Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Award-Winning Bike Accident Law Firm Representing Illinois Victims

Illinois bicycle accident lawyers are crucial to receiving justice for bicycle accidents. When a cyclist is injured because of a negligent driver, unsafe road conditions, or another party’s careless actions, an experienced Illinois bicycle accident attorney can help protect their rights and pursue compensation.

In 2024, 35 people passed away in bicycle accidents in Illinois, demonstrating how dangerous many routes can be for bicyclists. According to Illinois traffic crash data, bicycle collisions continue to impact communities throughout the state, including Chicago and surrounding areas. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a bike accident, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

We have recovered millions for our clients, including:

• $605,000 – Recovered for a dooring accident.
• $499,000 – Bike messenger crash near a parking garage.
• $199,000 – Child struck by exiting his driveway.

Our experienced Illinois bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists understand their legal options after crashes involving vehicles, unsafe road conditions, and negligent drivers.

Common Locations for Bicycle Crashes in Illinois

August is the deadliest time of year for bicyclists, while Chicago and its surrounding suburbs have the highest concentration of fatal bike accidents. Common locations for bicycle accidents include the following.

The Illinois Department of Transportation provides statewide crash information that helps identify bicycle accident trends and roadway safety concerns throughout Illinois.

Intersections – In May 2022, a 58-year-old woman was severely injured in Oak Park while biking through the intersection of Home Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. A 21-year-old driver struck her and drove away, dragging the bicycle.

Intersection collisions are among the most common types of bicycle crashes because drivers may fail to yield, make unsafe turns, or overlook cyclists traveling through an intersection.

Urban Areas – Bicycle accidents occur more frequently in urban areas like Rockford and Chicagoland because there is a higher concentration of motor vehicles. In just 2024 alone, five people were fatally injured in a bicycle accident within Chicago proper.

Bike Lanes – While these lanes are meant to keep people safe, many motor vehicle drivers may not respect cyclists’ space, causing crashes. In July 2024, a Morton Grove cyclist was struck by two cars while using a mixed-use path near Dempster Avenue. He passed away from his injuries.

Bike lane accidents and bicycle lane collisions can happen when drivers fail to check for cyclists, enter designated bike areas, or ignore traffic safety rules.

Rural Roads – Drivers may not think to look for cyclists in rural areas, especially those with high speeds. In February 2025, a man was killed in LaSalle County while riding along Illinois Route 251 on a Sunday evening.

Causes of Illinois Bicycle Accidents

Ride Illinois, a bicyclist advocacy organization, notes that bicycle accidents should be called crashes instead, as they are typically preventable with greater attention. Some of the causes of Illinois bicycle accidents include the following.

Driver Negligence – In 2024, a Naperville man was seriously injured while riding in Aurora when a black Volkswagen Beetle hit him and did not stop, despite Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/11-401 requiring that anyone in an accident involving personal injury wait for police to arrive. Things like distracted driving or drunk driving can increase the risk of a fatal crash.

Other examples of driver negligence that may lead to bicycle accidents include failing to yield, unsafe passing, speeding, distracted driving, and opening vehicle doors into the path of cyclists.

Poor Road Design – In 2024 alone, Skokie had three serious or fatal bike crashes, which activists say are due to the fact that this suburban town was built for cars, not bikes.

Road Hazards – Illinois is infamous for its many potholes, such as when one singular pothole in Schaumburg blew out 25 tires in one night.

Weather Conditions – Snow, rain, or low visibility can all contribute to fatal bicycle accidents. In one example, a Joliet man was struck and killed in the middle of the night by a hit-and-run driver.

Defective Components or Equipment Failure – Either a bike or a car could suffer tire blowouts, failed brakes, or other damage that can lead to an accident.

Additional bicycle crashes may involve defective bicycle parts, faulty equipment, or mechanical failures that prevent a cyclist from safely operating their bike.

Injuries Suffered in Illinois Bicycle Accidents

In 2020, a Bartlett woman was killed due to multiple injuries when she was struck in a hit-and-run in Elgin, which demonstrates the serious risks bikers are in every time they head out. Common injuries that occur during bike crashes include:

Head Injuries – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may occur, especially if the cyclist is not wearing a helmet. Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are among the most serious injuries cyclists may suffer because riders have limited protection when struck by a vehicle or thrown from a bicycle.

Spinal Cord Injuries – If the cyclist is thrown from their bike and lands on their back, they could suffer a ruptured disc or even paralysis.

