Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
PRACTICE AREAS
The Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team at Curcio & Casciato understands the risks Chicago cyclists face daily. Our seasoned Chicago bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of bicycle accident victims who’ve suffered injuries due to negligent drivers, poorly maintained roads, or defective cycling products. With extensive knowledge of Illinois bicycle laws and a commitment to thorough investigation and advocacy, our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers strive to secure just compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Whether your accident occurred due to a hit-and-run, dooring incident, or a collision with an at-fault driver, a Chicago bicycle accident attorney from Curcio & Casciato is here to support and guide you through your bicycle accident claim with expertise and compassion, helping you focus on your recovery while we handle your personal injury lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious bicycle accident, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Curcio & Casciato are here to help. Call (312) 321-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer today.
Illinois Bicycle Laws
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1501) outlines relevant bicycle laws.
All Chicago cyclists must:
- Follow traffic laws
- Make themselves visible
- Ride close to the right or use a bike lane if applicable
- Communicate using hand signals
- Avoid “door” zones
- Ride in the same direction of traffic
- Yield to those with the right of way
- Keep one hand on the handlebars at all times
- Never cling to moving vehicles
- Only ever ride 2 abreast in the designated bike lane
Additionally, Illinois state law requires all drivers to:
- Yield to bike riders at intersections
- Respect the bike lane
- Carefully open doors near bike lanes or paths
- Not engage in distracted driving
Dennis’s Law
Dennis’s Law is an Illinois traffic regulation enacted in 2017 following the death of cyclist Dennis Jurs, who was killed when a motorist failed to yield at a stop sign despite Jurs having the right of way. Initially, the motorist was cited, but the citation was dismissed because, at the time, bicycles were not legally recognized as “vehicles” under Illinois state law.
Dennis’s Law addressed this by reclassifying bicycles as vehicles, affording cyclists the same rights to the right of way as vehicle drivers. This change aims to enhance bicycle safety for cyclists across Illinois.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago, IL
As a major city, more bike accidents happen in Chicago due to driver negligence than any other single reason. Bike crashes continue despite legislation and lawsuits throughout Illinois.
Distracted Driving
More bike accidents occur due to negligent drivers than anything else. A Chicago distracted driving lawyer can help in a Chicago bike accident involving a distracted driver by proving the driver was texting and driving or otherwise distracted when he or she hit the bicycle rider.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving causes many Chicago bicycle accidents. Drunk drivers may drive in bike lanes, fail to check for or yield to cyclists, or ignore other motor vehicle laws, which could result in severe bicycle accidents.
Drunk driving is unacceptable and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Victims of drunk driving bicycle accidents should contact a Chicago drunk driving lawyer at Curcio & Casciato to discuss their legal options and seek compensation for their losses.
Bicycle Dooring
Bike crashes can also be caused by “bicycle dooring,” which occurs when a car door opens in front of a bicycle rider, causing the cyclist to crash into the door. Chicago bicycle dooring accidents occur when an at-fault driver opens their door into a bike lane or bike path without checking for bicycle riders.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Chicago
Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Joint injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve damage
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)or head injury
- Wrongful death
How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Chicago
If you have been injured in an Illinois bicycle accident caused by negligence, there are a few things you can do. Since Illinois is an at-fault state, bicycle accident victims can either file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company, or they can file a bicycle accident lawsuit.
To be eligible to file a personal injury case, you must have been in a bike accident with another person, and you must have suffered injuries or other losses. From there, you can follow the steps for filing a bicycle accident claim with the other party’s insurance company. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can file a bike accident lawsuit to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, seek legal representation from the experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers at Curcio & Casciato. Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience with bicycle accident cases as well as scooter accident claims in Chicago and can determine your eligibility to file a bicycle accident lawsuit promptly.
Illinois Personal Injury Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Crash Claims
In Illinois, personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations. This means that injured bicyclists have two years from when the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. The Chicago bicycle accident lawyers at our personal injury law firm can help ensure your bike accident case meets all the legal requirements.
Bicycle Accident Compensation for Chicago Bicycle Accident Victims
If you are injured in a bike crash, you may be able to recover compensation for some of these losses, including medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and more. While a bicycle accident claim can’t undo the damage, it can provide you with financial compensation for your losses.
Bicycle Accident Damages in Illinois
In Illinois, injured cyclists may be able to seek compensation for damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Medical expenses for assistive medical devices
- Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of a wrongful death
A Chicago bicycle accident attorney can help calculate your losses to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all of your losses.
How Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Curcio & Casciato, our Chicago bike accident lawyers understand how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating a bike accident can be. We’re dedicated to providing bicycle accident victims with the steadfast legal support they need during their bicycle accident cases.
