Hoffman Estates Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you enjoy hitting the road on your bicycle, you already know how dangerous it can sometimes be. Motorists are not as attuned to bikes as to other vehicles and sometimes do not see a cyclist until they are too close for safety. Some drivers are too distracted to watch out for cyclists, and others are aggressive about keeping bikes out of their way.

If a negligent driver caused your bicycle collision, they could be liable for your damages. An experienced local injury attorney could explain the legal process and help you start documenting your losses. With the help of a Hoffman Estates bicycle accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, you could receive comprehensive compensation for your pain and suffering, lost time at work, medical costs, and other injury-related expenses.

How Negligence Leads to Bicycle Crashes

Automobile drivers must pay attention to their surroundings whenever their vehicle is in motion—not being attentive is negligent. However, when drivers focus intently on other cars and traffic signs, they can develop something called inattentional blindness. This condition occurs when drivers are so focused on what they expect to see that they do not see something unexpected, even when it is in their field of vision. Bicycle accidents often occur because a driver does not see a cyclist until it is too late.

When drivers do not see bicycles, they often risk accidents by:

• Cutting them off
• Opening their vehicle’s door into a cyclist’s path
• Turning in front of an oncoming cyclist
• Passing without sufficient clearance.

Even though the driver did not intend harm, their actions were still negligent.

Other drivers speed, drive while impaired, use their phones while driving, or get distracted by children in the backseat or a newscast on the radio. This conduct is also considered negligent. Whenever a bicycle wreck occurs, a proactive Hoffman Estates attorney could review the police report and other evidence to identify all negligent parties and hold them legally accountable for their reckless or careless actions.

Negligent Parties in a Cyclist Injury Case

When a driver hits a cyclist, the driver’s insurance often pays the cyclist’s damages. However, if the driver has only minimum coverage, it might not be enough to cover a seriously injured person’s losses. In such situations, a dedicated Hoffman Estates bike crash attorney might look for other responsible parties to contribute to a settlement.

A manufacturer could be liable if a mechanical failure on the bike or the vehicle was a factor in the wreck. If poor road conditions or a malfunctioning traffic light had a role, the local government might be liable. If a drunk driver hit you, the bar or restaurant that served the driver could have a duty to pay your damages.

Cyclists sometimes play a role in the accidents that injure them. If you were reckless or disobeying traffic laws while riding your bike, you might be partially at fault for the crash. Fortunately, 735 Illinois Consolidated Statutes §5/2-1116 permits you to collect reduced damages even if your own conduct contributed to your injuries. However, if a jury determines that a bicycle accident is at least half your fault, you cannot collect any compensation.

Severe Injuries are Common in Bike Accident Cases

When you are cycling and collide with a car, your body absorbs the entire impact. You might be tossed over your handlebars or dragged along the pavement. Cyclists often suffer severe injuries in crashes, including:

• Road rash
• Facial injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Concussions
• Severe brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Recovering from such significant injuries is expensive, even if you have great health insurance. Claiming damages from the negligent parties through a personal injury suit could provide financial support for your recovery. Damages could cover your:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Incidental expenses
• Inconvenience
• Embarrassment
• Physical pain
• Disability
• Emotional trauma
• Bike repairs

A capable and confident cyclist injury lawyer in Hoffman Estates could handle communication with the negligent parties’ insurance companies throughout your recovery. They could help you calculate your financial and other losses from the accident and ensure that you receive adequate compensation.

Trust a Hoffman Estates Bicycle Accident Attorney with Your Case

Bicycling accidents are always frightening, traumatic events. They can be life-altering if you sustain a severe injury.

A Hoffman Estates bicycle accident lawyer understands what you are going through and is eager to help make your situation easier. Call today to get a diligent attorney from The Kryder Law Group working for you.