Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bike is the most environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and healthiest way to commute. It doesn’t need a license or insurance, which has increased the popularity of bikes in Illinois. However, as a cyclist, you are more likely to be hit by a car or other motor vehicle, and at risk of suffering grave injuries in the bike collision.
Drunk or distracted driving, failure to follow traffic rules, lack of bicycle-friendly lanes, and speeding are the key reasons behind a bicycle accident case.
All confidential or sensitive information shared with our bicycle accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
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Contact our Illinois bicycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Illinois bicycle accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Illinois Bicycle Accident Statistics You Should Know
The state of Illinois sees hundreds of bicycle collision cases every day. Here are the prominent statistics surrounding bike accidents in Illinois, highlighting challenges and opportunities for enhancing cyclist safety in the state.
Consult a bicycle accident lawyer to secure the maximum possible compensation for your damages.
- Believe it or not, nearly 8,414 bicycle accidents happen each year across Illinois.
- According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s crash statistics for 2021, out of 2,322 total reported bike accidents statewide, 2,112 resulted in at least minor injuries (more than 90% of the bike collision cases). There were 299 injuries leading to disabilities, and 35 people lost their lives.
- In 2023, Illinois witnessed 40 fatal bicycle crashes, as shown in recent data.
- Adults in the age group between 55 to 69 have the highest bicycle fatality rates; 47 is the average age of a cyclist killed.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1,000 cyclists die yearly, and more than 130,000 individuals are harmed in bicycle accident cases.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2019 Report on the injury rate indicates that 2,353 injuries were recorded in Illinois urban areas, while rural areas saw 27 bike accident cases.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Illinois
Most bike accidents in Illinois occur due to an error by either the cyclist or a driver. According to the NHTSA, Illinois faces an average of 105,218 speed-related crashes. Across the state, about 15,150 bike crashes are a result of distracted driving annually. Statistics have shown around 53% of crashes take place on arterial roads.
Some of the common factors in Illinois bike accident cases include:
- Speeding
- A driver’s inattention to a nearby cyclist
- Inadequate distance between vehicles and cyclists
- Sudden opening of car doors in a cyclist’s path
- Misjudgment of cyclist speed by drivers
- Cyclist violations such as failure to stop at red lights or stop signs
- Cyclists not adhering to bike lane rules
- Shared bike lanes can increase the risk of bicycle accidents as drivers may overlook cyclists on the road
To prevent these hazardous bike collisions, both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers should educate themselves on traffic safety laws, take proper riding precautions, and be alert to reduce the Illinois bike crash rate. If you got injured because of someone’s negligence, seek the legal services of our reliable Illinois bicycle accident lawyer today.
Most Dangerous Locations for Bicyclists in Chicago, Illinois
In Illinois state, Chicago was ranked third worst out of 163 major cities for bikeability in 2023, according to a report by PeopleForBikes. Unfortunately, an increasing number of cyclists have been involved in accident cases and sustained serious injuries.
The most dangerous roads for Chicago cyclists, according to recent studies, are as follows:
Public outreach programs such as SAFE Ambassadors and Bike Chicago have been designed to support cyclist safety and make biking accessible for Chicago residents.
What are the Bicycle-Related Traffic Laws in Illinois?
Illinois Vehicle Code entails bike laws under Article XV, Sec. 11-1502. It states that bicyclists “shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the rules and laws applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”
Meaning, that bike riders in Illinois are subject to the same road rules as drivers of motor vehicles, for example, obeying traffic signals, following signs, and riding in the same direction as traffic.
Let’s understand the applicable bike laws and regulations in Illinois:
- Wearing a Helmet: Although there is no statewide law in Illinois requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, they are recommended for safety. Municipalities like Barrington, Chicago Messengers, and Inverness have strict helmet laws.
- Headlights and Reflectors: In Illinois at night, bikes need a white headlight visible from 500 feet ahead and a red reflector visible from 100 feet behind.
- Bicyclists Must Use Hand Signals: Left arm straight for a left turn, left arm up for a right turn and left arm down for a stop.
- Passing: Illinois Compiled Statutes, such as 625 ILCS 5/11-703(d), require a minimum of 3 feet of clearance when passing other bicyclists or vehicles.
- Illinois Law Requires Bicyclists to Ride on Dedicated Bike Lanes.
- Riding Bikes on Sidewalks is Illegal in Illinois.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Drugs or Alcohol is Chargeable in Illinois.
Who Might be Held Liable in a Bike Crash Lawsuit?
Vehicle Manufacturer
Although motorists are often responsible for negligent driving that leads to bike crashes, the creator of the bicycle or manufacturer can be also held liable. If the bike manufacturer fails to ensure the vehicle is completely safe for roads, it can cause accidents or injuries to the rider.
Manufacturer defects like weak frames can cause unexpected breaks, leading to bicycle accident cases. Errors in the bike’s wheel alignment can make control difficult. Design flaws in the bike’s reflectors or lights decrease visibility, increasing accident risks in low light.
Your bicycle accident attorney could hold the manufacturer liable if the vehicle had a design or production flaw that resulted in accident injuries.
