Chicago Bicycle Injury Lawyer

Under Illinois law, bicycles are recognized as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on the roadway. Despite this legal standing, cyclists remain highly vulnerable to severe injuries when collisions occur with larger vehicles.

Illinois residents embrace bicycling as transportation, recreation, and exercise throughout the year. The state’s flat terrain, extensive trail systems, and urban bike infrastructure make cycling accessible and popular across Chicago and surrounding communities. However, while bicyclists understand the concept of sharing the road, not all motorists demonstrate the same awareness. The harsh reality is that cyclists often bear the brunt of injuries caused by careless and negligent drivers. Headlines regularly report cyclists struck in crosswalks, injured along busy streets, or involved in collisions on popular routes. Bicycle accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, and they occur far too frequently throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

If you’ve suffered injuries as a bicyclist in Chicago due to a negligent or careless driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses. The dedicated bicycle injury attorneys at Paul Padda Law are here to advocate for you. Our firm has achieved exceptional results representing injured cyclists following accidents with negligent motorists.

When bicyclists encounter larger vehicles, the more vulnerable party invariably sustains the greater harm. Without the protection provided by metal frames, seatbelts, and airbags, cyclists are considerably more exposed than the occupants of a vehicle  in a  collision, leaving them vulnerable tocatastrophic injuries as a result.

Whether you were involved in an accident as a cyclist in Chicago or throughout the surrounding areas including Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Cicero, Elgin, or Schaumburg, we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (312) 702-7000 for a complimentary and confidential case evaluation.

Bicycle Accident Statistics Across the United States

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over 1,000  bicyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents during 2022 across the United States. While bicycles account for only one percent of all trips taken, almost  three percent of all roadway fatalities involve cyclists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the highest percentage of cyclist fatalities involves individuals aged 55-69. These statistics exclude thousands of bicyclists who sustain serious injuries but survive accidents with motor vehicles. Meanwhile, roadways continue to expand and traffic speeds continue to increase. In urban centers like Chicago with year-round cycling activity and dense traffic patterns, bicyclists face heightened risks compared to less populated areas.

Illinois implemented a law requiring motorists to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing bicycles on roadways. While this legislation has helped reduce potential fatalities, the fundamental truth remains that cyclists continue facing significant danger on Chicago streets and must exercise constant vigilance.

Protecting The Rights of Chicago Cyclists

As experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers, we witness devastating injuries daily resulting from driver carelessness and negligence. Many of these accidents produce life-altering consequences. This drives our commitment to representing cyclists’ rights and to ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

As a team of skilled bicycle accident attorneys in Chicago, the legal professionals at Paul Padda Law are fully prepared to hold negligent and careless motorists accountable for the injuries they cause and the lives they impact.

When Cyclist Meets Motor Vehicle

Cyclists face extreme vulnerability in accident situations involving motor vehicles. Exposure to collisions with cars and trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:

●  Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

●  Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis or reduced mobility

●  Multiple bone fractures and compound breaks

●  Severe road rash requiring skin grafts

●  Internal organ damage and internal bleeding

●  Dental injuries and facial trauma

●  Loss of limbs requiring amputation

●  Shoulder and clavicle fractures

●  Pelvic injuries

●  Permanent scarring and disfigurement

●  Post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents stem from various negligent behaviors by motorists, including:

●  Rolling stops where drivers fail to completely stop at intersections

●  Rear-end collisions with cyclists

●  Poorly timed crossings at intersections

●  Unsafe passing maneuvers

●  Drunk and impaired driving

●  Excessive speeding

●  Driver fatigue and drowsiness

●  Adverse weather conditions reducing visibility

●  Delivery and commercial truck accidents obstructing views of pedestrians and cyclists

●  Turning or merging accidents when motorists look away from the road

●  Backing into pedestrians or cyclists

●  Dooring accidents when vehicle occupants open doors into cyclist paths

●  Sideswipe collisions

●  Failure to check blind spots for bicyclists

●  Distracted driving involving phones, navigation systems, and other devices

All  these scenarios can result in serious injuries and permanent disabilities. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a motorist while cycling, you owe it to yourself to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago. A knowledgeable attorney will help you understand your rights to compensation for your injuries.

