Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Content Written by: Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Quick Links
- What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Chicago, IL?
- What Will Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?
- Traffic Laws and Cyclist Rights in Chicago, IL
- Common Injuries Caused by Chicago Bicycle Accidents
- What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago, IL
- How Is Liability Determined in Chicago Bicycle Accident Cases?
- What Damages and Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Case?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
- Who Is at Fault in a Chicago Bicycle Accident?
- Bicycle Accident Statistics in Chicago, Illinois
- Contact an Experienced Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
- Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get
A bicycle accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be left struggling with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages from being unable to work. You shouldn’t have to bear these burdens alone. If someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our team of experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured cyclists. Our client testimonials and case results speak for themselves. Call (844) 446-9529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our skilled bicycle accident attorneys.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Chicago, IL?
Most bicycle accidents in Chicago involve some form of negligence. According to the Chicago Data Portal, common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Cell phone use is a particularly dangerous form of distracted driving, as it takes a driver’s eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio can also lead to distracted driving accidents.
- Failure to yield – Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists. This can happen at intersections, stop signs, and when making turns.
- Following too closely – Drivers who follow too closely behind bicyclists increase the risk of a rear-end collision. Bicyclists may also “tailgate” motor vehicles in dense traffic.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit gives drivers less time to react to bicyclists on the road.
- Poor visibility – Bicyclists are more susceptible to accidents in low light or inclement weather conditions due to reduced visibility.
- Alcohol or drug impairment – Operating any type of vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly increases the risk of an accident.
- Inadequate cycling infrastructure – The number of bicyclists in Chicago is growing due to the city’s expanding bicycle infrastructure. However, many areas still lack dedicated bike lanes and other safety measures that may help prevent accidents.
- Hazardous road conditions – Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can be hazardous for cyclists by causing them to lose control of their bikes. This is especially dangerous when sharing the road with motor vehicles.
What Will Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?
When you suffer an injury in a bicycle collision with an at-fault motor vehicle driver, you have the right to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. However, getting full and fair compensation can be challenging because insurance companies often unjustly deny or minimize claims.
That’s where a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer comes in. When you turn to Meirowitz & Wasserberg with your bicycle accident case, we’ll level the playing field between you and unscrupulous insurance adjusters. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident – Our legal team will gather evidence to determine what caused your accident and who may be liable for your injuries, including police reports, witness testimony, and any available surveillance footage.
- Calculate damages – We will review your medical records, bills, pay stubs, and other documents to determine the full extent of your present and future damages.
- Deal with insurance companies – Our Illinois bicycle accident lawyers will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. We will fight aggressively to maximize your compensation.
- File a lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can take your case to court. Our bicycle accident attorneys are skilled litigators and not afraid to fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Bicycle accidents involve specialized considerations that many other types of accidents do not. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers, Nathaniel Wallace and Joe Trunk, have extensive experience representing injured bicyclists, which allows them to anticipate and address these unique challenges.
Traffic Laws and Cyclist Rights in Chicago, IL
Illinois law requires bicyclists to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. They should obey all traffic lights, signs, and lane markings. It also means that drivers should give bicyclists the same courtesy and respect as they would any other vehicle on the road. Either party’s failure to comply with traffic laws can affect the outcome of a bicycle accident claim.
In addition to these general rules, there are also numerous specific laws in Chicago that apply to bicyclists. Here are just a few examples:
- Bicyclists older than 11 years must not ride on a sidewalk unless it’s a marked bike route.
- Riding a bicycle is prohibited on Lake Shore Drive and expressways.
- No more than two cyclists may ride adjacent to each other.
- It is illegal for bicyclists to ride the wrong way on a one-way street and against traffic on a two-way street.
- When riding at night, bicyclists must use a front light and a rear reflector.
- Drivers passing bicyclists must allow at least three feet of space between the vehicles.
Common Injuries Caused by Chicago Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists lack the insulation offered by a car and are much more vulnerable to injuries in an accident. Lack of proper safety equipment, such as helmets, increases the risk even further. Injuries that can result from Chicago bicycle accidents vary significantly, but many are catastrophic and life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries we see in bicycle accident cases include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and other abrasions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck injuries, such as herniated discs
- Joint dislocations
- Lacerations and contusions
- Facial and dental injuries
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago, IL
Your actions immediately after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your long-term health and your personal injury claim. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Chicago, IL, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional because some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention can establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, which is vital for seeking compensation.
