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Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Helping Joliet Victims File Bicycle Accident Claims
Joliet bicycle accident lawyers are essential to ensuring that your legal rights are protected, as bike crashes are often underreported. Though 6,480 car accidents were reported to Joliet police in 2023, only 16 bicycle accidents were reported. This may make it appear that Joliet is a safe place to ride a bike, but the numbers may be misleading.
Motor vehicle accidents involving bicycles can lead to severe injuries or even death for the cyclist. When these accidents happen, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
We’ve helped clients win thousands against negligent drivers, including:
- $2,250,000 – Uninsured motorist claim for woman hit while biking to work
- $605,000 – Lawsuit for 72-year-old man hit by a truck
- $350,000 – Hit-and-run settlement paid by cyclist’s insurance
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Joliet
Joliet is one of the largest cities in Illinois, with a population of around 150,000. This means that thousands of cars use its major roads and streets every day, increasing the risk of bicycle accidents. Common contributing factors of bike crashes include the following.
Dooring
Dooring accidents occur when passengers exit parked cars and open their doors into a cyclist’s path. Injured victims may be thrown from their bikes and into oncoming traffic, meaning they may be hit again.
While dooring can occur anywhere near street parking, it’s especially common in downtown Joliet because of the many people exiting their vehicles. Areas like Chicago Street at Cass Street, Chicago Street at Jefferson Street, and Scott Street at Jefferson Street can be particularly dangerous due to the many shops.
Confusing Traffic Patterns
Larkin Avenue (IL-7) has multiple on-ramps to I-80, which means that many cars may be changing lanes at any given time. It also has a higher speed limit and traffic volume than many other streets in Joliet, making it even harder for bicyclists to share the road.
Sadly, Larkin Avenue was the scene of a fatal bicycle accident in October 2024. Donny Shiner, one of Joliet’s most avid cyclists, was killed near the Culver’s restaurant in the 200 block of South Larkin around 3 am. The motorist fled but later contacted a defense attorney, who cooperated with police in investigating the death.
High Traffic Volume
The Essington Road and Caton Farm Road area has many busy intersections serving residential and shopping districts. There is a significant amount of car traffic and minimal bike lanes, making it even more difficult for cyclists to avoid accidents.
Motorists may be distracted attempting to find a good parking spot or switch lanes, so cyclists must exercise even greater caution.
Commercial Vehicles
Jefferson Street is especially busy with commercial trucks, particularly around Larkin Avenue and Essington Road. Because large trucks have large blind spots, even the most attentive driver could easily miss a cyclist. Higher speed limits and multiple lanes of traffic also increase the risk for cyclists.
Even worse, some areas of Jefferson Street do not have streetlights, making it very dangerous to ride at night. In June 2024, a 20-year-old riding a mountain bike suffered serious injuries when a Jeep hit him around 4 am. The bike did not have lights, and that area of the street near Houbolt Road also did not have streetlights.
Minimal Bike Lanes
People Powered Movement, a cycling advocacy group, notes that Joliet has many bike trails and that the Joliet Bicycle Club is working with the city council to add even more. However, there are only a few dedicated bike lanes in the city, which is not enough to keep cyclists safe while commuting on the road.
This is especially concerning in high-traffic areas like Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue, which have been the location of serious bicycle accidents in the past. When combined with poor weather conditions or low visibility, cyclists are at high risk of being severely hurt.
Speeding
Speeding is a serious problem in Joliet, especially near places like the CenterPoint Intermodal Center on Millsdale Road. Though part of this is due to large trucks rushing to drop off products, commuter traffic can also rush through these streets and ignore stop signs, putting everyone at risk.
The issue is so bad by CenterPoint Intermodal Center that CenterPoint filed a lawsuit to stop trucks from the nearby NorthPoint development from using Millsdale Road. With so much high-speed traffic disregarding traffic laws, it’s only a matter of time until a commercial vehicle hits a cyclist in this area.
Distracted Driving
Bicycle accidents caused by distracted drivers are a serious problem across Illinois, including in Joliet. It’s estimated that texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions are contributing factors in about 10% of all fatal car crashes, though the true numbers may be even higher. More than 1,000 people per day are injured by distracted driving.
