Who Is Liable for an Illinois Bicycle Accident?

 Posted on July 10, 2024 in Personal Injury

Bicycle accidents can be life-altering for those involved, as people on bikes have much less protection when a collision with a vehicle occurs. Bicycles and other cars must adhere to local and state road laws in order to minimize accidents, but even when a cyclist is extremely careful, tragic collisions still happen. After an accident occurs, it can be complex to determine which driver is liable.

An experienced Illinois bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and work with you to investigate your case.

Determining Fault After Your Bike Accident

In Illinois, motor vehicles and bicyclists must share the road, with the exception of protected bike lanes. This means that both kinds of vehicles will need to follow specific vehicle codes, with additional regulations for bicyclists outlined in the Illinois vehicle code.

Most of the time, the fault for a bicycle accident is assigned to the driver of a car. Improper turns, speeding, and distracted driving all contribute to bicycle accidents and may put a driver one hundred percent at fault.

That being said, every bicycle accident is different, and a bicyclist might share the fault for the accident. For example, if a bicyclist is riding at night without lights and is rear-ended by a car making a right-hand turn, the cyclist and the driver of the car may both be liable. 

Illinois personal injury law is one of modified comparative negligence, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages for your injuries as long as you are no more than 50 percent at fault.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Bike Accident?

After your bicycle accident, there are several steps you need to take, including filing a police report and seeking medical attention. You will also need to document the accident and your injuries to the best of your ability and quickly contact a bicycle accident lawyer.

A lawyer can help you after a bicycle accident by investigating your case, talking to insurance companies, negotiating a favorable settlement, and protecting your rights as you pursue a claim against the driver responsible for your accident.

Contact a Chicago, IL Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic, and it is important to have a skilled Chicago, IL bicycle accident attorney on your side as you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have significant experience with personal injury cases and treat every client with compassion.

Call Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC at 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.