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Skokie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Helping Bicycle Accident Victims Seek Compensation in Skokie, IL
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Skokie, a Skokie bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Skokie bicycle accidents still occur with relative frequency, despite the fact that the city is considered relatively cyclist-friendly. The many active bike routes along its streets do not provide adequate protection against serious harm.
Common bicycle accident injuries are often very severe, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries due to a bicycle crash, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim. Our Skokie bicycle accident attorneys can help you receive maximum compensation, ensuring you can recover in comfort. Our previous settlements include:
- $760,000: Rear-end settlement
- $605,000: Cyclist hit by a commercial truck at an intersection
- $510,000: Policy limit settlement for cyclist who suffered facial injuries
- $350,000: Hit-and-run settlement through cyclist’s insurance
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Skokie
Being one of the closest northern suburbs to downtown Chicago, Skokie sees thousands of commuters, visitors, and cyclists every day. While it does have many bike lanes, this doesn’t always prevent severe injuries or even deaths. Common causes of bike accidents in Skokie include the following.
Dooring
Downtown Skokie is very busy, with ample street parking, which increases risks for those on bikes. Dooring accidents occur when drivers open their car doors into bike lanes, potentially throwing cyclists off their bikes. This can not only cause minor injuries like road rash but even lead to death.
Especially dangerous areas include Skokie Boulevard, Main Street, McCormick Boulevard, and Niles Center Road.
Intersections
Intersections make it challenging for bicycles to share the road safely, even when everyone is following traffic laws. A driver may not notice a cyclist riding in the curb lane or may turn on a green light and hit the bike as it passes through the intersection.
Touhy Avenue is notorious for intersection crashes because it intersects with several other large streets, including Gross Point Road and Niles Center Road. In September 2024, a teenager riding his bike over the I-94 Expressway on Touhy Avenue was struck by a driver around 11 pm. Thankfully, he was taken to the hospital and stabilized.
Limited Bike Paths
While Skokie does have some bike lanes, many of its largest streets do not have protected lanes for cyclists, making it more likely that they will be injured.
Gross Point Road does not have dedicated bike lanes and intersects many major streets, including Skokie Boulevard and Touhy Avenue. Not only is this street popular with cyclists, but it also has some areas with limited visibility.
Tragically, 27-year-old Joey Center died after a bicycle accident on Gross Point Road in July 2024. He was biking home from his job at Jewel-Osco when a driver hit him near Skokie Boulevard. Though he survived the initial crash, he remained in a coma for almost a month before passing away in August 2024.
High Traffic Volume
Dempster Street is a key east-west arterial with high traffic and mixed-road use, which increases the risk for cyclists. Particularly dangerous intersections include Dempster Street at Crawford Avenue and Dempster Street at McCormick Boulevard.
Other areas, like Main Street at Niles Center Road and Howard Street at McCormick Boulevard, are very dangerous for bicyclists due to the many cars speeding along the street. Skokie cyclists frequently complain about McCormick Boulevard because of its poor street design, which places bicycles in a driver’s blind spot and makes it difficult to cross safely.
Speeding
Skokie has many large roads with higher speed limits, including Skokie Boulevard, McCormick Boulevard, and Touhy Avenue. Sadly, drivers often ignore the posted speed limits and go even faster, which can end in tragedy for bicycle accident victims.
According to Skokie bicycle enthusiasts, the intersection of Skokie and McCormick is especially dangerous. Drivers speed through the area without looking for bikes.
Reckless Driving
Distracted driving, driving under the influence, and road rage can all cause bicycle injury cases in Skokie and beyond. Illinois has very strict laws against texting and driving, but many still choose to answer a quick text while driving. Even a second of distraction can cause a serious crash.
Driving under the influence, while not a common issue in Skokie, is still a serious cause for concern. Lastly, road rage may lead to tragic outcomes for cyclists, as they have less protection than drivers.
Commercial Traffic
Oakton Street in downtown Skokie has a large volume of commercial traffic, including people visiting shops and trucks making deliveries. This can lead to serious personal injury cases involving cyclists, such as the case of 37-year-old Carlos Medina of Logan Square.
Medina, a CTA worker, was riding his bike in the 3500 block of Oakton Street when he was struck by a dark-colored vehicle in the center lane. The injured cyclist fell from his bike and was hit again by a vehicle in the curb lane. Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.
Three particularly dangerous intersections include Oakton Street at Skokie Boulevard, Oakton Street at Niles Center Road, and Oakton Street at Lincoln Avenue.
Skokie, IL Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 30 bicycle accidents, including one fatal accident. Of those accidents, 27 people were injured, and two crashes resulted in property damage. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 79. Bike accident stats reveal six were female, and 24 were male.