A driver’s negligence can lead to death for an unfortunate cyclist because bicycles have a much smaller profile and are easier to miss. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds is enough to cause a bike crash.
Reckless Driving
In 2023, 889 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Will County. However, aggressive drivers and speeding are also serious risks for cyclists in Joliet. Busy areas like Larkin Avenue, Essington Road, and Chicago Street are notorious for risky driving.
School Zones and Parks
There are 88 schools in and around Joliet, IL, and these thousands of students may choose to bike or walk to school on nice days. Joliet also has 78 community parks and 15 recreational facilities that are popular with children and families.
While many of these school zones have proper crossing areas and guards, younger cyclists still face a high risk. They may easily be in a large vehicle’s blind spot while cutting across an intersection or passing by parked cars.
Particularly dangerous areas include Joliet West High School, near Larkin Avenue and Jefferson Street, and Joliet Central High School, near E Cass Street and Collins Street.
Road Hazards
Road conditions are the primary cause of some bicycle accidents. Potholes, poor signage, low visibility, and inclement weather can all make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists. Additionally, bicycles have a less stable center of gravity than cars, so cyclists may find it hard to control their bikes if they run over a road slick or pothole.
Joliet, IL Bicycle Accident Statistics
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 16 bicycle accidents occurred in Joliet in 2023. All of these resulted in injuries, and no property damage was reported. The victims ranged in age from 15 to 79. Of the victims, 14 were male, and two were female.
Bicycle accident stats reveal that, in four of the accidents, the cyclist was riding against traffic. One victim was intoxicated while biking, and two were crossing against a signal. However, most of the victims obeyed the law at the time of the accident.
Joliet, Illinois Laws Protecting Bicycle Accident Victims
Section §11-1003.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code requires drivers to exercise due care around bicyclists. This includes giving them at least three feet of space, passing them on the left, and using horns or other signals to warn them.
Reckless cyclists can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if no severe injuries are involved or a Class C felony if wrongful death or major bodily harm occurs. Joliet ordinance §19-1(a) affirms that city laws harmonize with the Illinois Vehicle Code and that the penalties for violations remain the same.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Joliet
Your actions directly after a Joliet bicycle accident can make a significant difference in whether you can recover compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. Additionally, bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. As such, you must act quickly to protect yourself.
Move to a Safe Location and Assess Injuries
Always move out of the way of traffic whenever possible to ensure you are not hit a second time. However, you shouldn’t try to get up and walk away, especially if you feel hurt.
Report the Accident
Call 911 and describe your location, including major crossroads. Explain that you have been in a bike crash and need both police and medical attention.
Gather Information
If the at-fault driver has stayed at the scene, get their contact information, including their insurance details and vehicle information. However, if they leave the scene, you should write down any details that you have about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and license plate number. Your Joliet bicycle accident attorney can use this to find the culprit.
You should also get contact details for any witnesses. Your attorney will want to talk to them later, as their testimony can be crucial for determining legal liability. When the police arrive, explain what happened but do not admit fault. Apologizing or claiming that you were in the wrong can prevent you from receiving fair and just compensation.
Document the Accident Scene
A Joliet bicycle accident lawyer can use photos and videos of the accident to reconstruct the accident and prove that the crash caused your injuries. Get pictures of damage to your bicycle, the motor vehicle, and the surrounding area. Make sure to get videos or photos of your injuries.
Seek Medical Treatment
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious harm, including broken bones, dental injuries, facial injuries, spinal cord injuries, and permanent disability. However, not every injury may be immediately apparent, so you cannot assume that you’re okay just because you are not in pain.
You should always seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Not only does this ensure that you won’t suffer permanent injuries, but these medical records can be used to secure fair compensation in a settlement.
Contact a Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Before you speak to an insurance company, schedule a free consultation with a lawyer. Your legal team can guide you through the claims process, communicate with the other party on your behalf, and gather evidence about the accident that can be used to negotiate a personal injury settlement.
Investigating Your Joliet Bicycle Accident Claim
In personal injury cases, a lawyer will gather evidence to establish liability. This means they will determine who was responsible for the accident and how everyone’s actions contributed to the crash.