If you have been injured in a bike accident in Illinois, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer on our team can evaluate the circumstances of your Chicago bike accident and help you seek compensation.
Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers will also be able to gather evidence from your bike accident, proving the other party involved in the Chicago bike accident was at fault, making them liable for serious injuries and property damage. Additionally, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys calculate the total damages for injured bicyclists so that you can receive fair compensation for your losses.
Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers have experience handling various bicycle accident cases, giving our law firm the experience to handle negotiations with the insurance company outside of court. If we can’t secure a favorable bike accident settlement, our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers are always ready to take personal injury cases to court.
Our Chicago bicycle accident law firm is here to help represent accident victims and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer at Curcio & Casciato today and take your first step toward justice.
Child Injury Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Claims in Chicago
Biking can be dangerous for anyone, regardless of age, but it can be especially dangerous for small children, who may be harder to see from behind the wheel of a car. At Curcio & Casciato, our Chicago child injury lawyers understand what’s required for bicycle accident cases involving minors and the long-term repercussions of a serious injury.
Whether your child was hit by a negligent driver or their bike crashed as a result of poor road maintenance, our Chicago child injury bicycle accident lawyers can help represent you and your child in court, ensuring you and your family can move forward past this incident.
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Bike Crashes in Chicago
Many bicycle accidents result in fatal injuries. Immediate family members of a deceased bike accident victim may be able to file a wrongful death suit against the negligent party that caused the accident. This can allow them to recover compensation for medical treatment the victim received before their death, loss of consortium, loss of future earnings, and funeral and burial expenses, among others.
If your loved one died as a result of their bicycle injuries, the Chicago wrongful death attorneys at Curcio & Casciato are here to help you seek justice on their behalf. We understand how devastating it can be to lose a loved one in an accident. That’s why we’re here to provide you with the compassionate and professional legal support you need through this difficult time.
Chicago Bicycle Accidents FAQs
What to Do After a Bike Accident In Chicago
If you are a cyclist and you are in an accident with a motor vehicle in Chicago, you should:
- Seek medical attention. You will need medical records for most personal injury lawsuits.
- Contact a police officer so they can file a police report on the accident.
- Document the scene of the accident, any property damage, and any injuries.
- Exchange insurance information with the other motorist involved in the accident.
- Exchange contact information with any witnesses.
- Contact a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer.
How Many Bike Accidents Occur Each Year in Chicago?
The number of bike accidents in Chicago fluctuates, but Chicago bike crash statistics indicate that about 1,500 to 1,700 bike crashes occur yearly in and around the city.
What is the Leading Cause of Bicycle Deaths in Chicago?
According to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of bicycle fatalities is accidents with motor vehicles. There are approximately 800 bicycle deaths recorded each year in the US, with that number steadily rising over time.
What are the Rights of People Bicycling Under Illinois Law?
Under Illinois law, bicyclists have the right to share the road with motor vehicles and are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Bike riders can also use bike lanes and sidewalks wherever possible.
How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bike Accident in Chicago?
If you are in a bike accident in Chicago, the compensation you may get will depend on several factors. These include the extent of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the skill of your Chicago bicycle accident lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Bicycle Accident Compensation Claim in Illinois?
Illinois’s statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident compensation claim is generally two years from the accident date. If you’re looking to file a bike accident case, consult a legal professional to ensure it’s filed in the necessary timeframe.
How to Find a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago?
To find a lawyer after a bicycle accident in Chicago, look for a law firm with experience in bike accident claims. Many personal injury attorneys litigate claims for motor vehicle drivers, but for the best legal representation, you’ll want to speak with an attorney with specific bike crash injury experience.
Chicago Car-Bike Accident: Who is at Fault?
In a car-bike accident, the person at fault typically acted negligently during the accident. This can happen when a driver or cyclist is distracted, impaired, or reckless.
How Long Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take to Settle?
The timeline for settling a bicycle accident case can vary, often depending on factors like the nature of the accident, the availability of evidence, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate and cooperate with legal counsel. If you have been injured in a bike accident, a bicycle accident lawyer can give you an estimated timeline for your settlement.
Chicago Bike Accident Lawyer
At Curcio & Casciato, our Chicago bike accident lawyer team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these crashes can take on your life. That’s why our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping victims seek compensation for all of their losses.
Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys work tirelessly to ensure you receive a favorable settlement or a fair trial award. From your free consultation with us until after your bike injury case concludes, our skilled Illinois bicycle accident lawyers are here to provide you with the support you need.
Call us at (312) 321-1111 or contact us via our website to schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer today.
