Chicago Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney

Statistics show that people in the Chicago area walking on foot or riding a bike are more vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries in a crash. Given this increased risk of being seriously injured or even suffering fatal injury as a result of a bicycle accident, it is imperative that you have an experienced Chicago bicycle accident injury lawyer on your side to help guide you in what needs to be done to ensure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago, Illinois

There are numerous ways one can be injured in a bicycle accident. Although there are many ways that you may be injured as a bicycle rider, some of the most common accidents involving a bicycle occur because of the following circumstances:

• A driver changes lanes or merges into traffic without noticing a cyclist
• Passing a bike rider with insufficient distance
• A car turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist
• A car turns right in front of a cyclist traveling the same direction (“right hook”)
• Someone opens a car door as a bicycle is approaching
• A driver reversing or turning out onto a street without looking
• Unsafe street or road conditions

Whenever an accident or crash occurs involving any of these circumstances or others, the result is often injury to the cyclist. Common injuries include but are not limited to the following:

• Broken bones or fractures: If a cyclist is thrown off his or her bicycle, then chances are they will instinctively attempt to break their fall with their hands and arms. This often leads to multiple fractures to various parts of their body, including their hands, arms, wrists, legs, and hips. These broken body parts can require many surgeries and long periods of therapy to heal.

• Brain injuries: A bicyclist not wearing a helmet will likely sustain head injuries during an accident involving their bicycle. Even a helmet cannot always protect from head trauma. These injuries range from a mild concussion to more severe brain injuries. In some cases, the accident can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), which in turn can cause permanent disability or even death. Other TBI complications can be memory loss, loss of balance ability, and loss of motor function.

• Spinal cord injuries: A bicyclist’s life can be altered forever if any part of their spine is damaged, including the inability to move. Bicyclists can also suffer severe and chronic pain or even paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent.

• Road rash or burns: If a bicyclist crashes and the momentum throws their body across the surface of the road, they can often sustain friction burns when sliding across the abrasive or rough road surface. This can lead to disfigurement, permanent scars, and permanent loss of mobility.

Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd, we know a bicycle accident can result in serious disruption of your life and potentially for the rest of your life. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, we are here to help in making sure you obtain the right compensation for the injuries or loss you suffered. Contact our office today for a free consultation.