Legal Options After a Serious Bicycle Accident Involving a Motor Vehicle

 Posted on April 07, 2020 in Bicycle Accidents

The weather is finally starting to warm up in Illinois, and that means that more and more people will be out enjoying the sunshine on their bicycles. Riding a bike is a healthy, environment-friendly, and enjoyable mode of transportation, but it is not without its risks. More than 850 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2018 and cyclist accidents continue to happen. Ideally, every motorist that shares the road with a cyclist would be especially aware of the cyclist’s safety, but unfortunately this is not always the case. If you or a loved one have been in a car accident while riding a bike, read on to learn about your legal options.

Bike Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

A bicycle is no match for a motor vehicle. Most cars, trucks, and SUVS on the roads today weigh several thousand pounds or more while an average bicycle typically weighs about 20 pounds. Specialty bicycles, such as those for racing, can weigh significantly less than average. A cyclist has virtually no protection in the event of an auto accident. Bicycle riders who collide with a motor vehicle may suffer road rash, broken bones, amputations, traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries, spine and neck injury, dental and facial injuries, and more. These injuries may leave the cyclist severely hurt or even permanently disabled. The injured cyclist may require extensive medical treatment and be unable to return to work or care for his or her children. Injuries such as these not only reduce the quality of the injured person’s life, they can also result in crushing debt and long-term financial harm. Fortunately, some people injured in bicycle accidents are able to receive compensation for their damages.

Recovering Compensation for Medical Bills and Property Damage

If a driver’s negligence led to a bicycle accident, the driver will most likely be liable for the damages caused in the accident. A driver may be considered negligent if he or she was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, distracted by an electronic device, violated traffic laws, or otherwise acted carelessly. One option for individuals who are hurt by a negligent driver while riding their bike is to file a claim with the driver’s car insurance. Unfortunately, many insurance companies only offer minimal compensation that does not fully reimburse the injured party for his or her damages. If an insurance claim fails to cover the injured rider’s losses, a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way to pursue full compensation.

Contact a Lake County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. to learn about your options for collecting compensation. Call our office today at Call our office today at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Waukegan personal injury attorney.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf