Causes of Accidents Involving Bikes
Most Chicago bicycle accidents are due to the negligence of motorists. According to Chicago city crash data compiled by the People Powered Movement, bicyclists were to blame for only about 140 of one recent year’s 1,717 bicycle accidents. Some reasons for accidents blamed on bicycle riders included:
- Crossing against a traffic signal
- Crossing a road outside a crosswalk
- Failing to yield at an intersection
- Intoxicated riding
The same data review found that motorists’ negligent and reckless actions are a far bigger cause of auto-vs.-cycling collisions. The study revealed that automobile drivers contributed to over 90 percent of bicycle crashes in one recent year.
Many bicyclists are injured or killed because motorists fail to pay attention to bicyclists or simply fail to respect their right to share the road. For instance, motorists can cause crashes and severe injuries by:
- Turning right in front of a bicyclist traveling in the same direction (“right-hook” collisions)
- Turning left into the path of an approaching bicyclist (“left-hook” collisions)
- Following a bicyclist too closely (“tailgating”)
- Pulling out of a driveway or parking spot without looking
- Racing through a red light or stop sign at an intersection in a bicyclist’s path
- Failing to give a bicyclist adequate space when passing
- Intentionally “buzzing” a bicyclist while passing (a type of “road rage”)
- Opening the door of a parked car as a bicyclist passes (“dooring”).
In many of these situations, the underlying cause of the crash may be the driver’s distraction, such as talking or texting on a phone while driving or the driver’s impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
In addition to bicyclist and motorist actions, bike accidents can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, including potholes, deteriorating shoulders, or obstructed views. In these situations, a government entity may be to blame.
Common Types of Chicago Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle crashes in Chicago happen in many different ways, but certain collision types appear again and again in serious injury claims. Understanding how these accidents occur can help injured cyclists recognize when a driver, company, or other party may be legally responsible. Below are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents our attorneys see in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a parked car door into the path of an approaching bicyclist. These crashes are especially dangerous in Chicago, where cyclists often ride close to parked vehicles and traffic lanes leave little room to react. A dooring collision can throw a rider into traffic or cause severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and road rash.
Right-Hook Collisions
A right-hook collision occurs when a driver turns right in front of a bicyclist who is traveling in the same direction. These crashes often happen at intersections or when a motorist tries to pass a cyclist and then suddenly turns. Because the bicyclist has little time or space to avoid impact, right-hook accidents can lead to devastating injuries.
Left-Hook Collisions
Left-hook collisions happen when a driver turns left into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. In many cases, the motorist claims not to have seen the cyclist or misjudges the bicyclist’s speed. These accidents are common at busy Chicago intersections and can cause serious head, neck, spinal, and orthopedic injuries.
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most frustrating bicycle accident cases involve hit-and-run drivers who leave the scene without stopping to help or identify themselves. These crashes can make it more difficult to recover compensation, but an injured cyclist may still have legal options through uninsured motorist coverage and other available sources. Prompt investigation is often critical in hit-and-run cases.
Unsafe Passing Accidents
Illinois law requires drivers to give bicyclists a safe amount of space when passing. When a motorist passes too closely, clips a cyclist, or intentionally buzzes a rider, the results can be catastrophic. Unsafe passing accidents are often tied to distraction, impatience, aggressive driving, or a failure to respect a bicyclist’s right to share the road.
Bike Lane and Intersection Crashes
Many bicycle accidents occur in bike lanes or at intersections where drivers fail to yield, run red lights, pull into a cyclist’s path, or cross through areas where riders are lawfully traveling. Even when a bicyclist is using a marked lane or following traffic rules, negligent drivers can still create dangerous conflicts that lead to severe injuries.
If you were injured in any of these types of crashes, a Chicago bicycle accident attorney can investigate what happened, identify all responsible parties, and help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
How to Prove Someone Else Is Responsible for Your Bike Accident
Bicycle laws in Chicago are in place to keep you safe and our law firm is dedicated to protecting your rights. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. serves clients in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We know how to investigate and litigate the unique issues in these personal injury cases, including determining:
- Why the accident occurred – Photos, surveillance camera footage, witness accounts, the police report, and other evidence, along with input from highly qualified experts, can establish why a crash happened.
