Can I Receive Compensation After a Bicycle Accident?

 Posted on December 22, 2023 in Personal Injury

Chicago is a bike-friendly city, but accidents and collisions between cars and bicycles are still unfortunately common. Most of the time, driver error and carelessness lead to a bike injury that can impact your life and cause significant problems. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident with a car, contact a Chicago bicycle injury lawyer to learn about your options for receiving compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, and individuals riding bicycles are often at a higher risk for severe and life-changing injuries when it comes to colliding with a car. The most common causes of bicycle accidents occur when drivers are not paying attention to bicycles, leading to carelessness or actions on the road that do not account for a bicycle rider’s presence.

Bicycle accidents are frequently caused by actions like:

• Illegal or improper motor vehicle turns right or left in front of a bicycle or turn that cuts across an occupied bicycle lane.
• A motor vehicle driver closely follows or tailgates a bicycle rider, leaving no room to react in case of the unexpected.
• A driver or passenger opening a car door into an occupied bicycle lane.
• Motor vehicles parked in occupied bicycle lanes or drivers that move in and out of bicycle lanes like parking spots.

Both bicycle riders and motorists should consider others around them and follow Illinois bicycle laws, especially when bicycle lanes are close to busy roads, in order to reduce the chance of serious bicycle accidents.

Compensation You Can Receive for a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can range from milder to serious, and injuries may include bruises, broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, paralysis, and death. It is important to understand your options when you have been involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, as you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

The most common forms of compensation to receive after a bicycle accident include damages for lost wages and employment, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and repair or replacement costs for your bicycle.

Contact a Chicago, IL Bicycle Injury Lawyer

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to document the accident and reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Chicago, IL bicycle injury attorney at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can help you understand your options and the kind of compensation you may be eligible for. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.