Compared to vehicle collisions, accidents involving a bike and a larger car often lead to much more serious injuries for the cyclist. This is mainly due to the lack of physical protection that cyclists have compared to drivers, which leaves them exposed to the full impact of a collision.
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Laws in Illinois allow bicyclists who have been injured in an accident to recover damages for their medical costs, the time they lost at work, pain and suffering, and much more. If you or your family member has suffered injuries in a bicycle vs. car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options.
 According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, as of December 2018, there have been 23 bicyclist fatalities so far this year. The most common underlying causes for bicycle accidents include speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to obey traffic signs and signals, and aggressive driving. These may result in sideswipe accidents, rear-end impacts, left-hand turn impacts, and head-on crashes.
Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident
To receive compensation for a bicyclist’s injuries or death, your attorney will need to establish that the behavior of the driver of the vehicle was negligent and caused the accident. What adds to the complication of a bicycle accident is that the cyclist is often too injured, unconscious, or even deceased for law enforcement officials to obtain his or her side of the story. In many cases, more than one party may be at fault for the accident.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 600 cyclists die annually in the U.S., and another 52,000 people are injured in bicycle vs. vehicle accidents each year. Although many cities in Illinois have attempted to make traveling more bicycle-friendly, many of these have not been implemented correctly or have been designed poorly.
 Accidents between a vehicle and a cyclist can be exceptionally dangerous due to the lack of protection that a cyclist has and the difference in size. Injuries such as broken bones, cuts, joint injuries, concussions, neck and back injuries, and even death are not uncommon. One of the most serious injuries a bicyclist can face is head trauma. Brain injuries are the number one cause of death in bicycle-related accidents, and even if death does not occur, the cyclist can suffer lifelong disabilities.
Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
When a cyclist is injured in an accident, Illinois laws allow the injured cyclist to recover compensation for certain damages, including, but not limited to, the following:
Medical expenses include present and future bills for things such as emergency room visits, ambulance, surgery, therapy, and medications.
- Pain and suffering from the time the accident occurred until the victim is completely healed.
- Lost wages when the cyclist is unable to work due to the injuries. This may also include future lost wages if the cyclist becomes permanently disabled.
- Property damages for the damage sustained to their bicycle and gear that was damaged in the accident.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
The attorneys at Rittenberg, Saks & Robinson, Ltd. understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be. We will obtain accident reports and investigate your accident to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us work on your claim so you can focus on your recovery.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Illinois
The driver said they never saw me. How does that affect my claim?
This is a common excuse, but it is not a defense. Drivers have a legal obligation to be aware of their surroundings and share the road with cyclists. A driver stating they “didn’t see” you is often a direct admission of their inattentiveness or distraction, which can demonstrate their negligence.
Can I get compensation for my bike if it was damaged?
Yes, your claim can include compensation for all property that was damaged in the accident. This may cover the cost to repair or replace your bicycle, as well as any gear that was damaged like your helmet, clothing, or electronic devices.
What can I do if the driver's story about the accident is completely different from mine?
This can be common, especially when the cyclist is too injured at the scene to give a statement. An independent investigation is critical. We can use physical evidence from the scene, witness testimony, and professional analysis to establish the truth and counter the driver’s story.
Will not wearing a helmet impact my case?
While wearing a helmet is always advisable, Illinois does not have a helmet law for all riders. The fact that you were not wearing one does not prevent you from making a claim, though it may reduce your compensation under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence laws.
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