Free Consultation
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
Truck-Bike Collisions
Defending Injured Cyclists’ Rights Following Truck Accidents
Our experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers can fight for your rights if a truck driver’s negligence caused you harm and help you recover financial compensation. Our team has recovered millions in bicycle crash settlements, including:
- $805,500 – A truck making a right turn crashed into a cyclist riding in a marked bike lane.
- $605,000 – A 72-year-old cyclist was hit by a commercial truck while crossing in a marked crosswalk.
- $250,000 – A driver failed to yield to a cyclist during rush hour on a busy city street.
Common Types of Injuries in Truck-Bicycle Collisions
Truck-bike accidents often result in severe or life-threatening injuries due to the size and weight of trucks compared to bicycles. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures can occur, even if the bicyclist is wearing a helmet. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and limited mobility.
- Broken bones – Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common in bike crashes and often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Internal organ damage – A violent impact can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries – When a bicyclist is thrown onto the pavement, deep skin abrasions, ligament tears, and muscle damage can occur.
The Frequency of Truck-Bike Accidents in Illinois
Bicycle crashes involving trucks are a serious concern in Illinois, particularly in urban areas like Chicago, where cyclists share the road with large trucks.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 2,180 crashes involving bicycles in 2021, resulting in 28 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries. While not all of these involved trucks, crashes with large vehicles tend to cause the most severe injuries due to their size and weight
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report found that large trucks were involved in 5.6% of all fatal bicycle crashes nationwide in 2020. Factors like truck blind spots, right-turn collisions, and dooring incidents contribute to the risk for injury in densely populated areas.
Causes of Bicycle Collisions with Trucks
Several factors contribute to bike accidents involving trucks, many of which stem from driver negligence, vehicle design, and road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Truck driver negligence – Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and fatigue can all lead to bike crashes. Truckers who fail to check mirrors or signals before turning put cyclists at serious risk.
- Truck blind spots (“No-Zones”) – Large trucks have significant blind spots on all sides, especially near the rear and along the right side. Bicyclists riding in these areas may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of an accident when a driver changes lanes or turns.
- Right-turn and left-turn accidents – In a right-hook accident, a truck turns right and cuts off a bicyclist, often in a bike lane. Left-turn accidents happen when a truck turns left into an oncoming bicycle, misjudging speed or failing to yield.
- Inadequate truck maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning lights can cause accidents. If a truck is improperly maintained, the trucking company may also be liable for the losses of an injured bicyclist.
- Road design and infrastructure – Poorly designed bike lanes, lack of signage, and unsafe intersections can increase the likelihood of accidents. When road hazards contribute to a crash, local municipalities may share responsibility.
Illinois Laws Relevant to Bike Accidents Involving Trucks
Illinois has laws to protect cyclists and ensure trucks and other motor vehicles share the road safely. These laws can help establish liability and support a bicycle accident claim when an accident occurs.
The Illinois Vehicle Code
The Illinois Vehicle Code requires truck drivers and other motorists to exercise caution around cyclists. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-703, drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle. Additionally, 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 mandates that drivers yield to cyclists when required. Violating these laws can result in liability for an accident.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
Commercial truck drivers must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which set standards for service hours, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance. Fatigue, impaired driving, or poorly maintained trucks can increase the risk of crashes.
If a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, they may be responsible for damages to an injured bicyclist.
Bicyclists' Rights and Responsibilities Under Illinois Law
Illinois law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Cyclists can use public roads and must obey traffic signals and signs. State law also allows bicycles to use bike lanes and requires trucks and cars to yield when necessary. Understanding these laws is essential for proving fault for a bicycle crash.
Liability for Accidents Involving Trucks and Bicycles
Determining liability for bicycle crashes involving trucks can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Identifying the negligent party is essential when seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- The truck driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to yield to a bicyclist, they may be liable for the accident. Violating traffic laws or federal trucking regulations can further establish negligence.
- The trucking company – Trucking companies may be responsible if they fail to properly train their drivers, enforce unsafe schedules that lead to fatigue, or neglect vehicle maintenance. They may also be liable under vicarious liability for their employee’s actions.
- The truck owner (if different from the company) – If a third party owns the truck and fails to maintain it properly, they may share liability for accidents caused by mechanical failure.
