Oak Park Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Crash Law Firm Helping Injured Cyclists Recover Compensation

Oak Park bike accident lawyers can help you heal from a bike crash, including recovering your medical bills and lost wages. We’ve obtained millions for our clients, like $2,250,000 for a commuter with a head injury.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Oak Park

Bike accidents often occur in busy areas with mixed road use and higher speed limits. This includes places like Lake Street at Harlem Avenue, Lake Street at Oak Park Avenue, and South Boulevard at Harlem Avenue. These areas in downtown Oak Park are extremely busy due to the CTA and Metra stops, meaning that bike crashes can easily occur at crowded intersections.

Whenever there are mixed-use roads, cyclists can be harmed. Areas like Chicago Avenue at Ridgeland Avenue or Madison Street at East Avenue have varying speeds, high traffic volume, and many commuter cyclists, making them riskier.

Dooring is another common cause of bike accidents. This happens when a driver opens a parked car door into a bicyclist’s line of travel. Roosevelt Road, particularly its intersections with Harlem Avenue, East Avenue, and Ridgeland Avenue, has a high risk of dooring.

Commercial traffic, such as large trucks, can cause severe injuries to cyclists because of their weight. Oak Park Avenue, including its intersections with Madison Street and Roosevelt Road, has a mixture of commercial and residential traffic, making it more confusing and difficult to navigate.

Other common causes of accidents include reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, and low visibility, especially at night or in inclement weather.

Oak Park, IL Bike Accident Statistics

In 2023, 22 bicycle crashes were reported to Oak Park police, which is in line with other suburban areas in Cook County.

However, these bike crash stats may be an underrepresentation of the true number of bicycle injuries, as not every cyclist reports a crash to the police. One accident resulted in severe injuries, while 17 caused non-life-threatening injuries.

Oak Park, Illinois Laws Protecting Bicycle Crash Victims

According to Illinois Vehicle Code §11-1003.1 and Oak Park Municipal Code (§15-1-1), motor vehicle drivers are responsible for exercising due care around bicyclists to prevent injuries.

This includes ensuring there is at least three feet of space between their car and the bicycle, passing on the left, and warning cyclists with their horns. Those who cause serious crashes can be charged with a felony.

What to Do Immediately After a Bike Accident in Oak Park

You must act quickly after a bike crash to protect your rights and ensure you’re not harmed. Follow these steps:

• Move to a Safe Place – Get out of the way of oncoming traffic.
• Call 911 – Alert police that you will need an officer and an ambulance.
• Gather Information – Get the driver’s details, insurance information, and vehicle information. If they left the scene, tell the police anything you remember about the vehicle. You should also get contact details for eyewitnesses, like other drivers who saw the crash.
• Document the Scene – If possible, get photos and videos of property damages and your injuries.
• Seek Medical Treatment – Even if your injuries seem minor, you may be seriously hurt. Go to the hospital as soon as possible.
• Do Not Admit Fault – Don’t tell insurance agents or police that you were responsible. Let your attorney handle third-party communication.

Investigating Your Oak Park Bike Crash Claim

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident and establish liability. This process includes:

• Reviewing the Oak Park Police Department accident report
• Interviewing witnesses
• Analyzing the scene and examining vehicle damage
• Working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary
• Contacting medical professionals to learn more about your prognosis and future needs

How to Deal with Insurance Companies After an Oak Park Bike Accident

You should report the accident to your own insurance company, as your injuries may be covered under your policy. If you have underinsured motorist coverage and the other person’s policy is insufficient, this can be used to pay for your medical needs.

Let your attorney handle communication with the motorist’s insurance company, as they may use tactics like denying your claim or insisting you were responsible. We can protect you from underhanded tactics.

Potential Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages, which include:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Burial for wrongful death
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Grief for wrongful death

Benefits of Hiring an Oak Park Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyer

A bicycle accident attorney can assist you in all aspects of your case, including investigation, negotiation, and maximizing compensation. Our personal injury lawyers will protect your legal rights and handle all the paperwork so that you can recuperate in comfort.

Our bicycle accident attorneys in Illinois work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we are able to recover financial compensation on your behalf.

Consult an Oak Park Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

If you’ve been in a bicycle crash in Oak Park, you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side to advocate for maximum compensation and protect your legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with a bike accident attorney in Chicago, call us or use our online contact form.