Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Get the Compensation You Deserve

Biking accidents occur frequently, and they can often be very painful and costly. The injuries suffered by a bicyclist in an accident can be quite severe, resulting not only in painful suffering, but also in painfully high medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and possible disability.

If you are suffering from injuries resulting from a bicycle accident, you may be able to obtain compensation, even if you are partially at fault for the accident. In order to recover the compensation you deserve, you need an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer on your side. Hart David Carson provides the legal representation and advising needed to obtain the monetary compensation due to you after a biking accident.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident is an incident in which a cyclist is involved in a collision or crash, resulting in injury or damage. These accidents can occur between bicycles and motor vehicles, other bicycles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. More often than not, a negligent driver is generally liable for a bicycle accident.

Common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Dooring: A motorist opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, causing the cyclist to crash into the door.
• Right Hook: A motorist turns right across the path of a cyclist who is going straight, either because they didn't see the cyclist or misjudged their speed.
• Left Cross: A motorist turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist, leading to a collision. This often happens when the motorist underestimates the speed of the cyclist or fails to notice them.
• Intersection Collisions: Accidents at intersections where motorists fail to yield to cyclists who have the right of way. This includes scenarios where drivers run red lights or stop signs.
• Rear-End Collisions: A motorist crashes into the back of a cyclist, often because the driver was not paying attention, misjudged the cyclist's speed, or was following too closely.
• Side Swipes: A motorist passes a cyclist too closely, leading to a collision or forcing the cyclist off the road.
• Failing to Yield: Motorists may fail to yield to cyclists at crosswalks, bike lanes, or while merging into traffic, leading to collisions.
• Overtaking Issues: Motorists may misjudge the distance required to safely pass a cyclist, resulting in collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Motorists using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities may not notice cyclists, leading to accidents.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce the reaction time of motorists and increase the severity of accidents when they occur.
• Poor Visibility: Low light conditions, bad weather, or poor street lighting can make it harder for motorists to see cyclists, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, which can lead to collisions with cyclists.

However, a cyclist can be liable for an accident if their actions contribute to or directly cause the collision. This liability arises when a cyclist violates traffic laws or behaves recklessly, creating hazardous conditions. 

For instance, if a cyclist runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into a vehicle with the right of way, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages. Similarly, riding against traffic flow, making unpredictable maneuvers, or failing to signal turns can lead to accidents for which the cyclist may be deemed at fault. 

Liability may also occur if the cyclist is impaired by alcohol or drugs while riding. In such cases, the cyclist's negligence or unlawful behavior can result in legal and financial repercussions

Legal Support for Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions in Chicago

While not as common as other biking accidents, a crash involving a motor vehicle is still a frightening prospect for many cyclists. A collision with a car, van, or truck can be very severe for someone on a bicycle, and the costs of pain, suffering, and medical treatment are steep. Fortunately, you can get compensation with the right legal assistance.

If you get in an accident with a motor vehicle, there are a few things you can do to help your claim be settled in your favor:

• File an accident report
• Take pictures of the scene
• Make sure police ID the at-fault driver
• Get the driver’s contact information
• Report all injuries, no matter how minor they seem at the moment
• Make a claim as promptly as possible

If you are partially at fault, Illinois uses a comparative negligence formula to determine how much of the damages you are responsible for. If it is decided that you are 30% at fault for an accident, for example, you will only be responsible for 30% of the damages.

Determining who is at fault in an accident requires thorough analysis, and the process can be very complex. Moreover, proving negligence in trial or during negotiations with insurance companies is largely dependent on the evidence available and the skill of your attorney.

Hart David Carson provides the experience you need to receive due compensation after a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle.

Chicago Cyclists: Know Your Rights After Street-Related Injuries

The vast majority of bicycle accidents are due to street defects, such as potholes, drains, improper lane width, poorly placed telephone poles, and other hazards. It is the duty of the city and state to maintain roadways, so if you have suffered an injury due to street defects, your case will be with them.

Each case is unique, and you will want to make sure you have the evidence you need prior to filing your claim. Hart David Carson can assess your case and help you pursue your deserved compensation.

Maximize Your Insurance Settlement with a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney

Before discussing an accident with your insurance company, always consult with your attorney first. It takes keen legal acumen and a thorough understanding of personal injury law to know how to proceed with filing a claim, and insurance companies will use their communication with you to gather evidence against you. Hart David Carson provides the negotiation skills and legal knowledge needed to help you get what you deserve. 

Contact a Trusted Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

To learn more about how we can assist you after a bicycle accident, contact us today.