Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Minors Injured in Crashes
For many children, riding a bicycle can be a great milestone in their young lives that provides them a sense of independence and self-assurance. More than just exercise, bicycle riding helps develop the gross motor skills of a young child. However, the activity has inherent risks that often results in child bicycle accidents.
Causes of Accidents
Bicycle Injuries
Victim Resources
Statistics maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that approximately 300,000 bicycle injuries involving children are reported every year. In addition, nearly 400 young riders lose their lives in bicycle accidents annually. Chicago bike accident lawyers file claims and lawsuits seeking financial compensation against parties at fault for the accident. Many of these cases involve factors associated with injuries caused by defective bicycles, improperly maintained bike paths and negligence of motorists on roads and streets.
Driver’s negligence is a leading factor for most child bicycle accidents usually caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Suddenly turning into the path of the bicyclist
- Inattentive driving
Catastrophic Injuries Children May Face Following a Bike Crash
The injuries a child suffers in a bicycle accident are typically more catastrophic compared to adults involved in bike crashes because children are weaker, smaller and inexperienced riders. In fact, very young children tend to have a much higher potential risk of suffering catastrophic head injuries, which tends to be a leading cause of death in bicycle-related fatalities. The most common types of catastrophic and serious injuries associated with child bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal damage including injury to internal organs
- Serious abrasions and lacerations
- Scarring
- Injury to the face including eye damage, ear damage and a broken nose
- Spinal cord injury including paraplegia and quadriplegia
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Neurological damage
- Fatalities
Because children are growing through their developmental age, nearly any arising serious complication after the accident can affect their ability to grow and learn in the future. Many children suffering bicycle-related injuries often experience cognitive issues, memory and attention deficits, changes in behavior, emotional problems and insufficiencies in abilities that are all directly associated with brain damage.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents
All young bicyclists must take certain steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others while riding their bikes. In addition to wearing a life-saving helmet, children should be taught how to avoid every potentially dangerous and hazardous situation that could cause a bicycle accident. Some of these include:
- Never ride the bicycle in the dark.
- Never wear loose fitting clothing, which could easily become stuck in the chains of the
bicycle. - Perform a routine inspection of the handlebars, brakes and tires to ensure each one
works properly. - All children under 12 years old should ride their bicycles solely on the sidewalk or any
dedicated bike path.
Seeking Legal Recourse for a Child Injured in a Chicago Bike Accident
Parents must ensure their young child suffering serious injuries in a bicycle accident receives the best medical treatment to ensure optimal recovery. This includes needed surgeries, rehabilitation and physical therapy. However, the cost of medical care and the treatment of injuries is often staggering and can totally deplete the finances of the family for years. Typically, the best solution is to seek legal recourse and obtain financial compensation to ensure the child enjoys the future they deserve.
Even if the case against all responsible parties appears cut and dry, with all obvious signs pointing toward another’s negligence, litigating a claim for compensation can be tricky. Hiring an attorney can help. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in child bicycle accidents. Our law firm will begin working to build your case immediately, to allow the family to focus their attention on what matters most – the health, needs and well-being of your child.
Our dedicated team of reputable personal injury lawyers will ensure you receive adequate recompense to cover your expenses including:
- The current and future costs of hospitalization, medical care and treatment.
- Pain, suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress.
- The expenses associated with temporary or permanent disability.
- Counseling assistance to better handle emotional hardship or grief.
These types of cases are handled on contingency, so there is no need to pay a retainer or any upfront legal fees. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully winning substantial compensation for the victims of child bicycle accidents and their families.