The Local Government
Lastly, the city’s municipality can be held liable for damages following a bike crash. If the local government fails to create safe street layouts for efficient traffic flow, bike accidents can happen.
Furthermore, the lack of maintenance of roads gives rise to dangerous potholes, posing a threat to cyclists. You could file an injury claim with the help of a bicycle accident lawyer against the local department for poor infrastructure.
If the driver causing the bike collision was an on-duty government worker, they could become liable for damages.
A Third-Party
An individual may suffer injury due to negligence from a third party, for example, when a driver acts on behalf of their employer. Liability could extend to the vehicle owner for negligent entrustment if they knowingly allowed a risky driver.
Consulting a bicycle accident attorney is essential to understand your legal options.
Till When Can I File a Lawsuit for an Illinois Bicycle Accident?
Following a bike crash in Illinois, the injured party has typically two years to initiate a legal claim for damages. Once the two-year statute of limitations expires, the bicycle accident claim of the injured party to recover compensation from negligent parties and their insurance companies will be dismissed.
Two years may turn short if you take time to recover from serious injuries in a bike collision. Ensure your much-deserved compensation by engaging the services of our experienced bike crash attorneys in Illinois as soon as you can.
What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for My Bike Accident?
Illinois accepts the law of modified comparative negligence. This means if you are determined to be more than 50% at fault for a bicycle accident case, you will not be eligible for financial recovery. If a jury or insurance company proves you to be 50% or less at fault, then your damage award is reduced for your percentage of negligence.
If your bicycle crash claim is valued at $60,000 and you are deemed 20% at fault while the other driver bears 80% responsibility, your compensation will be $48,000 after a 20% reduction.
Hence, it’s extremely important to hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can demonstrate zero or minimum fault of yours in the bike accident case.
How to Prove Negligence in Illinois Bicycle Accidents?
Most bicycle accident claims initiated by bicyclists are based on someone else’s negligence. In Illinois, establishing negligence for a bike rider involves three key elements:
- Duty of care owed by the driver: All drivers are obligated to operate their vehicles with a reasonable level of care toward everyone sharing the road.
- Breach of duty by the driver: The bicyclist and their bike crash attorney must demonstrate that the driver failed to uphold the expected standard of care, because of actions like distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving.
- Injury caused by the driver’s breach: The bicyclist must prove that the driver’s actions directly led to the accident case and subsequent injury to the bicyclist. Bicycle accident lawyers are required to establish a link between the driver’s negligence and how it caused injuries to the victim.
Why Should I File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Filing a bicycle accident claim can provide you with financial compensation for medical expenses, bike repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also holds the responsible party accountable and can help improve safety measures for cyclists in the future.
Since insurance companies tend to award the bare minimum compensation to the victims, work with a seasoned bicycle accident attorney who is adept at securing the best possible deal you deserve.
What Damage Compensations Am I Entitled to in a Bike Accident Claim?
The amount and type of compensation to which you may be entitled will depend on the extent of your injuries and your percentage of fault for the Illinois bike accident. If another party’s negligence or intentional violence caused your bicycle accident case, you can file a claim for damages. These compensatory damages are divided into economic and non-economic losses following the accident.
Below are the economic accident damages you are entitled to in an Illinois bike accident.
- Hospital/Medical Bills
- Therapy or Rehabilitation Costs
- Loss of Income
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Recovery of Bike Collision Injuries
- Property Damage
- Bike Repair or Purchase Costs
- Travel Expenses
Compensation for bike crashes resulting in severe injuries or permanent disabilities may also include non-economic damages which are difficult to measure in monetary value. These damages are as significant as economic damages, including:
- Pain and Suffering
- Inconvenience
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Emotional Distress
An Illinois bicycle accident attorney can thoroughly evaluate your case, including calculating the total cost of your economic and non-economic damages. Bicycle accident attorneys at our law firm will fight for your right to fair compensation.
Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Compensate Damages
Our Injury Lawyer Team’s bicycle accident lawyers are passionate about serving justice and fair compensation to those who have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
Drawing from our decades of experience in handling Illinois bike accident claims, our team is knowledgeable about the local laws, their complexities, and legal professionals in your area. Our bicycle accident attorney investigates, assesses, and negotiates with insurance companies using mindful tactics so that you can receive the maximum recompense.
If the bicycle accident case reaches trial, we will fiercely represent you as seasoned litigators till the court passes the most favorable outcome and compensates you fairly.
Contact Our Illinois Bicycle Accident Attorney for Free Consultation
Have you or a loved one suffered injuries or damages in an Illinois bike collision? Do you wish to file a bicycle accident claim or lawsuit against those liable and seek compensation for your losses? Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney and discuss your legal options.
Our bicycle accident attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team, powered by Rosenfeld Law Offices, specialize in representing injured cyclists in Rockford, Aurora, Champaign, Evanston, and other regions in Illinois.
We operate on a contingency fee basis for all bicycle accident cases, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You incur fees only after your Illinois bicycle accident lawyer has successfully resolved your claim through a negotiated settlement or court-awarded compensation.