children in bike lanes. Often, a child will suddenly dart out into the road while riding their bike.
Some accident cases occur in driveways. One of the most likely spots for a collision is at a busy intersection, particularly along popular biking routes like Milwaukee Avenue Corridor, Logan Square, Avondale, Western Avenue, and Ashland Avenue.
Road hazards, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or debris, can cause children to lose control of their bikes. Even for older kids, adult supervision may be needed to protect them from dangerous situations while riding their bicycles, so a lack of attentive adults could also cause accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained by Children in Bicycle Accidents
A child’s injuries from a bicycle collision can range in severity. Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, are not always prevented by riders wearing bike helmets. Facial injuries may include fractures, lacerations, and dental damage. The bones that are most likely to break in a collision are arms, legs, and collarbones.
Many bicycle crash victims suffer from road rash, an abrasion caused by contact with the road surface. In case of internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage, it is essential to seek prompt medical care after an accident. Lastly, even if the child’s injuries are minimal, they could suffer from emotional trauma from the accident.
Children in residential areas with many commuters are at an increased risk of these injuries. For example, bicyclists near the West Loop or Near North Side may encounter extra commuter traffic, increasing the chances of a collision.
Illinois Law and Child Bicycle Accidents
Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, an injured party may pursue compensation for legal damages if they are less than 50% responsible for the accident. In the past, the “tender years doctrine” described children under the age of seven as too young to understand risks, so parents were responsible for their well-being.
This can play a role in a child’s bike accident claim, as the parents could be held partially responsible for not protecting the child. Bicyclists, in general, must follow the rules and equipment requirements in Chicago to protect themselves from liability. This includes learning the right-of-way rules in municipal code 9-52-040.
What to Do Immediately After a Child Bicycle Accident
If your child has been involved in a bicycle accident in Chicago, you must understand the necessary steps to follow in the aftermath. Prioritize safety by assessing their injuries and getting them to a safe location. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical treatment.
Next, you should start gathering information from the scene, such as driver details, witness contacts, and vehicle information. Take photos or videos of the scene, the child’s injuries, and any property damage. Schedule a medical follow-up to have the child assessed for a hidden injury or other concerns.
Finally, do not let your child or yourself admit fault to anyone without first speaking to a lawyer.
Investigating Your Child's Bicycle Accident Claim
If the child has suffered legal damages because of the crash and someone else’s negligence was involved, you may be able to file an injury claim. The child’s claim will involve a thorough investigation, which an experienced lawyer can help with.
First, a copy of the police report should be obtained. Witnesses should be interviewed about the event, including your child, if appropriate. Analyze the accident scene and the damage to the vehicle or bicycle. Lastly, you could consult accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case. All these tasks are much easier with an expert attorney on your side.
Potential Compensation in a Child Bicycle Accident Case
One of the purposes of a claim is to recover compensation that the child deserves for legal damages.
Some economic damages include medical expenses, future medical costs, and the parents’ lost wages. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of a normal life for the child. In some severe cases, loss of future earning capacity could also increase the settlement offer.
The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem
In a legal case, the child’s parent may have a conflict of interest. Therefore, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to protect the child’s interests during the claims process. This person will investigate the claim, communicate with all parties, and create a report about the incident to file with the court.
Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago Child Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!
The right law firm can make all the difference in your bicycle accident case in Chicago. We know what it takes to negotiate for fair compensation with the insurance company and build a compelling case with strong evidence.
Whether the child’s crash occurred along Lakefront Trail access points or just outside of a school zone, our Illinois bike crash lawyer team will guide you through the claims process to increase your chances of success.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation about your child’s bicycle accident.
