Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

In Illinois, victims of preventable accidents have the right to recover compensation for their damages by pursuing civil personal injury lawsuits against at-fault parties.

If you or your loved one were injured while riding a bicycle by a careless driver, unsafe property conditions, or some other act of negligence, our award-winning Chicago bicycle accident lawyers at Power Rogers may be able to help you fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Why Power Rogers? Record-Breaking Advocacy for Injured Cyclists

Power Rogers has recovered millions for injured bicyclists and pedestrians and holds the record for the largest bicycle accident recovery in Illinois history – a $17.5M settlement for a bicyclist struck by a tractor-trailer.

Our record bicycle accident result was recovered in October 2019 for a client who was cycling next to a curb when a negligent truck driver made a right turn without adequately checking their surroundings, causing our client to fall off her bicycle and into the path of the truck’s rear tires.

Other facts about the case:

• Our client suffered serious crush injuries that necessitated a leg amputation below the knee. She also suffered a fractured arm, fractured pelvis, and severe road rash.
• While the defense argued our client was not following appropriate bike etiquette at the time of the crash, attorney Joseph A. Power Jr. was able to prove that because there was no designated bike lane on the street where the crash occurred, she was legally cycling next to the curb.
• Our team also gathered evidence of a video recording captured from a nearby building and testimony from an accident reconstruction expert that showed the trucker accelerated when making the right turn and failed to notice the victim’s bicycle in the process.

This record recovery was a needed victory for our client, who used the funds to pay for her extensive medical bills, future medical expenses, and prosthetic limbs. The recovery also compensated our client for her significant pain and suffering and other economic and non-economic losses.

How Many Bike Accidents Are There in Chicago?

Being involved in anything more than a minor bicycle accident can seem unimaginable, but data gathered by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) shows that injurious and even fatal accidents are far from uncommon.

In 2023, the number of bicycle crashes in the city of Chicago totaled 1,585. Of those crashes, 1,435 resulted in injuries and/or fatalities. Over the past ten years, the number of bicycling accidents in the Windy City has remained fairly consistent, peaking in 2015 and 2016 and seeing a small but notable decline in 2020, likely due to fewer commuters on the roadways due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to note that these numbers reflect reported incidents on roadways within city limits. They do not include incidents on private roadways or incidents that were not reported to the Chicago Police Department. This means that the true number of accidents in Chicago could be much higher.

When And Where Do Chicago Bicycle Accidents Happen?

According to a CDOT report, most bicycle crashes resulting in injury happen between 4:00 and 7:00 pm, and most fatal crashes happen between 8:00 pm and midnight. In addition, roughly half of all bike crashes happen in the summer months of June, July, and August.

In the Chicago region, Cook County and the City of Chicago see the most bicycle crashes, followed by DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, and Kendal Counties. Finally, while fatal bike accidents can happen anywhere, the report shows that the majority of these accidents (55%) occur at intersections.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

While some bicycle crashes are caused by the negligence of the cyclists themselves, most accidents stem from inattentive motorists. Some of the most common causes of Chicago bike accidents include:

• Failure to yield the right of way. In Chicago, motorists must yield the right-of-way to a cyclist. If they do not, they may be held liable for any resulting accident or injury.
• Dangerous driving behaviors. In general, many motor vehicle accidents are caused by speeding, distracted driving or cellphone use, driving under the influence, and disobeying traffic signs and signals.
• Unsafe turns. As demonstrated by the record-setting bicycle accident case our firm handled, turns made without signaling or checking for nearby cyclists can have devastating consequences.
• Dooring. When a driver or passenger opens a vehicle’s door directly in the path of an oncoming cyclist, the resulting injuries for the cyclist can be severe or even fatal.
• Following too closely. When drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance behind a cyclist, they can cause an accident if the cyclist needs to brake suddenly.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago

When an accident happens, there are certain steps you should take immediately to ensure your safety as well as protect your interests should you need to file a claim for your injuries.

1. If you are able, move your bicycle from the roadway.
2. Call 911 (or ask someone else to call 911 if you are not able to do so). If you need medical attention, request an ambulance. Always request a police officer to come to the scene.
3. Collect information from the motorist who struck you. You’ll want their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
4. Ask for their insurance information. Obtain the name and policy number for their vehicle insurance. If the driver doesn’t own the car, ask for information about the owner, including their insurance carrier information.
5. Collect names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses. Testimony from witnesses can be extremely helpful in reconstructing the events and timeline of the accident. This information may be needed later to help prove liability.
6. Contact a bicycle accident attorney. The sooner you call a bicycle accident attorney, the sooner they can begin to help you with your claim. Even a minor bicycle accident can be unnerving. Having an experienced attorney on your side can ease the burden of filing claims, collecting evidence, communicating with insurance carriers, and protecting your rights.

Be aware that if you are injured, a motorist’s insurance carrier may try to convince you to accept a quick settlement or even accuse you of being at fault for the accident. Hiring an attorney is essential for understanding your legal rights and seeking compensation for your injuries.