- Who should be held accountable – In many cases, a motorist is not the only party at fault in a bicycle crash. The motorist’s employer, for instance, may be held liable, or a bar or restaurant that served an intoxicated driver. A government agency may be held responsible in many cases, including those involving defective road conditions. The negligence of a bike rental company or bike share program such as Divvy may also lead to liability.
- What injuries have been suffered – A review of medical records and consultation with medical and life-care planning experts can identify past and future medical expenses, past and future income losses, pain and suffering, and other non-economic and economic damages that may be sought in a bicycle accident lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts surrounding your bicycle accident case and help you seek compensation from the negligent driver and other parties responsible for your bike injuries.
Most Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in Chicago
A CDOT study analyzed Chicago crash data over a five-year period and found that around 55 percent of the city’s fatal and injury-causing bicycle accidents happen at intersections. By reviewing this data, we’ve identified the following to be the most dangerous intersections in the city for bicyclists:
| Area | Intersecting Streets |
| Lincoln Park | Fullerton Ave., Halsted St. and Lincoln Ave. |
| Bucktown | Damen Ave., Fullerton Ave. and Elston Ave. |
| Wicker Park | Damen Ave., North Ave. and Milwaukee Ave. |
| Logan Square | Milwaukee Ave. and Fullerton Ave. |
| River West | Chicago Ave., Halsted St. and Ogden Ave. |
| Uptown | Montrose Ave. and Lakefront trail entrance |
The Book Club Chicago cited a survey that reached a similar result, finding that the most dangerous stretch of Chicago for cyclists was Milwaukee Ave. from North Ave. to Division St. In a recent four-year period, there have been 50 reported crashes and three deaths on Milwaukee Avenue.
Despite these dangerous areas, there are still plenty of safe places to ride in Chicago, including many streets with dedicated bike lanes. Check out this Chicago Bike Map from Chicago Complete Streets to find safe cycling areas near you. However, be aware there are still accidents that happen in bike lanes and you should always proceed with caution.
Chicago Bicycle Laws That Matter After a Crash
After a bicycle accident, one of the most important questions is whether the cyclist was lawfully using the road, bike lane, sidewalk, or intersection. Under Illinois law, bicyclists are granted many of the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, along with certain protections that are especially important in crash claims. These rules often play a major role in determining fault after a collision.
Share the road – A bicyclist may use the roadway while riding as close as safety allows to the far right side. This does not mean a cyclist must ride through gravel, broken glass, potholes, or dangerously close to a curb just to make room for a vehicle.
Ride side-by-side – Two bicyclists may ride side-by-side as long as they do not unreasonably interfere with the normal flow of traffic. This can matter when drivers try to blame cyclists simply for riding together.
Turn as vehicles or pedestrians – At an intersection, a bicyclist may turn as a vehicle would or use a crosswalk as a pedestrian. If turning as a vehicle, the rider should use proper hand signals. If using a crosswalk, motorists must yield where required by law.
Use sidewalks or crosswalks – A bicyclist may ride on a sidewalk unless local law prohibits it, but must yield to pedestrians at all times. After a crash, the exact location of the cyclist and the applicable local rules may become important in evaluating liability.
Receive a safe passing distance – When passing a bicyclist, a driver must leave at least three feet of space. Unsafe passing is one of the most common causes of serious bicycle accidents in Chicago.
Be free from harassment and intimidation – Illinois law protects bicyclists from drivers who intentionally or recklessly crowd, threaten, or harass them on the road. In some situations, this conduct may lead to criminal penalties in addition to civil liability.
When a driver violates a bicyclist’s rights and causes injury or death, those violations can become important evidence in a bicycle accident claim. An experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can use these rules, along with crash reports, witness statements, and other evidence, to help prove fault and pursue compensation.