Driver Distraction and Resulting Injuries

Unfortunately, numerous injuries on today’s roads stem from driver distraction. In fact, distracted driving represents the most common cause of bicycle accidents occurring during daylight hours. (I cannot find a reliable source confirming this)

With society’s increasing reliance on technology, driver distraction has emerged as a leading cause of serious accidents and injuries in Illinois. This extends beyond cell phone use and texting. As experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorneys, we collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and investigators capable of proving driver distraction in accident cases.

Anything diverting a driver’s attention from the road qualifies as distraction. Examples include:

●  Programming GPS or navigation systems

●  Changing radio stations or adjusting audio controls

●  Operating other electronic devices

●  Eating and drinking while driving

●  Conversing with passengers

●  Texting and phone use while driving

●  Drowsy driving

●  Reading materials including maps

●  Personal grooming activities

●  Daydreaming or mental distraction

●  Rubbernecking at other incidents

When a driver’s attention shifts away from the road, cyclists face increased risk. An experienced Chicago accident attorney ensures injured parties receive fair compensation for injuries caused by distracted drivers.

Cyclist Responsibilities Under Illinois Law

Motorists aren’t always at fault for bicycle accidents. Cyclists must follow specific rules ensuring everyone’s safety when sharing roadways and must adhere to the Illinois traffic laws when sharing roads with motor vehicles. These regulations serve to protect both motorists and cyclists. Key requirements include:

●  Cyclists must not interfere with motor vehicle traffic flow

●  Cyclists must obey all traffic regulations and signals

●  Cyclists should ride as far right as practicable on roadways

●  When available, cyclists must use designated bike lanes

●  Cyclists must employ appropriate hand signals when turning or stopping

●  Cyclists must travel in the same direction as other traffic

●  Bicycles must be equipped with front white lights visible from 500 feet

●  Bicycles must have a rear reflector or light visible from 100 feet

Conversely, motorists must also comply with laws regarding cyclist proximity, such as:

●  Motorists must yield right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections

●  Motorists must allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist

●  Motorists must exercise particular caution around children and inexperienced cyclists

●  Motorists must check blind spots before turning or changing lanes

If you’ve sustained injuries as a cyclist, consulting an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer is critical to ensuring fair compensation for your injuries.

Securing the Professional Representation You Need

If you’ve been injured in an accident while cycling, you need guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago.

At Paul Padda Law, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, accurately determine your claim’s value, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation. If reasonable settlement offers aren’t forthcoming, we’ll present your case in court to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Under Illinois law, injury victims usually have two years from their accident date to file personal injury claims, or they permanently lose their right to compensation. This statute of limitations makes timely consultation with an attorney essential. Our bicycle accident lawyers understand how these deadlines apply to specific circumstances as well as how  any applicable exceptions might apply.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. This means you can still recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility for an accident, provided your fault is not 50 percent or more. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. For example, if you’re found 20 percent at fault, you can recover 80 percent of your total damages. If you’re found 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

Potential compensation in bicycle injury cases may include:

●  All medical expenses and hospital bills

●  Future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs

●  Lost wages and income during recovery

●  Diminished future earning capacity

●  Pain and suffering

●  Emotional distress and psychological trauma

●  Property damage to your bicycle and equipment

●  Permanent disability accommodations

●  Wrongful death damages when fatal accidents occurIf you’re a cyclist who has been involved in an accident, we may be able to help you. Call Paul Padda Law today at (312) 702-7000 for a free consultation or contact us through our website. Our goal is helping you return to the path of recovery—emotionally, physically, and financially.