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Chicago bicyclists have the same rights to use the road as motor vehicles. Despite the law, negligent drivers can injure or fatally harm cyclists. Bicycle accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, financial stress and other damage.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, Argionis & Associates, a leading personal injury law firm in Chicago, will be your advocate. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are proud to serve residents in and near Chicago, and our legal services are free unless we win the case.
The city of Chicago has a lot of infrastructure for cyclists, with more than 200 miles of shared and buffered bike lanes. The Active Transportation Alliance 2020 Regional Mode Share Report found that an estimated 1.8% of Chicagoans biked to work in 2018, and bicycles have become popular for recreation and fitness.
Despite the infrastructure for cyclists, bicycle crashes still occur in Chicago. Based on a 2017 study from the Active Transportation Alliance, 55% of pedestrian and bike accidents in Illinois happen in the city of Chicago, where 18 pedestrians or cyclists are injured daily. On average, one person is killed while walking or biking in Chicago every three days.
Bicycle accidents may occur due to dangerous road conditions or when the cyclist and/or motorist violates a traffic law, such as:
These violations and conditions can cause bike accidents like:
If a car hits you when bicycling in the Chicago area, follow these steps:
Section 11-401(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Code requires motorists involved in a bike accident to remain at the scene. However, some motor vehicle drivers flee the scene in hit-and-run accidents. In 2017, 26% of crashes with pedestrians and cyclists were hit-and-runs.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run bicycle crash, follow the steps above and gather information to the extent possible, given the circumstances. The police can file a report and identify the driver through your recollection of the accident, witness statements and security footage.
Though recovering compensation from a hit-and-run accident can be more challenging than in a standard auto accident case, an experienced Chicago bike accident lawyer will represent you to get the award you deserve for your damages.
Illinois law grants cyclists two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Cases involving property damage have a time limit of five years. You can seek compensation for these types of damages:
The value of economic and noneconomic damages varies on factors such as the:
Since Illinois operates under a modified comparative negligence standard, you can receive compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your degree of liability is a factor in the final settlement amount.
Hiring a bicycle accident attorney in Chicago ensures you have an expert who understands local traffic laws and can navigate the legal system effectively. Legal counsel ensures you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation.
A bicycle accident attorney specializes in representing injured bicyclists. They help victims seek compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.
The statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Illinois is typically two years from the date of the accident. Seek a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you preserve your right to compensation.
Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver if they were at fault for the accident. An attorney can help determine liability and build your case.
Yes, Illinois has several laws, including the Illinois Vehicle Code, that provide protections for cyclists. These establish safety guidelines such as safe passing distance requirements and rules against dooring accidents.
If you want to consult with a professional personal injury attorney about your bicycle accident case, choose Argionis. Argionis & Associates has won many accident cases, resulting in generous financial recoveries and compensation for our clients. We will represent you in court to get the award you deserve. Schedule your consultation today by calling 312-782-4545 or contacting us online.