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Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
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
Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
Chicago Law Firm Helping Cyclists Hurt in Sideswipe Crashes
Our Chicago sideswipe bicycle accident attorneys recognize the devastating injuries cyclists can suffer when drivers fail to share the road properly. Our Chicago bike accident law firm is dedicated to helping injured bicyclists seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from sideswipe collisions.
Here are some of the successful bike accident settlements we have secured for our clients:
- $1,000,000 for a dooring bicycle accident
- $760,000 for a rear-end bike crash
- $605,000 for a bicycle accident involving a truck
What Is a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident?
Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of a motor vehicle collides with the side of a bicycle, typically when traveling in the same direction. This sideswipe results in disastrous accidents that can cause severe injuries and death.
Why Sideswipe Accidents Are Particularly Dangerous for Cyclists
A sideswipe collision is dangerous for cyclists due to their exposure. Limited visibility makes them harder for drivers to see. The impact can cause severe injuries or loss of control. A cyclist may be thrown into traffic or obstacles, increasing the risk of serious harm.
Common Scenarios for Sideswipe Bicycle Crashes in Chicago
Sideswipe accidents happen when a cyclist and a motor vehicle travel parallel, but some situations increase the risk, such as:
- Passing too closely, especially during left turns
- Lane drifting
- Merging without looking
How Fault Is Determined in Sideswipe Bike Accidents
Sideswiping is often caused by driver negligence. According to the law, negligence occurs when an individual fails to provide reasonable care under certain circumstances. A driver who causes a sideswiping accident with a cyclist has breached their duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming that particular cyclist.
Driver Errors Leading to Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswiping itself is a form of negligence, but other negligent behaviors can contribute to or increase the risk of such collisions with bicycles.
- Failure to Check Blind Spots: Small bicycles can easily be obscured in a blind spot.
- Distracted Driving: Even though there are Illinois traffic laws against distracted driving, texting, phone calls, phone use, fiddling with the radio, are still common.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Speeding and road rage is the deadliest cause of car accidents.
- Passing Improperly: 625 ILCS 5/11-703 requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle.
- Misjudging the Cyclist: The Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road prohibit drivers from operating their motor vehicles unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist in a reckless manner.
Injuries Sustained by Bicyclists in Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswiping a bicycle can often result in devastating injuries, including death. Some injuries are commonly found in accident victims.
- Road Rash and Abrasions
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Injuries
Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Bicycle Crash
- Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call law enforcement and request medical assistance.
- If the driver remains at the scene, exchange contact and insurance details.
- Take photos and videos of the accident site, including motor vehicle positions and road conditions.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve evidence such as your damaged bike, helmet, and clothing.
- Keep records of medical bills, expenses, and lost wages.
- Avoid admitting fault and consult an attorney for legal guidance.
How to File a Claim or Lawsuit for a Sideswipe Bike Crash
Start by consulting an attorney to evaluate your case. Your legal team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a case against the negligent driver. They will help you file an insurance claim and handle any disputes or denials.
If the insurance settlement is insufficient, your attorney can file a lawsuit in Illinois courts. During settlement negotiations, they will present evidence to prove liability and seek fair compensation. If no agreement is reached, your attorney will represent you in court to fight for your damages.
Compensation You Can Recover for a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident
When filing a bike accident lawsuit, you can recover economic or non-economic compensation to recover from emotional, financial, and physical distress.
Economic Compensation
- Lost wages from missed work
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Legal expenses
- Funeral bills
Non-Economic Compensation:
- Pain and suffering
- Relationship loss
- Job loss
- Emotional trauma
- Injuries
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Attorneys are formally trained and experienced in handling the legal aftermath of bike accidents and recovering damages. They don’t just represent you in court during the trial but also offer support, negotiate with insurance, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and take steps to maximize your compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
If you’re considering a lawsuit for your bike accident, you’ll want to act fast. The state of Illinois has a statute of limitations for filing a bike accident lawsuit. In most cases, per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you will only have two years from the date of the accident to file, and time can pass quickly.
Consult a Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!
Our Illinois bike accident law firm has an astounding track record of recovering compensation for injured bicyclists. We work on a contingency fee, so you won’t owe us any fees unless we help you recover compensation. Book a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
