Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Chicago image

Need Legal Help After a Bicycle Crash in Chicago?

Table Of Contents

Cycling in Chicago should be a healthy, fun, and environmentally friendly way to get around. Unfortunately, when drivers fail to share the road safely, a single moment of negligence can leave cyclists facing life-altering injuries. From broken bones and head trauma to deep cuts and lasting pain, the aftermath of a bicycle accident is rarely simple. Many victims find themselves overwhelmed, not just by their physical recovery, but by mounting medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of being sidelined from daily life.

If your bicycle crash was caused by someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, you deserve answers—and support. At Wallace Miller, our experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers understand the challenges you face in the days and weeks after a wreck. We are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, future care, lost wages, and more.

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Call our compassionate legal team today at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online to learn more about your legal options.

Chicago’s high rate of bicycle accidents: know the risks

Chicago is a city where cycling is both a popular mode of transportation and a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get around. Unfortunately, the city also sees its share of serious bicycle crashes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 130,000 people annually sustain injuries in U.S. bicycle crashes, and nearly a thousand lose their lives. Last year alone, there were 2,885 bicycle accidents throughout the state of Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, with 2,562 resulting in injuries and 41 fatalities.

These numbers can be especially troubling in urban centers like Chicago due to the high volume of vehicles, narrow streets, and distracted drivers.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that failure to yield the right of way is a leading cause of fatal bicycle accidents. Fatal bicycle crashes are most common in urban areas and tend to increase during the summer months, when more people are out riding.

If you ride in Chicago, you know how quickly a routine trip can turn into a life-altering event after a crash. From severe injuries to complex recovery processes, the aftermath of a collision often lasts far beyond the day of the incident. In these situations, working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer Chicago residents trust is one of the most important steps you can take.

At Wallace Miller, our legal team is dedicated to supporting you from day one. We’ll help you navigate medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of insurance negotiations while pursuing the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online.

Common causes of Chicago bicycle crashes

Bicycle accidents in Chicago happen far too often, and the leading cause is driver negligence. When motorists fail to yield, pay attention, or respect cyclists’ rights to the road, the consequences can be devastating.

While unsafe driver behavior is the most common and preventable cause of serious bicycle crashes, other factors can contribute to these collisions, including:

Speeding
Driving while drunk or on drugs.
Ignoring traffic signals.
Not checking for blind spots.
Not respecting bike lanes.
Driving aggressively.
Not paying attention to their surroundings.

But not every accident involves a car. Sometimes, hazardous road conditions, faulty bike parts, or careless pedestrians can also play a role. That’s why it’s essential to consult a bicycle accident attorney in Chicago who’s equipped to investigate every angle and hold all responsible parties accountable. Call Wallace Miller today at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online.

Identifying liable parties in a Chicago bicycle accident case

Determining who is responsible for your bicycle crash is a crucial first step in pursuing a personal injury claim. While negligent motorists are often at fault in bicycle accident cases, liability can sometimes extend to other parties depending on the specific circumstances.

Potential bicycle crash liability scenarios can include, but are not limited to:

Pedestrian negligence: If you were riding in a bike lane and a pedestrian suddenly stepped into your path without looking, causing you to swerve and crash or run directly into them, the pedestrian may be liable for your injuries.
Commercial drivers and employers: If a professional driver such as a truck or bus operator caused your accident while working, their employer, a trucking or transportation company, may also be held legally responsible under the doctrine of employer liability.
Defective equipment: Mechanical failures or defective bicycle parts can result in serious crashes. In such cases, the manufacturer or designer of the bicycle or safety equipment may be liable. Product liability claims may also be appropriate if faulty helmets or protective gear worsen your injuries.
Government entities: Sometimes, unsafe road conditions, missing signage, or poorly maintained bike lanes contribute to an accident. When a government agency fails in its duty to keep roadways safe for cyclists, it may be held accountable for resulting injuries.

Insurance companies often look for reasons to deny or reduce claims. That’s why gathering and preserving all available evidence of liability after a crash is critical. Submitting thorough documentation can significantly strengthen your injury claim and improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Symbols of law and justice: a wooden gavel and balance scales, relevant for legal representation in bi-cycle accidents in Chicago.