Twenty of the accidents occurred while crossing the street. Nine of the victims were crossing at an intersection with a light, which underscores the danger of Skokie’s intersections. Thus, they were following the law but were still struck. Another major cause of accidents was entering traffic from a driveway or alley, where visibility is often more limited.
Across Chicago, the Illinois Department of Transportation recorded 1,410 bicycle crashes in 2023, resulting in 1,270 injuries and 7 deaths, according to IDOT crash data. Skokie’s 30 crashes that year are part of a wider pattern affecting cyclists throughout the region.
Skokie, Illinois Laws Protecting Bicycle Accident Victims
Illinois Vehicle Code §11-1003.1 states that motor vehicle drivers must exercise extra caution around cyclists to prevent crashes. They must thoroughly check their surroundings, give a bicycle at least three feet of space, and warn cyclists before passing. Those who injure a cyclist can be charged with a felony.
Skokie Municipal Code §106-38 notes that the city adheres to the Illinois Vehicle Code, including penalties and fines.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Skokie
When a bike accident happens, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights and ensure you can secure fair compensation. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
Prioritize Your Safety – If you’re injured but can still move, get out of the road as soon as possible. Sadly, it is not uncommon for the injured party to be struck a second time by another vehicle.
Call 911 – Describe your location to the dispatcher so they can quickly locate you. Ask for the Skokie Police Department and medical assistance.
Gather Information – If the at-fault party has remained on the scene, get their contact details and insurance information. You should also get contact information for witnesses, as your attorney may ask them to provide their testimony for a personal injury lawsuit.
Document the Scene – Get photos and videos of damage to your bicycle. You should also document your injuries. Keep your helmet, clothing, and damaged bicycle, as this can all be used to prove your claim.
Get Medical Attention – A bicycle accident case can result in catastrophic injuries for cyclists, as they do not have as much protection as a passenger in a car accident. As such, you should go to the hospital immediately and get a full physical exam, even if you don’t feel hurt. Your medical records can also be used to pursue compensation.
Do Not Admit Fault – When speaking to police officers or insurance agents, do not say that you were responsible for the accident or apologize for the crash. This can make it difficult for you to seek compensation, as the insurance company can claim you were at fault.
Contact Bike Accident Attorneys – You should speak to a law firm as soon as possible to explore your legal options and begin the claims process. During your initial consultation, we’ll learn more about the accident, determine what type of case you may have, and then begin evaluating potential damages.
Under Illinois law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, if the accident involved a government entity, such as a claim related to Skokie’s road conditions, signage failures, or village-maintained infrastructure, a formal notice may be required within one year under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/8-101. Acting promptly helps protect your rights regardless of which deadline applies.
Investigating Your Skokie Bicycle Accident Claim
Our firm is committed to learning the truth about your bicycle accident so we can pursue full compensation for you. When you work with a Skokie bicycle accident lawyer, the investigation can also focus on local road conditions, municipal infrastructure, and evidence specific to Skokie. This process includes the following steps.
Reviewing the Skokie Police Department Report – Our accident attorneys will review the police report to identify the liable parties and determine how the crash happened.
Gathering Evidence – Our team can find surveillance footage and other details that better show what happened. For example, we might find witnesses who have dashcam footage that we can use for further context.
Examining State Laws – We will review the Illinois Vehicle Code and relevant case laws, like Boub v. Township of Wayne. This Illinois Supreme Court ruling states that bicyclists are permitted but not intended users of roadways, which may impact your case depending on the defendants.
Identifying and Interviewing Witnesses – We’ll find any witnesses and get their perspective on the accident. Their impartial perspectives can provide great insights into what happened and who may have been responsible.
Analyzing the Accident Scene and Vehicle Damage – Things like tire marks, vehicle positioning, and body shop assessments can determine the angle of the crash and what each party was doing at the time.
Working with Accident Reconstruction Experts – Accident reconstructionists help determine liability and can be used to negotiate a fair settlement.
Consulting with Medical Professionals – Doctors and other professionals can testify about your injuries and estimate future medical expenses, like physical therapy or psychological treatment. This ensures that we can include all of your potential needs in economic damages.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Bike Accident in Skokie
In some cases, you may be able to make a personal injury claim on your insurance policy, even if you were on a bicycle. As such, you should report the accident to your insurance company so they can advise you on whether you are covered.
Illinois requires uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000. If the driver did not have coverage but you have the requisite UIM coverage, you may also be able to claim this policy. When you speak to our accident attorneys, we can advise you about how to make a claim against this coverage.
