A bike crash can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure about your next steps. If you are searching for a bicycle accident lawyer in Evanston, you likely have questions about medical bills, time off work, and dealing with insurers.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand that people work hard and need dedicated help when an accident turns their life upside down. If you need broader support beyond cycling injuries, visit our Evanston personal injury lawyer page for additional guidance.
Our brand is built on empathy, accountability, and proven results for the working class. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has successfully recovered more than $100 million for our clients, providing the aggressive representation needed to take on major insurance companies.
Why Hire An Evanston Bicycle Accident Attorney For Your Personal Injury Claim
Local roads, traffic patterns, and municipal rules can shape the outcome of a claim. When your case involves an Evanston intersection, a protected lane near Northwestern University, or a crash with a city vehicle, familiarity with Cook County procedures and local conditions can matter.
We tailor our approach to the roads you ride, whether your crash happened on Sheridan Road, Dempster Street, or a neighborhood bike lane.
We handle the day-to-day details so you do not have to juggle insurance calls, document demands, or deadlines while you heal. From the first interview to settlement talks and, when needed, litigation, we keep your case moving and communicate what to expect at every stage. Our goal is to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal legwork.
Common Bicycle Accident Causes In Evanston, IL
Bicycle crashes often share similar patterns. Identifying the cause helps us target the right evidence and parties responsible. In Evanston, the following scenarios appear frequently:
- Dooring incidents from parked cars along busy corridors
- Right hook and left cross turns at intersections
- Drivers failing to yield in bike lanes or crosswalks
- Distracted or speeding motorists on arterial roads
- Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris can create a loss of control
We review police reports, witness statements, and location data to connect these patterns to your case. When road defects or poor maintenance played a role, we evaluate whether a public entity or contractor may share fault.
What To Do After A Bike Crash In Evanston
Your first priority is your health. Even if you feel okay, some injuries surface over the next 24 to 72 hours. Seeking a timely evaluation creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash, which is important for your claim.
If you can do so safely at the scene:
- Call 911 and request a police report.
- Exchange information with the driver and any witnesses.
- Photograph the scene, roadway, bike damage, and visible injuries.
- Preserve your bike, helmet, and damaged gear.
- Seek prompt medical care and follow treatment plans.
- Avoid recorded statements with insurers until you speak with a lawyer.
When To Seek Emergency Care
Go to the ER or an urgent care clinic immediately if you have a head impact, loss of consciousness, severe pain, numbness, dizziness, confusion, deep cuts, or any sign of a possible fracture. Concussions and internal injuries can be serious even without obvious symptoms.
Illinois Bicycle Laws And Personal Injury Rules That Affect Your Case
Illinois law treats bicycles as vehicles in most traffic situations, which means both drivers and cyclists must follow the rules of the road.
- Passing Distance: Illinois requires motorists to leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Crowding or clipping a rider during a pass can establish driver fault.
- Intersections and Turning Vehicles: Right hook and left cross collisions are common. Drivers must yield to oncoming bicycles and check for cyclists before turning across bike lanes.
- Dooring: Opening a vehicle door into moving traffic without checking can lead to liability. Roadside parking near bike lanes raises this risk.
- Comparative Negligence: Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. If your share of fault is more than 50%, recovery may be barred. We examine video, vehicle data, and scene evidence to contest any unfair fault claims.
Damages You Can Pursue After An Evanston Bicycle Accident
Your claim can include both economic and non-economic losses. We tailor the demand to your specific injuries and recovery outlook.
- Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgery, therapy, and future care needs.
- Lost Income: Missed work or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment in cycling.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Transportation to medical visits and home modifications.
Speak With An Evanston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to handle the aftermath of a crash alone. If you were injured while riding in Evanston, we can review your case and handle the legal work while you focus on your health. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront attorney fees, and our fee only comes from your recovery.
Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Choose Charlie and let us go to bat for you.