What Legal Rights Do Chicago Bicyclists Have?

Over the past decade, traffic laws in the state of Illinois have improved to help better protect cyclists on our roadways. Dennis’s Law, enacted in 2016, granted cyclists the same right-of-way as motor vehicle drivers. This means that motor vehicle drivers must always yield the right-of-way to cyclists who are using the roadways, even if a dedicated bike lane is not present.

Other bicycle laws that are part of the Chicago Municipal Code include:

• MCC 9-16-020(f) states that it is illegal to make an improper right turn in front of a bicycle.
• MCC 9-40-060 prevents pedestrians from standing in front of a bike lane and prevents the parking of vehicles in front of or in a bike lane.
• MCC 9-16-020(3) protects cyclists from improper left turns made in front of them.
• MCC 9-36-101(c) states that it is unlawful to overtake a bicycle rider at an unsafe distance. Unsafe distance is any distance less than 3 feet.
• MCC 9-80-035 forbids drivers from opening and closing vehicle doors in traffic, regardless of whether or not a cyclist is present

Who Is Liable For Your Bicycle Accident?

That depends on what happened in your crash. While it is important to identify all possible causes and contributing factors based on the specific facts of a case, victims may generally bring personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against parties whose negligence was a substantial cause of their accidents, or who are otherwise liable for injuries.

This may include:

• A negligent motorist who causes a car crash with a cyclist.
• A truck driver or trucking company responsible for a commercial truck accident.
• A government entity, contractor, or transit operator responsible for bus vs. bicycle accidents, or poorly maintained roadways
• Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers of defective products, including defective bikes, bike parts, or safety gear.
• A premises owner who failed to address dangerous property conditions.
• A pet owner responsible for a bicycle crash resulting from an animal attack or dog bite.

Unfortunately, not every motorist upholds their duty to safely operate a vehicle or share the road with riders. When their negligence results in injury, victims have every right to pursue a recovery of their damages.

What Types of Bicycle Accident Compensation Can You Recover?

Bicyclists are highly vulnerable to serious and fatal injuries, including broken bones, brain injuries, spine injuries, and tissue damage. These injuries can change the lives of victims and their families forever.

Given the potential for far-reaching repercussions, bicycle accident victims often need substantial compensation for damages such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Lost enjoyment or quality of life
• Other emotional and financial damages

At Power Rogers, we know bicycle accidents can be devastating, which is why we fight aggressively to recover the maximum compensation possible – both for past losses and expected future damages.

In one case handled by our firm, for example, we secured a $7.75 million settlement for a bicyclist struck and partially run over by a right-turning truck as she was crossing the street.

Our client suffered symptoms of PTSD and injuries to her pelvis and abdomen resulting in permanent scarring and the potential need for long-term use of a diverting colostomy. Although this particular recovery did not provide for lost income because our client was not working at the time (personal injury victims can recover lost earnings when they miss work or are unable to earn the same income after their accidents), it did account for her future medical needs and pain and suffering.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Chicago Bicycle Accident?

Hiring an attorney after your bicycle accident can help protect your rights and give you the ability to recover from your injuries without the stress of dealing with insurance claims. When you hire an attorney, they can:

• Collect evidence. An experienced Chicago bicycle attorney will help collect police reports, eyewitness testimony, accident scene photographs, traffic camera videos, CCTV footage, and all other pertinent information needed to help determine liability.
• File your claim. Filing a claim can be a tedious process. Claims must be filed timely and in the precise manner requested by the insurer. If they are not, they may be denied due to clerical errors.
• Correspond with the insurance carrier and opposing parties. Insurance carriers don’t want you to be represented. It’s much easier for them to get an individual to accept a lowball settlement offer than someone with an attorney on their side.
• Represent you in court. If your case cannot be settled out of court, your attorney can file a lawsuit for you and represent you in a trial.

Having an attorney on your side helps give you the peace of mind of knowing that your settlement negotiations are being handled properly so that you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life.

Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago?

In the state of Illinois, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a claim for damages and/or injuries.

What is the Average Settlement for a Bicycle Accident?

The amount of a settlement for a bicycle accident is determined by numerous factors, including the number of parties involved, insurance policy limits, and the severity of your injuries. Meeting with an attorney is the best way to determine the value of your case based on these factors.

How Do I Choose the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Choosing an attorney that is best for you is important. Even though some attorneys may spend millions on advertising, they may not be the best fit. Consider referrals from friends and family, client testimonials, and Google reviews to narrow down your search. When meeting with a prospective attorney, find out:

• How long they’ve been practicing
• Their total experience with bicycle accident cases
• Whether or not they’ve handled a case like yours
• How much trial experience they have

Asking questions is expected during your initial consultation and can help you determine whether an attorney is right for you.

Get Help From a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Power Rogers

Power Rogers has helped numerous victims and families obtain needed compensation following preventable accidents. Backed by extensive resources, we handle all up-front costs associated with litigating a case and only collect a fee when a successful recovery is made. Contact us to schedule a free case review.