Dennis’s Law: What it means for Chicago bicycle accident victims

Dennis Jurs was riding his bicycle in Hampshire Township, Illinois, on May 18, 2015, when an SUV struck and killed him. The vehicle’s driver initially received a ticket for failing to yield the right-of-way. The judge dismissed the ticket when the driver challenged it in court. The judge found that a bicycle didn’t meet the definition of a vehicle under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Thus, right-of-way laws didn’t apply to a bicyclist.

Jurs’s family pushed for a change. The result was Dennis’s Law, ensuring bicyclists have the same right-of-way privileges as motorists in Illinois. Understanding this law can be critical when building a case after a crash, and hiring a Chicago bicycle accident attorney who knows these nuances can make all the difference in your claim’s outcome.

Common bicycle wreck injuries in Chicago, Illinois

A bicycle crash can be a truly devastating experience for the rider. Unlike occupants of cars or trucks, cyclists have little to shield them from impact during a collision. As a result, even a minor crash can expose them to serious injuries.

Common bicycle wreck injuries include:

Lacerations.
Fractures.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Spinal cord injuries.
Disfigurement.
Internal organ injuries.
Amputations.
Death.

Physical injuries are just one aspect of the harm a bicycle crash can cause. In addition to the physical toll, bicycle accidents frequently lead to significant emotional distress, mental trauma, and lasting disruption to daily life.

If an injured cyclist experiences a decline in quality of life after a crash, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer from Wallace Miller can help pursue compensation and recovery. Fill out a free case evaluation or call Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193.

Compensation for a cyclist who is hit by a car in Chicago

Losses resulting from bicycle accident cases may fall into one of two categories:

Economic – An economic loss is a loss with a dollar value. Your medical bills and lost wages are typical examples of financial losses for which you may seek compensation. You might also be able to receive compensation for future economic losses, such as the cost of ongoing medical care after your settlement.
Non-economic – Non-economic losses don’t have objective dollar values. For example, you might endure significant emotional, mental, and physical pain while recovering from bicycle wreck injuries. Your injuries may even permanently detract from your quality of life. By applying specialized formulas, you or your lawyer can assign a dollar value to these types of losses when filing a claim.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than their actual value, especially if the claimants are unaware of what losses can be compensated. Knowing your rights can help you avoid accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover the cost of your harm. Ensure you understand all the types of compensation you may be entitled to after a Chicago bicycle accident. Speak to our legal team at (312) 261-6193 or fill out our free case evaluation today.

How a Chicago bicycle accident law firm can help

Filing a claim after a bicycle accident can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may push early settlement offers that don’t reflect the full extent of your injuries. Our attorneys will help you calculate the true value of your case and protect your right to full compensation.

Our legal team starts by:

Determining liability and conducting a full investigation. Even after a hit and run, an attorney may be able to coordinate with police to identify the driver who struck you.
Documenting liability and losses, including gathering all necessary evidence.
Calculating total compensation, including economic and non-economic losses, and helping you understand the actual value of your case.
Negotiating with insurers for a fair settlement.
Handling all paperwork, deadlines, and court filings so that you can focus on your health.

Hiring a Chicago bicycle accident attorney doesn’t require taking a financial risk. Our personal injury lawyers at Wallace Miller work on a contingency fee agreement, meaning you don’t pay anything unless your attorney recovers compensation.

The deadline for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Illinois

When representing bicycle accident victims, our primary goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses. However, insurance companies do not always offer reasonable compensation. If a lawsuit is necessary to secure the compensation you deserve, it’s important to remember that Illinois law sets a strict two-year statute of limitations from the crash date. Missing this deadline means losing your right to take legal action. To protect your rights, contact an attorney immediately after the incident.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Also Focus on the Following Areas:

Protect your rights: call our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers

Life can change dramatically after a bicycle accident in Chicago. As you focus on your recovery, finding ways to ease your legal burdens is essential. Hiring an experienced attorney to pursue the compensation you deserve is one way to protect your future and reduce stress during this difficult time.

At Wallace Miller, our skilled Chicago bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to handling every aspect of your case so you can concentrate on healing with greater peace of mind. To learn more about your legal options, contact our office at (312) 261-6193 or submit your details through our case evaluation.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago