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Bicycle accidents are not uncommon in Chicago, but each can be devastating. Most are preventable, caused by reckless drivers who fail to share the road properly.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our bicycle accident lawyer in Chicago can be your advocate in recovering fair compensation after someone changes your life. Set up a free conversation with our Chicago personal injury lawyer now. We have over 75 years of combined experience.
The Injuries Suffered in Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Whether riding along a bike trail in the parks or the city streets in Downtown Chicago, any instance in which a driver strikes a bike rider has the potential for causing serious injuries and the loss of life.
Speed, vehicle size, impact angle, and other factors contribute to the risk of serious loss. Some of the most devastating accident injuries we seek in these cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries leading to cognitive function limitations
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
- Complex fractures requiring surgery and even amputations
- Deep lacerations and road rash from the car dragging the victim
- Soft tissue injuries that cause muscle damage
- Disfigurement from scars, burns, and lacerations
- Internal organ injuries, including crushing injuries
Many victims do not survive because the force of the strike from the car causes them to be thrown from the bike. In these cases, we strongly recommend working with our skilled wrongful death attorney in Chicago to help you get justice for your loved one. Our experience and reputation allow us to get results for our clients.
Bike Accidents Happen Too Often in Chicago
Bicycle accidents can occur throughout Chicago, from residential areas near schools and parks to busy inner-city neighborhoods. Data from the Chicago Data Portal makes it clear that this is a real problem in the Chicago Metro area.
In 2022, 1,717 accidents occurred in the city, with 70% involving a bike being struck by a car or other motor vehicle. That year, five people lost their lives within the city, and 1,250 others suffered non-fatal injuries. There are numerous reasons why this happens:
- Failure to yield. Drivers fail to stop at intersections or before turning to yield to cyclists. Drivers may fail to yield when a bike rider enters the flow of traffic to make a left-hand turn or strikes a bike rider on a bike path in the park system.
- Dooring accidents. These accidents occur when someone opens a car door without looking, causing a cyclist to strike the door.
- Poor road conditions. Unsafe road conditions include those with debris, potholes, or poorly lit areas.
- Distracted drivers. A driver who is not paying attention to the road is more likely to cause an accident because they fail to see the cyclist soon enough.
- Aggressive or reckless driving. Speeding, illegal lane changes, running red lights, or failing to stop before turning are all common causes of cyclist accidents.
Many other factors contribute to these devastating accidents, from impairment to poorly marked bike lanes. We know that nearly all of these accidents are preventable with a better understanding of the laws and a greater focus on the roads. We work with victims to make that point clear and secure fair compensation.
Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident
Through a careful and thorough investigation, your attorney will pinpoint all parties at fault for your accident. We gather evidence from any available sources, leverage our network of accident reconstruction professionals, and speak with witnesses.
The following are some examples of those potentially at fault for your injuries in a bike accident:
- Drivers. The driver of the vehicle owes you a duty of care to abide by all traffic laws. Driving distracted, intoxicated, aggressively, or recklessly makes them at fault.
- Employers. If a truck or commercial vehicle strikes you, the employer of that driver could be at fault.
- The city. In situations where poor visibility or poorly maintained roads are the cause of the accident, the city could be accountable.
Other drivers, bike manufacturers, and others could be at fault. Identifying all at-fault parties enables our attorneys to build a strong claim on your behalf, maximizing your potential recovery of damages. Expect Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. to be aggressive in pursuing these avenues.
Potential Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim
Victims have the right to pursue a claim for any losses they have from an accident someone else causes. Those damages can range widely to include economic and non-economic losses. Examples of common losses we see in these accidents include:
- Medical costs: Recovery of all costs associated with your injuries, including emergency surgeries, physical therapy, treatments, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Property damage: Including losses related to the repair or replacement of your bike and any associated gear.
- Loss of income: Losses for missed time at work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the overall suffering you experienced at the time of the accident and through your recovery.
- Emotional trauma: The onset of mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, from your accident.
- Loss of quality of life: Limitations on enjoying your life due to the complications from your accident.
With the guidance of our Chicago bicycle accident attorney, you can expect to recover truly fair compensation to help you rebuild your life.
We cannot take away the trauma or pain, but we can help you have a strong claim to get back on your feet financially. Expect our team to be there for you throughout the negotiations and, when necessary, to go to court to ensure they pay.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney in Chicago
Take the time right now to get the legal guidance you need. Set up a free consultation with Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. to explore your rights and to determine the value of your claim.
A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can be a critical ally in a complicated case.
