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Bicycle Cases We Handle
- Dooring Accidents
- Right Hook Accidents
- Left Hook Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Crosswalk Accidents
- Road Rage Incidents
- Hit and Run Incidents
- E-Bike Crashes
- E-Scooter Crashes
- Bus Collisions
- Truck Collisions
- Rideshare Collisions
- Taxi Collisions
- Failure to Stop Accidents
- Underinsured Motorist Collisions
- Product Liability Claims
- Delivery Worker Accidents
- Messenger Accidents
- Bike Share Incidents
Crosswalk Bicycle Accidents
Advocating for Cyclists Injured on Crosswalks
Our Chicago crosswalk bicycle accident attorneys know how devastating bike crashes in crosswalks can be. These accidents often result in severe injuries, mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our Chicago bike accident attorney team is committed to helping injured cyclists pursue the compensation they deserve.
Here are some of the settlements we have secured for injured bicyclists:
- $605,000 for a cyclist struck by a commercial truck in a marked crosswalk
- $510,000 for facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury after being hit by a vehicle making a left turn
- $499,000 for a bike messenger hit by a driver exiting a parking garage in Chicago
Common Causes of Crosswalk Bicycle Accidents
While a crosswalk accident can happen at any time, there are a few underlying common causes.
- Distracted Driving: If a motor vehicle driver isn’t paying attention to the road for any reason, such as texting, they won’t see a cyclist in the crosswalk before hitting them.
- Failure to Yield: Cars must yield to cyclists, especially in a crosswalk, as they have the right of way.
- Obstructed Views: Bikes are much smaller than motor vehicles; if a driver’s view is obstructed, they may not see a bike in a crosswalk in time to avoid hitting them.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Driving too fast can make it difficult to obey stop signs, a red light, or yield to bikes in time to avoid a crosswalk crash.
Serious Injuries Suffered By Cyclists in Crosswalk Accidents
Due to their exposure and small vehicle size, bicyclists are vulnerable to severe injury in crosswalk accidents.
- Abrasions
- Bone Fractures
- Shoulder, Back, and Spine Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Injuries or Organ Damage
Illinois Law: Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities in Crosswalks
According to Illinois law, crosswalks are meant to protect pedestrians while they cross the street. When a driver strikes a bicyclist in a crosswalk, they have failed to allow safe crossing. However, cyclists must be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding crosswalks as well.
Are Bicycles Considered Vehicles or Pedestrians in Illinois Crosswalks?
Bicyclists are allowed to ride their bikes through crosswalks unless officially prohibited by posted traffic rules. Under Illinois state laws, bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic signals and laws as motor vehicle drivers.
In other words, they must yield to pedestrians on crosswalks, obey traffic lights and signs, and signal when turning. However, when a cyclist uses a crosswalk, they have the same rights as a pedestrian, regardless of whether they are walking their bike or riding it.
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) and Crosswalks
According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, cyclists propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
Drivers must treat bicyclists like any other pedestrian on a sidewalk and allow safe crossing by coming to a complete stop and providing the right of way, regardless of whether the cyclists are riding or walking their bikes.
Driver's Duty to Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists (When Applicable) in Crosswalks
Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-1002) requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, including cyclists. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and causes a collision, they have violated their duty to yield and allow safe crossing.
Cyclists' Responsibilities When Using Crosswalks
In Illinois, cyclists are also considered pedestrians while using crosswalks. However, outside of crosswalks, they are also legally considered vehicles. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1512(a), before entering a crosswalk, a cyclist must yield the right of way to other pedestrians on foot.
They must provide an audible signal when overtaking or passing a pedestrian on the sidewalk or crosswalk. They also must dismount their bicycle when instructed to do so.
What to Do Immediately After a Crosswalk Bicycle Accident
Getting into bike accidents can be scary, but following these steps can mitigate medical and legal issues.
- Get to safety and assess your injuries
- Report the accident to the police to establish a record of the incident
- Collect the driver’s name, contact information, vehicle type, and insurance information.
- Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who were at the scene.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, bicycle damage, property damage, and injuries.
- Don’t throw away any evidence like your clothing, helmet, or damaged bicycle.
- Do not admit fault when talking with the driver or police until you’ve received legal advice. Liability needs to be determined by a court of law if necessary.
Investigating Your Crosswalk Bicycle Accident Claim to Prove Fault
Victims of bike accidents typically pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages. Legal teams must investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove fault successfully. The investigation will normally involve a few steps.
- Consult a lawyer to discuss the process and determine eligibility.
- Your attorneys will obtain photos, videos, police reports, medical records, financial statements, and cite relevant traffic laws to create a case proving the driver’s negligence in the car accident.
- Your attorney can help you file with insurance to mitigate denials or inadequate compensation.
- Your attorney can also file the lawsuit in court to help recover compensation for damages and losses. They will need to prove the negligent driver’s fault in this case.
- They will negotiate with the driver on your behalf to come to an agreement about a settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial.
- If negotiations fail, our attorney will represent you in court, increasing your chances of securing financial compensation.
Proving Fault in a Crosswalk Bicycle Accident Case
To prove fault in your bike accident case, your attorney will need to establish the driver’s negligence. In legal terms, negligence means the driver had a duty of care to allow you to use the crosswalk safely but breached it when they collided with you. The damages you sustained as a result of this negligence can serve as valuable proof in your case.
Potential Compensation for Injuries in a Crosswalk Accident
If a personal injury lawsuit is won, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages to help you with physical, emotional, and financial distress.
Economic Damages
- Legal Fees
- Medical Expenses and Bills
- Funeral Expenses
- Property Damage
- Lost Wages
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of Relationships
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Injuries
Why You Need a Crosswalk Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring a qualified bike accident attorney is an excellent way to increase your chances of earning compensation. They will help you file a timely lawsuit, represent you in court, and maximize your compensation whenever possible. Attorneys are also beneficial for negotiating with tricky insurance claims and companies, so you don’t have to.
Consult a Chicago Crosswalk Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident at a crosswalk, seeking legal guidance can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. An Illinois bicycle accident attorney from our team can investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Book a free consultation to discuss your legal options!
