When bicycle accidents happen in Chicago, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer who is familiar with local municipal codes. These accidents can cause serious injuries, leaving bicycle accident victims overwhelmed. Our personal injury law firm has a proven track record of successfully representing Illinois bicyclists in Cook County who have been injured in accidents due to negligent drivers.
What Are Chicago’s Bicycle Laws?
Chicago’s Municipal Code (MCC) gives cyclists the same rights and duties as drivers, and it holds negligent drivers accountable for bicycle accidents. The code:
- Requires bicycles to have brakes, a front white light, and a rear red reflector or light at night.
- Bars most adults from riding on sidewalks unless designated (children under 12 may ride on a sidewalk).
- Prohibits dooring—when a cyclist hits a vehicle door that was opened into the path of moving bicycle traffic.
- Requires drivers to maintain a safe distance—at least three feet—when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction.
- Prohibits standing, stopping, or parking in a bike lane.
- Prohibits motorists from turning right or left in front of a bicyclist moving in the same direction.
Do I Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney?
If you were seriously injured in a bike crash because of someone else’s carelessness, you may be facing lost wages and mounting medical bills. We can help.
We Investigate Your Accident
Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of Illinois law and the MCC. We will investigate the accident scene to understand what happened and who is responsible for your bike injuries. Our team gathers critical evidence, such as your medical records, the report from the responding police officer, witness statements, and even insights from accident reconstruction specialists, to build a solid foundation for your personal injury claim.
We Build Your Case
We use this evidence and our legal knowledge to prove negligence and accurately assess the full value of your case with help from medical professionals. We manage all aspects of the claims process for you, handling the paperwork and legal procedures, so you can focus on your recovery.
We Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often offer low settlements or try to unfairly blame cyclists to minimize their payouts. We will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair outcome for you.
We Take Your Fight to Court
While most cases are resolved through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered. Our lawyers will represent your interests with a personal injury lawsuit to fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Here are the important steps for bicycle riders to take after an accident:
- Move to a safe location if you are able.
- After a bicycle accident, remain calm and assess your injuries and property damage. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the damage and surrounding area. Documenting the scene of a bicycle accident with photos can help build a strong case.
- Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
How Long Does an Injured Bicyclist Have to File a Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) for filing a legal action is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Chicago
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), bicyclist deaths account for about 2% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in the United States. Sixty-two percent of bicyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing helmets.
Negligent motor vehicle drivers cause the majority of accidents involving bicycles. These collisions often result from driver negligence: distracted driving, failing to yield at intersections, disobeying traffic signals, opening car doors into bike lanes (“dooring”), reckless driving, or speeding. Poor road conditions can also contribute to these crashes.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises (like road rash) to severe bone fractures and spinal disk injuries. Other severe injuries include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which are common and can be particularly severe. Injured cyclists without helmets are three times more likely to die from a head injury in a crash. Back and spinal cord injuries are also common.
What If I’m Partially to Blame?
Illinois law has a modified comparative negligence system, allowing cyclists to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for an accident.
For instance, if the other driver is 80% responsible (and you’re 20% at fault), you can still recover 80% of the economic and non-economic damages. Our Chicago bike accident attorneys will review your case to determine if you can recover compensation.
What Is My Bike Accident Case Worth?
Illinois law (215 ILCS 5/143a) requires all liability insurance policies to come with uninsured motorist coverage for cyclists.
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys will evaluate your Chicago bicycle accident case to determine the financial compensation you may be eligible to recover. This evaluation considers the extent of your injuries, medical expenses (initial medical attention, doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other medical treatment costs), lost wages, the overall impact on your life (including pain and suffering), and the cost to repair or replace your bike.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Settlement?
How long it takes to resolve a personal injury case for an injured Chicago cyclist can vary. Some cases may settle in a few weeks or months, while others take longer, especially if they go to trial.
The timeline for your bicycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of negotiations with insurance companies, and whether a lawsuit is necessary to achieve a fair settlement.
Here are some general timelines you can expect:
- Simple cases: for minor injuries with clear fault, cases can resolve in three to six months.
- Moderate cases: for significant injuries with clear fault, the timeline is often six to twelve months.
- Complex cases: for cases involving disputed fault or severe, permanent injuries that require litigation, it may take one to three years or more.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
Illinois traffic law requires motorists to exercise reasonable care around cyclists. When a negligent motorist hits a Chicago bicyclist, our personal injury law firm is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling bike accident cases and a proven track record of successfully winning compensation for our clients at the negotiation table and in court.
We Offer Free Consultations
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago, call us. An experienced attorney will review your case, explain the insurance coverage available, and discuss a plan for seeking compensation. At The Kryder Law Group, our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700