- The shipper or loader of the cargo – If improperly loaded cargo caused an accident, the company responsible for loading the vehicle may be at fault.
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part – Faulty brakes, tires, or steering components can contribute to bike crashes, making the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
- Government entities (for road defects) – A government agency may be responsible if unsafe road design, missing signage, or potholes contribute to the accident.
What to Do Immediately After a Bike-Truck Collision
If you’ve been involved in an accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Prioritize safety – Move to a safe location if possible, but avoid excessive movement if you suspect serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
- Call 911 – Report the accident immediately. Request medical assistance and ask for an accident report to document key details about the crash.
- Gather information – Get the truck driver’s name, contact details, trucking company information, insurance details, and license plate number. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the accident, including the bicycle, truck, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Do not admit fault – Even if you think you may be partially responsible, avoid making statements to the driver, the insurance company, or anyone else that could be used against you.
Investigating a Truck-Bicycle Collision Claim
A thorough investigation is critical to establishing a strong claim and holding the responsible party accountable. Bike accidents involving trucks often come with complex liability issues, so it’s essential to gather solid evidence as soon as possible.
Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers use various investigative methods to support injured bicyclists in pursuing compensation.
Obtaining the Police Report
A police report provides an official record of the bike accident, including details about the truck driver, bicyclist, road conditions, and any traffic violations. Officers at the scene document statements from those involved, assess fault, and may even issue citations if the driver breaks traffic laws. Obtaining this report is a key step in proving liability.
Interviewing Witnesses
Witnesses can provide crucial insights into how the truck-bike accident occurred. Bystanders, other drivers, or nearby pedestrians may have seen the truck speeding, failing to yield, or making an unsafe turn. Our legal team gathers statements from witnesses and cross-references them with other evidence to strengthen the case.
Preserving and Examining the Truck and Bicycle
The damage to both the truck and the bicycle can offer important clues about how the accident happened. Skid marks, impact points, and mechanical failures may indicate whether the truck driver was negligent. In some cases, improper truck maintenance or defective parts contribute to bike crashes, making it essential to examine both vehicles carefully.
Obtaining Truck Driver Logs and Company Records
Many trucks have event data recorders, often called “black boxes,” which store information about speed, braking, and steering before a bike crash. This data can reveal whether the driver was speeding, failing to brake in time, or engaging in reckless behavior.
Driver logs can also be critical, as trucking companies must follow federal safety regulations on service hours. If drivers exceeded legal driving limits, fatigue may have contributed to the accident.
Working with Accident Reconstruction Experts
Accident reconstruction experts analyze physical evidence, crash dynamics, and vehicle positioning to determine how the truck-bike accident occurred. Their reports can be instrumental in proving negligence, particularly when the insurance or trucking company disputes fault.
Compensation Awarded to Cyclists Injured in Truck Accidents
Victims of truck-bike accidents may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity;
- Property damage.
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal impact of the bike accident, including:
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Disfigurement or disability.
Why You Need a Chicago Truck-Bike Accident Lawyer
Truck-bike accidents often result in severe injuries, costly medical expenses, and complicated legal battles. Hiring an experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Trucking companies and their insurance companies aggressively defend claims to minimize payouts. They may deny fault or shift blame onto the bicyclist. An attorney understands these tactics and can build a strong case to hold negligent parties accountable.
Proving liability in a bike accident requires solid evidence. A lawyer will obtain the accident report, witness statements, truck black box data, and maintenance records. This helps establish whether driver error, mechanical failure, or company negligence played a role.
Insurance companies often undervalue claims. An attorney will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement and, if necessary, take the case to court to fight for maximum compensation.
A skilled lawyer ensures you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Statute of Limitations for Legal Claims
Illinois’s statute of limitations for filing a bicycle crash claim depends on the parties involved.
Cyclists generally have two years from the date of the bike accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202).
If the truck involved is owned by a government entity, such as a municipal fleet vehicle, a formal notice of claim must be filed within one year (745 ILCS 10/8-101).
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering financial compensation.
Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!
If you’ve been injured in a truck-bike accident, you need an experienced legal team. Our Illinois bicycle crash law firm is dedicated to helping injured cyclists recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We understand your challenges and are ready to fight for your rights.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a free consultation.
