Bicycle Accident Injury Attorneys in Chicago

Chicago bicyclists have the same rights to use the road as motor vehicles. Despite the law, negligent drivers can injure or fatally harm cyclists. Bike accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, financial stress and other damage.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a bike accident, Argionis & Associates will be your advocate. Our attorneys are available for individualized service, and our services are free unless we win the case.

Chicago Bicycle Accident Statistics

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, bike accidents 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.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago

Bike accidents occur when the cyclist and/or motorist violates a traffic law, such as:

• Speeding.
• Failure to yield.
• Distracted driving.
• Ignoring traffic signals.
• Confusion about the right-of-way.
• Driving under the influence.

These violations and conditions can cause bike accidents like:

• Dooring: A motorist opens their car door into the cyclist’s path, and the cyclist hits the door.
• Side swiping: The motorist and cyclist are traveling in the same direction, and the motorist hits the cyclist with the side of their car.
• Left- and right-hook: A motorist turns right or left into the path of a cyclist traveling in the same direction.
• Tailgating: A motorist follows a cyclist too closely and collides with them from behind.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If a car hits you when bicycling, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention: Minor injuries may cause significant problems, so get medical help to protect your health. Call an ambulance or visit an emergency room (ER) or hospital.
2. Contact the police: Police reports are critical evidence in bicycle accidents, so get law enforcement at the scene as soon as possible. A police officer can complete a report there or ask you to file the report at the police station.
3. Collect driver and witness information: Get the driver’s name, address, phone number and license plate. Take pictures of important documents like the motorist’s driver’s license or insurance card. Make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
4. Gather evidence: Collect information about the accident and your injuries for evidence in your bike accident injury case. Take photos of the crash site, your bike and your injuries. Keep a record of your medical treatment and recovery and obtain copies of your bills for your medical care and bike repairs. Tally the number of days you missed work, if applicable.
5. Get legal advice: After you’ve cared for your immediate medical needs and gathered the necessary information, consult a bicycle accident Chicago lawyer for legal advice about your next steps. Argionis & Associates is ready to help you seek compensation for your accident.

What To Do for a Hit-and-Run Bike Accident

Section 11-401(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Code requires motorists involved in a bike accident to remain at the scene. However, some 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 challenging, experienced bicycle accident injury attorneys in Chicago like Argionis will represent you to get the award you deserve for your damages.

What Damages Can be Recovered After a Bicycle Accident?

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:

• Economic: Economic damages have monetary value, like medical expenses and lost wages.
• Noneconomic: Noneconomic damages encompass subjective losses, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.

The value of economic and noneconomic damages varies on factors such as the:

• Extent of your injuries.
• Total of your medical expenses.
• Degree to which the accident affected your life circumstances.
• Amount of insurance coverage the motorist has.

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.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Chicago Lawyer Today

If you want to consult with a professional attorney about your bike accident case, choose Argionis. Argionis & Associates has won many cases, resulting in generous financial 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.