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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
Left Hook Bicycle Accidents
Helping Chicago Cyclists Injured in Left Hook Accidents Seek Compensation
Chicago left hook bicycle accident attorneys know the serious risks cyclists face when drivers make unexpected left turns without yielding. Our bike crash lawyers in Chicago represent injured cyclists, helping them pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Here are some of our successful settlements for injured bicyclists:
- $510,000 for a cyclist who sustained facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury after a vehicle making a left turn struck them.
- $499,000 for a bike messenger was hit by a car exiting a parking garage in Chicago.
- $350,000 for a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run accident.
What is a Left Hook Accident?
Left hook accidents occur when a driver turns left and crosses with the trajectory/path of an oncoming cyclist and ends up colliding with them.
Usually, these types of accidents occur at intersections or driveways when the driver doesn’t check his surroundings correctly, misjudges the distance or speed of the noticed cyclist, or when distracted driving is involved.
Cyclists using the left lane are especially vulnerable to left hook crashes.
Statistics for Left Hook Accidents in Illinois
According to bicycle accident statistics, left hook accidents constitute a small percentage of all bicycle collisions that have fatal consequences, with only around 1% of these crashes being fatal.
Liability in Chicago Left Hook Bicycle Accidents
Liability in left hook bicycle accidents, in most cases, is assigned to the driver who failed to yield the right of way to the cyclist.
Traffic laws across the U.S. generally require motorists to ensure that an intersection or the bike lane is clear before they make the turn left.
According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-902, drivers who want to make a left turn at an intersection, alley, private road, or driveway must yield the right of way to any oncoming traffic until it’s safe to do so.
Furthermore, the Chicago Municipal Code 9-16-020(e) mandates drivers to give the right of way to any cyclist coming from the opposite direction that is close enough to be in danger.
Common Injuries in Left Hook Bicycle Accidents
The result of a left hook accident is often serious injuries due to the high-force impact produced by the combined speed of the motor vehicle and the cyclist.
Recurrent injuries include:
- Head injury – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are most common (even when the cyclist wears a helmet).
- Spinal Injuries – Caused by the force of the crash throwing the cyclist onto the pavement.
- Broken Bones – Broken extremities or ribs are frequent due to direct impact with the vehicle or the ground.
- Internal Injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding can also occur depending on the severity of the impact, and these injuries are especially dangerous since they may not be visible/noticeable right away.
- Road Rash – Very common in left hook bicycle accidents, and while they aren’t as severe, they are still deep abrasions that can easily be infected.
Steps to Take After a Left Hook Bicycle Accident in Chicago
- After the accident has happened, the first thing to do is get to a safe spot and call 911. Once the dispatcher answers, report the incident to the Chicago Police and seek medical attention.
- Next, exchange contact information with the driver, as well as any insurance information.
- Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, as well as record witness information. These will serve as evidence for an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
- Your bicycle, helmet, clothing, or any damaged items will also be considered evidence, so be sure to collect those.
- Keep a record of all expenses, record of lost wages, and medical treatments you go through.
- It’s extremely important not to discuss fault or admit fault after the accident, since that could be used against you at later stages of the legal process to reduce or deny the claim.
Lawsuit Filing Process for Left Hook Accidents in Chicago
Some left hook bike accidents can be resolved through insurance claims, while others need legal action to ensure the injured party gets fairly compensated.
Consulting with a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney
An experienced bicycle accident attorney will be knowledgeable enough to assess the circumstances of the crash, ask questions you didn’t even think of, determine who’s liable, and what the best course of action is based on what occurred.
Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
Without a thorough investigation, you can’t have a strong case. The attorney will collect all the essential evidence (e.g., police reports, medical records, physical evidence, photos, videos, witness statements) and analyze it.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Before filing a lawsuit, the injured cyclist will usually file for an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. The insurance company will let you know which data points/evidence they require.
Filing a Lawsuit in Illinois Courts
If the driver is uncooperative, or there’s no option of reaching a settlement with the insurance company, the next step is to file a legal complaint in an Illinois court. This is a legal document that outlines all the details of the accidents, plus the compensation that’s being sought.
The Discovery Process, Negotiations, and Trial
The litigation process goes through a few stages, starting with discovery. During the discovery phase, both parties exchange evidence and conduct depositions to get additional information.
Before the actual trial, negotiations usually take place to help reach a settlement that both parties agree with. If not, the case goes to court.
Damages You Can Recover for a Left Hook Bicycle Accident
Victims of left hook bicycle accidents can recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work due to recovery, including sick leave and vacation days used.
- Future loss of income – If injuries prevent the victim from returning to their job or limit their earning capacity.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for the damaged bicycle, helmet, and other personal property.
- Assistive devices and home modifications – Costs for wheelchairs, crutches, or home adjustments if injuries lead to long-term disability.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and personal toll of the accident, including:
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If the victim can no longer participate in activities they previously enjoyed, such as cycling or exercise.
- Emotional distress – Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or sleep disturbances due to the accident.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability – Compensation for visible scars, amputations, or loss of function affecting daily life.
- Loss of consortium – If the injuries affect the victim’s relationships, including companionship and intimacy with a spouse or partner.
Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Claim
The Illinois statute of limitations for filing bicycle claims (735 ILCS 5/13-202) is generally:
- 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury cases
- 5 years from the date of the accident for property damage claims
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Yes, hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of maximizing the compensation you can receive by thoroughly investigating the case and collecting evidence. An attorney will ensure all procedures are being strictly followed and all deadlines are being met.
Apart from providing invaluable advice, the lawyer will help you negotiate with the insurance company. If the case ends up going to trial, your attorney will represent you in court.
Consult a Chicago Left-Hook Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!
Our Illinois bike accident lawyer team is highly experienced in proving liability in bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles, with thousands of clients represented. With a high track record of success in even the trickiest cases, our law firm knows what it takes to help our clients recover the financial compensation they need.
Book a free consultation to discuss your legal rights today!
