Illinois Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycling can be a fun and healthy activity – and its popularity among the residents of Illinois can be seen along the bustling streets of Chicago and the bike trails of Finger Lakes State Park. Yet bicycling can also be dangerous; there were 3,836 collisions involving bicycles in Illinois during 2007 – 17 of which were fatal, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our attorneys have spent the past 25 years representing injury victims across Illinois. We know that when a bicycle collides with a passenger car weighing 2,000 pounds or more, the odds are never in the cyclist's favor – and the results can be tragic. If you've been injured in a bike accident because of another person's negligence, call us at 1-877-249-1227 or contact us via email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why are there so many crashes involving bicycles? Often, other drivers simply don't notice bicycles sharing their road space, and their lack of attention can quickly cause an accident. Among the many factors contributing to bicycle accidents are:
- Drivers fail to yield the right of way.
- Drivers don't see cyclists approaching an intersection.
- Drivers make a right-hand turn in front of a cyclist traveling in the same direction.
- Drivers turn left into the path of an approaching cyclist.
- Drivers fail to give cyclists enough room when passing.
When a passenger car or truck strikes your bicycle, injuries can be quite severe, including head or spinal trauma and fractured bones. Complex medical treatment is often necessary, and the costs can be daunting. If you have been struck while riding your bicycle and your accident occurred because a driver failed to obey traffic laws, you may be eligible to file a claim against that driver. The damages you may recover in a bicycle accident claim vary by case, but they can include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and disfigurement.
If you operate a bicycle in Illinois, you have an obligation to follow all rules of the road – according to state law, bicycles are defined as vehicles and should follow the same traffic laws as passenger cars. However, if you are riding safely and a driver crashes into your bicycle, causing you harm, the attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help.
We will examine your accident report carefully to determine fault and gather any available evidence to document the events of your accident properly. You should file a police report and obtain medical care right away – but before you provide a statement to the driver's insurance company, contact our law office. Insurance companies are quick to point the finger at cyclists, and they won't hesitate to pressure you into signing a release before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
If you have suffered serious injury as the result of a bicycle accident, the Chicago, Illinois attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. As our client, you will be backed by a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are dedicated to your cause. Please call us today at 1-877-249-1227 or contact us via email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Law Firm Serving all of Illinois, including Chicago, Lake County, and Cook County.