- Document evidence – Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get contact information and brief statements from witnesses, and exchange insurance and contact information with the at-fault driver.
- Report the accident to the police – A police report can serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury claim. Provide the responding officer with a detailed account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer – It’s free to speak to a bicycle accident attorney at our firm. We’ll explain your legal options and help you determine your next steps.
How Is Liability Determined in Chicago Bicycle Accident Cases?
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases. Under this system, each party in the accident is assigned a percentage of liability based on their contribution to the cause of the accident.
These percentages will affect the amount of compensation you can receive. If your liability is 50 percent or more, you will be unable to recover any damages. If your liability is less than 50 percent, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30 percent at fault and had $1 million in damages, you may recover $700,000.
Determining the exact percentage of liability can be a complex process that involves scrutinizing every factor that contributed to the accident. Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. You can count on us to push back when the at-fault party tries to blame you for the accident.
What Damages and Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Case?
You may recover compensation for any monetary losses you suffered due to the accident. These economic damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages due to the accident’s impact on your ability to work, lost earning capacity, and property damage to your bicycle and other items.
Your compensation may also include non-economic damages. These are the intangible losses you suffered due to the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
When you turn to Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we’ll evaluate the accident’s full impact on your life and fight for every penny you deserve. While no amount of money can erase the trauma of a bicycle accident, we’ll seek an amount that alleviates your financial burden and represents the full harm you’ve suffered.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
Illinois has a strict deadline governing most personal injury claims. Under the personal injury statute of limitations, you have two years from the accident date to file a Chicago bicycle accident lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you’ll be unable to pursue compensation for your injuries. Though there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s best to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific case.
Who Is at Fault in a Chicago Bicycle Accident?
In a bicycle accident, fault can lie with various parties depending on the circumstances leading to the accident. Primarily, motor vehicle drivers involved in accidents with cyclists are at fault, especially if they were distracted, driving recklessly, or violating traffic laws such as failing to yield the right of way to a cyclist. However, cyclists can also be at fault if they violate traffic laws, such as running red lights, cycling against traffic, or not signaling turns.
Additionally, local government or municipal entities could be held responsible if poor road maintenance, such as potholes, unsafe road designs, or poorly marked bike lanes, contributed to the accident. In some cases, manufacturers could be at fault if a defect in the bicycle or its components led to the accident.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Chicago, Illinois
Just over 2,000 bicyclists were involved in traffic accidents in Chicago in 2023. Here’s a breakdown of their injuries:
- 997 bicyclists (49 percent) suffered non-incapacitating injuries
- 179 bicyclists (9 percent) suffered incapacitating injuries
- Two bicyclists suffered fatal injuries
The most common month for bicycle accidents was August, with 293 reported. January saw the fewest bicycle accidents, with just 37 reported.
Contact an Experienced Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Don’t wait to seek legal representation after suffering injuries in a bicycle accident in Chicago. The sooner you reach out for help, the better your chances of recovering damages from all liable parties.
Our award-winning Chicago trial attorneys are ready to put their extensive personal injury experience to work for you. Call (844) 446-9529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our skilled bicycle accident lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get
It’s normal to have many questions after suffering injuries in a bicycle accident. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about bicycle accidents in Chicago.
How Much Does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost in Chicago?
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid unless you do. Our fee will be a pre-negotiated percentage of the compensation we win for you, so you’ll pay zero out-of-pocket fees for our top-tier legal services.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Your bicycle accident case’s value depends on numerous factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and each party’s degree of liability. Our attorneys can review your case and provide an estimate of its value.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Bicycle Accident Case?
It depends heavily on your unique circumstances. Negotiating a favorable settlement with an insurance company can take just a few months but, in many cases, can take longer. The insurance company’s willingness to cooperate and the complexity of your case will affect how long it takes to resolve your claim.
If a fair settlement is not reached and your case proceeds to trial, this will extend the timeline of your case. Though an early settlement may seem attractive, you may end up leaving money on the table. Remember, patience is key. While you focus on healing from your accident, let us focus on securing the full and fair compensation you deserve.
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