This process starts by reviewing the Joliet Police Department accident report and interviewing witnesses. After that, we will analyze the accident scene and assess vehicle damage. This can include getting surveillance footage, looking at tire tracks, or getting damage estimates from repair shops.
For some cases, we will consult with accident reconstruction experts to get a clearer picture of what happened. Our team will also talk to medical experts, who can provide their unbiased opinion on what caused your injuries and what future treatment you may need.
This thorough process ensures nothing is missed and helps us prove that you deserve compensation for your injuries. The more evidence we can gain, the stronger your case.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Joliet Bicycle Accident
Let your legal team handle all communication with insurance agencies for bicycle accident cases. Firstly, you should report the accident to your own insurance company and file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, this may cover you even if you were not driving at the time.
Insurance companies will use a variety of tactics to diminish their responsibility and avoid paying your medical bills. This includes demanding additional evidence, offering you a low settlement, delaying the investigation, claiming your injuries were due to a pre-existing condition, or refusing to communicate with you.
Your Joliet bicycle accident lawyer will help protect your rights, including the right to a speedy investigation, prompt communication, and an explanation of why any claim is denied. Additionally, they will know how much a case like yours is worth and will secure compensation that covers all your needs, including lost wages and physical therapy.
Potential Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Every Joliet bicycle accident case is different, and there is no set compensation amount. However, experienced attorneys will ensure that you receive maximum compensation in insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. These will be separated into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the hard financial losses caused by the accident. This can include:
- Lost income
- Medical costs
- Future medical needs
- Loss of income due to disability
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses like physical therapy
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses in the case of wrongful death
Non-economic damages consider the emotional and social impact of a bicycle accident, making them more challenging to quantify. This can include things like:
- Physical and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship in the case of death
- Inconvenience
Benefits of Hiring a Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A Joliet bicycle accident attorney is an essential ally after a crash, helping you navigate the legal process and reducing your stress. Personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis, so you only have to pay legal fees if they earn you compensation. There are many benefits to working with an attorney, including the following.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Insurance companies will often attempt underhanded tactics to reduce their responsibility while also preventing you from earning fair compensation. They may insist that your injury isn’t covered, even if the policy says it is, or claim that you are not covered under uninsured motorist insurance despite case law Galarza v. Direct Auto Insurance stating otherwise.
By working with an attorney, you ensure that the proper legal procedures are followed and that you have a valid claim. Even small errors in court documents can lead to a case being dismissed, so it’s essential that you have a good lawyer by your side to ensure accuracy.
Investigating Bicycle Accidents
Attorneys have many resources available to investigate a Joliet bicycle accident case. They can access surveillance footage, find witnesses, and partner with accident reconstructionists to better understand how the crash occurred.
Additionally, they can consult with medical experts to determine what future medical treatment you may need. This ensures that your personal injury claim will also cover your needs as you move forward from the accident.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Attorneys are skilled in negotiation and will know all the relevant statutes. They will submit a demand letter based on the evidence in your case, demanding the highest possible compensation for your injuries. When the insurance company returns with a counteroffer, your legal advisors can determine whether this is fair and continue negotiation until you are satisfied.
Not only does this help you get more compensation, but it also reduces your stress during this difficult time. By allowing your attorney to communicate with the other party, you can focus on recovering.
Maximizing Compensation
Insurance agencies will do everything possible to reduce your compensation, but attorneys will provide evidence justifying your demand. Because they have more resources than the average person, a personal injury law firm can convincingly demonstrate why you deserve more.
While many bicycle accidents are settled out of court, sometimes the insurance company will refuse to pay their fair share. In this instance, your Illinois bicycle accident attorney can file a lawsuit and present the evidence in front of a court. A jury will then decide who is responsible and how much you deserve.
Consult a Joliet Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!
A bicycle accident claim can be challenging and confusing, especially if you’re recovering from major injuries. Our law firm has a proven track record of success, having recovered millions in damages for clients across the Chicago suburbs and beyond. Our contingency fee means that you owe us nothing unless we successfully earn you compensation.
To schedule your free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Chicago, call us or use our online contact form.