Broken Bones – Commonly broken bones include wrists, fingers, arms, legs, and ankles. When cyclists pitch forward, they may also break the pelvis, clavicle, or ribs.

Soft Tissue Injuries – Road rash may occur if the biker is wearing shorts or tank tops when they land. Lacerations and bruising are also common.

Internal Injuries – During a bike accident, the biker may be dragged several feet by the car or be pinned under their bicycle. This can lead to internal bleeding.

Dental and Facial Injuries – The cyclist may land face-first against the bike handles, the curb, or the ground.

Psychological Trauma – A bicycle accident can be very traumatic, especially if the cyclist is seriously injured. They may struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.

Death – Sadly, some cases lead to death, such as Shambrook v. Commonwealth Edison Company. This ongoing case revolves around the death of a three-year-old girl in Chicago after a tractor-trailer struck her because of an illegally parked utility vehicle in the bicycle lane.

Because bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities, injured cyclists and their families may need guidance from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Illinois Bicycle Laws: Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists

The Illinois Secretary of State notes that bicyclists have similar responsibilities to those in motor vehicles when sharing the road. These include the following.

Understanding Illinois bicycle laws is important after a crash because these rules can help determine whether a cyclist, driver, or another party may be responsible for causing the accident.

Riding on Roadways – Cyclists must ride on the right side of traffic in the same direction as cars. They should use the bicycle lane whenever possible and should not ride on the sidewalk unless local ordinances allow it.

Obeying Traffic Laws – Per 9-52-010, cyclists must stop at all stop signs, yield when appropriate, and signal their intentions when turning or stopping.

Using Appropriate Equipment – Bicycles must have highly visible reflectors, bells, and working brakes. Cyclists must also wear helmets at all times.

Sharing the Road – Per Illinois statute §625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, drivers need to watch for bicyclists and yield as necessary. They should not drive in a separate bike lane and should not attempt to split lanes with a bicycle.

Drivers who fail to follow Illinois traffic laws or do not provide adequate space when sharing the road may be held responsible for causing a bicycle crash.

Liability in Illinois Bicycle Accident Cases

Bicycle accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case to prove negligence, which is when an individual or organization fails to uphold their duty of care to the injured person. Potential defendants in a bicycle accident claim can include drivers, pedestrians, other cyclists, and cities.

A bicycle accident attorney may investigate evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and crash reports to determine who was responsible.

Illinois uses comparative negligence, meaning that everyone will be assigned a measure of blame in the accident. You can sue as long as you are assigned less than 50% blame for the accident.

This means an injured cyclist may still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility, as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed the legal limit under Illinois comparative negligence rules.

Steps to Take After an Illinois Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, follow these steps immediately.

Prioritize Safety – Get to a safe place and seek medical attention.

File a Police Report – Insurance companies use police reports to verify the cause of the accident. A police report can provide important details about the bicycle crash, including information about involved parties, accident conditions, and potential evidence.

Gather Information – Take pictures and get contact information for those involved.

Preserve Evidence – Keep your bicycle, helmet, and clothing from the crash. Preserving evidence after a bicycle accident may help support your claim, especially in cases involving vehicle damage, unsafe road conditions, or disputed liability.

Keep Records – Gather all your medical bills, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer – Our bicycle accident attorneys will help you file a personal injury claim.

Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer – Do not admit fault, and let your bicycle accident lawyer handle communication.

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts after a bicycle accident, so speaking with a lawyer before providing statements may help protect your legal rights.

Compensation for Illinois Bicycle Accident Injuries

Damages you can receive for a bicycle accident claim include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Illinois

Illinois law 735 ILCS 5/13-202 gives victims two years to file from the date of the accident, meaning you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Missing the deadline to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois may prevent an injured cyclist from recovering compensation. Speaking with an Illinois bicycle accident lawyer early can help protect important evidence and legal rights.

Why Choose Us as Your Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

Our Chicago-based bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience handling the intricacies of these cases, including a thorough investigation and aggressive negotiation. We offer compassionate service to each of our clients, and we do not charge for our services unless we win you compensation.

Consult an Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you’ve been injured while riding your bicycle, you need a personal injury lawyer who will fight hard for fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation about your rights.

Whether your crash involved a vehicle collision, bicycle dooring accident, bike lane crash, or another form of negligence, our Illinois bicycle accident lawyers can review your case and help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld

Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.

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