Rockford Bicycle Accident Attorneys
A 71-year-old Rockford man was riding his bike for a leisurely stroll on Vista Terrace Road. He turned onto West State Road. That was when a 35-year-old woman hit him with her car.
He was left in critical condition with serious head and abdominal injuries. It could happen to anyone. That is because unfortunately, Rockford bicycle accidents are a part of life.
A sad fact of life is that most drivers do not always see the bike riders. That is how the overwhelming number of bicycle accidents happen. Last year alone 743 people perished in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes across the country.
Still, Rockford bicycle riders have some of the best trails in the state. With the Rock River Trail winding through downtown Rockford and going through Shorewood and Martin Memorial Parks. It can be a peaceful place to ride your bike.
However, you have to be careful. Our law firm is committed to protecting the rights of bicyclists injured in Rockford, IL. If you have been in an accident with a vehicle, we invite you to contact our Rockford bicycle accident lawyers for a free review of your case and legal options for recovery.
That is why it is vitally important to understand some of the common causes of these accidents, and what you can do to prevent them from happening to you.
Causes of Accidents
Bicycle Injuries
Victim Resources
Common Causes of Rockford Bicycle Accidents
- Yielding at Intersections- A bike is considered another vehicle at an intersection. That means that the bicyclist must yield to drivers who came before them, and vice versa.
However, many vehicles at intersections only check for other cars. They do not pay attention to bikes in some cases. Especially in areas like Rockford where you might not have bikes riding on every street, they do not always pay attention.
This is why intersections are one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists. Inattentive drivers cause the vast amount of injuries, like the one we mentioned at the beginning of this article.
They have blind spots, and sometimes make turns that can sideswipe bike riders without even realizing the effect of their actions.
- Do not be Marty McFly– While this is not the main cause of accidents. It is interesting to note that the Rockford Code of Ordinances highlights how bicycles are not allowed to hitch themselves onto any motor vehicles to propel their bike.
Maybe you remember seeing the movie Back to The Future. Marty McFly, the main character, uses cars to move faster on his skateboard. Apparently, it is a big enough issue in Rockford for bicyclists that they passed a law prohibiting the use of motor vehicle hitching.
- Use the proper lane- This goes for both cars and bikes. Rockford Code also states that riding on sidewalks is prohibited for bikers in specific business or commerce areas.
In places where bikers are allowed to ride on the sidewalk they must signal to passing pedestrians of their arrival.
Similarly, if a road has a bike lane, cars must not use that lane. It is there for bikers to safely ride. It is also why bikers must stay in the bike lane and not move into the street.
Cars are not looking for bikes that are riding outside of a bike lane on a street with a designated lane.
When bikes and cars do not pay attention to these lanes they endanger everyone involved.
What happened if I got into a Rockford Bicycle Accident?
While it is vitally important to stay safe when riding your bike, accidents still happen. If you were in an accident, it is important to understand your rights.
Bikes that are hit by a motorized vehicle are covered under the car insurance policy.
Therefore, any injuries you sustain from the accident can be recuperated legally.
If you are not sure how the process works, then you should contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. Our experienced team of Rockford bike accident attorneys can help you with a strategy to get the justice you deserve from your accident.
Do not wait, because the earlier in the case we can get involved the more we can usually help you obtain a settlement in your favor.
Call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at 888-424-5757 about your Rockford bicycle accident.
For more information on other Illinois cities we serve and the applicable laws, please visit:
Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Champaign Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Elgin Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Springfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Waukegan Bicycle Accident Lawyers