Bicycling is popular in the Palatine area for transportation and recreation, promoting activity and lower carbon emissions. However, it poses risks with thousands of bike accidents occurring annually. If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, seek legal representation from an experienced Palatine bicycle accident lawyer from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Palatine
Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or other distractions
- Failure to yield: Not yielding at intersections, crosswalks, or when turning
- Door collisions: When drivers open their car doors without checking for cyclists
- Poor road maintenance: Potholes, debris, and road hazards even in designated bicycle lanes.
- Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes, tires, or parts
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
A bicycle rider is vulnerable on the road and can sustain serious injuries in accidents with motor vehicles, including:
- Head injuries: High risk for everything from concussions to severe brain injuries (TBI).
- Broken bones: Car-bicycle collisions often result in fractures and other orthopedic injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI): Serious accidents can lead to paralysis or long-term disabilities.
- Soft tissue injuries: Common are bruises, sprains, and strains from collisions.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me?
When bicycle accident victims have been injured, bicycle accident attorneys can help with a personal injury claim:
- Knowledge of bicycle laws: A good lawyer knows Illinois law protecting bicyclists.
- Dealing with insurance companies: An insurance company often tries to minimize or deny claims. A skilled lawyer will negotiate to ensure you get fair financial compensation in a bicycle accident claim.
- Proving fault: To get compensation, you need to prove negligent parties were to blame. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence and build a strong case.
- Experience with similar cases: An experienced lawyer has handled similar cases and knows how to navigate the legal system for the best outcome.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Palatine
If you’re in a bicycle accident, follow these steps:
- Get immediate medical care
- Report to the police and get your police report
- Collect evidence like photos of injuries or bike damage
- Document witness information
- Contact a Cook County bicycle accident attorney
Compensation Bike Crash Victims Can Recover
If you’re injured in a bicycle crash, you could get compensation for:
- Medical bills and other medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
What Is My Bicycle Accident Worth?
Each bike accident case is unique, and the value will be determined by the circumstances surrounding your accident. Factors include:
- Injury severity: More serious injuries typically lead to larger settlements.
- Impact on your life: Inability to work or long-term disabilities may raise the value.
- Insurance coverage: Adequate insurance from motor vehicle drivers often means a higher settlement.
- Comparative negligence: Being partly at fault could lower your compensation.
Contact a Palatine Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle motor vehicle accident in Palatine, contact an experienced lawyer at our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. We will work tirelessly to seek compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Call for a Free Consultation
We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
(312) 223-1700