Generally, you will submit a bicycle accident claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance. The insurance agency should provide instructions on how to do so on their website. You will need the driver’s policy number and name. Generally, you’ll also need a police report number and additional evidence, like estimates for the cost of repairing your bicycle.
After you report the accident, allow our law firm to handle all other communication with the insurance agency. We will be able to evaluate your claim to determine how much you may be able to receive and support this sum as evidence. Additionally, we’ll ensure that you do not accidentally harm your case by admitting fault or answering certain questions.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case
For a bike accident, you can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic costs. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on many factors, including how badly you were injured, how much the insurance policy covers, and how much evidence is available to support your claim.
If you were partly responsible for a Skokie bicycle accident, Illinois modified comparative negligence law may still allow you to recover compensation. Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If you were partly at fault for the crash, you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your award is reduced by your share of fault. Insurance companies often try to assign cyclists more blame than is warranted, so an attorney can challenge those assessments with evidence from the scene. Learn more about modified comparative negligence and how shared fault can affect a bicycle injury claim.
Economic damages are for hard financial losses you incurred because of the bicycle accident. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket medical costs
- Future lost income
- Future medical needs
- Burial in the case of wrongful death
- Bike repair or replacement
Non-economic elements are for the physical, emotional, and social implications of the accident, like your physical pain. These include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Grief for wrongful death
- Inconvenience
Benefits of Hiring a Skokie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Personal injury claims can be complicated, especially for a bike accident, which makes it crucial that you work with experienced personal injury attorneys. A Skokie bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims and, when necessary, litigation in Cook County courts. Our attorneys have represented injured cyclists across Skokie and the northern suburbs throughout Cook County. Our accident attorneys will protect your rights throughout the process and help you navigate the legal system, including making insurance claims and filing lawsuits.
We will thoroughly investigate the accident using our many resources, such as accident reconstruction professionals and expert witnesses. This will help us determine your entitlement to compensation in a bike accident claim.
Our team will negotiate with the relevant insurance agency on your behalf, pushing for maximum compensation. Thanks to our years of experience with bicycle accidents, we know how much cases like yours are worth and will refuse to settle for less than what you deserve.
In many cases, we can settle out of court, sparing you the need for a lawsuit. However, we can also help you navigate the court system and file paperwork on your behalf. With our help, you can tell your story before a judge and jury and receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Illinois bicycle accident attorney team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we earn you financial compensation. This makes it easier than ever to access top-notch legal assistance.
Talk to a Skokie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents can be a terrifying and painful experience. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you deserve fair compensation. If you need a Skokie bicycle accident lawyer after a crash, our team can investigate the circumstances, handle communications with insurers, and pursue the compensation available under Illinois law. Our team of personal injury attorneys has earned millions in compensation for accident victims throughout the northern suburbs and beyond, ensuring that they can recuperate in comfort.
Our team of personal injury attorneys has earned millions in compensation for accident victims throughout the northern suburbs and beyond, helping them recover in comfort.
To schedule a free consultation with a Chicago bicycle accident attorney, call us or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skokie Bicycle Accidents
How much is a Skokie bicycle accident claim worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the available insurance. Our Skokie settlements have ranged from $350,000 for a hit-and-run claim through the cyclist’s own insurance, to $760,000 for a rear-end collision. Severe or fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles typically result in the highest recoveries. A free consultation gives you a realistic picture of your specific case’s value.
What if the driver fled the scene of my Skokie bicycle accident?
Hit-and-run crashes like the one that killed Carlos Medina on Oakton Street can still result in compensation. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were on a bike. Illinois requires UM coverage on auto policies, subject to applicable policy terms. You’ll need a police report and documentation of the crash. Our attorneys can file a UM claim on your behalf and handle the insurer directly. Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage in bicycle collisions.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Skokie?
Generally, you have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury claim under Illinois law, 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If Skokie village infrastructure, signage, or road conditions played a role in the crash, a formal notice to the village may be required within one year under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act. Don’t wait because evidence can disappear quickly and deadlines are strict.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault for the Skokie bike accident?
Yes. Illinois modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your award. For example, 20% fault on a $100,000 claim means you recover $80,000. Insurers may overstate a cyclist’s fault to reduce payouts. Our attorneys can challenge those assessments with evidence from the scene.
Does the firm handle Skokie bicycle cases involving commercial vehicles?
Yes. Our $605,000 settlement came from a case where a cyclist was hit by a commercial truck at an intersection in Skokie. Commercial vehicle accidents can involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or maintenance contractor. These cases often require prompt evidence preservation because commercial trucking companies and their insurers may begin investigating immediately after a crash.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.
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