Bicycle Accidents Attorneys In Naperville, Illinois
Data from a 2018 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics study indicates that there were 2,493 bicycle crashes statewide, including 2,309 injury crashes and 24 fatal crashes. Traffic collisions between a cyclist and a motorist often leave the bicyclist with serious injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, you are within your rights to pursue rightful compensation.
At Marker & Crannell, we are committed to providing experienced legal services and protecting the rights of bicycle accident victims and their families. Our team of knowledgeable Illinois personal injury attorneys will review and investigate the details of your situation and determine your options to pursue damages. As your legal counsel, we will fight to protect your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost income, future medical treatment, or pain and suffering.
Our team at Marker & Crannell Attorneys at Law proudly represents victims of bicycle accidents in Naperville, Illinois, and the surrounding communities of Romeoville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Aurora, and Plainfield.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The period after a bicycle accident is often filled with heightened emotions and can be really confusing to deal with. The steps you take — or you do not take — can make a significant difference in your personal injury claim. Here's what to do following your involvement in a bicycle accident:
- Remain calm and don't allow your emotions to take over
- Get yourself to safety
- Call 911 to get emergency medical treatment for your injuries
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Collect relevant information, including the other driver's name, phone number, address, and license & insurance information
- Gather and document police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and testimonies
- Document all of your medical expenses, medical treatments, and doctor's appointments
- Document your personal account of the accident and its effect on your day-to-day life
- Notify your insurance provider of the incident
- Retain an experienced attorney to help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or file a personal injury claim
Illinois Laws Regarding Bicyclists
In Illinois, certain laws have been established to ensure the safety of bicycle riders. These include:
- Bicyclists in Illinois have all the rights and responsibilities applicable to motorists
- Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road and be responsible for their actions, for their safety, as well as the safety of others
- Cyclists must ensure that all bicycle safety equipment is operating smoothly and properly, including the front light, front reflectors, horn or bell, gears, reflector pads, and brakes
- Bicyclists must always wear an approved safety helmet to protect their head and brain when riding
- Before riding, cyclists must conduct an "ABC" Check — “A” is for air, “B” is for brakes, “C” is for chains & cranks
- Bicyclists must ride as close as practicable and safe to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway
- Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic
- Bicyclists must ride at least four feet away from parked cars on the street
- Bicyclists should communicate their intent to motorists using hand signals, especially before turning
- Bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians, disabled persons, and other vehicles
- Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Illinois is an “at-fault” state. Under this system, the person who caused the accident (the “at-fault” party) will pay for injuries and damages suffered by accident victims using their own insurance policy. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Illinois, you can proceed by:
- Filing an injury claim with your own insurance company
- Filing a third-party claim directly with the insurance carrier of the at-fault party
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party
Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Additionally, the state of Illinois follows a "modified comparative fault" rule (735 I.L.C.S. § 5/2-1116). Under this rule, if you are 50% or more at fault for the accident, you will be unable to recover any damages from the other party. The total damages you are able to recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if the jury awards $20,000 in total compensation, and you are determined to have been 10% to blame for the accident, you will only be eligible to receive 90% of the $20,000 ($18,000).
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois states that an action for damages for injury to a person must be commenced within two years of the date of the accident for most cases. The statute of limitations can be different depending on the type of the case, identity of the defendant, and/or identity of the plaintiff. The best way to be sure how much time you have is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Usually during the initial consultation the correct statute of limitations can be identified.
Work with An Experienced Lawyer
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a difficult and devastating experience. When you come out of the accident with severe injuries, such an accident can have even more significant, long-term effects on your financial, physical, and emotional health. Thankfully, you don't have to face the challenges on your own. Hiring an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney is crucial to protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation.
At Marker & Crannell, our attorneys work to offer comprehensive legal guidance and compassionate representation to clients after their bicycle accident cases. As your legal representatives, we can:
- Fight on your behalf to protect your rights and represent your best interests
- Review the details surrounding your accident and conduct a detailed investigation
- Gather relevant information, evidence, and documentation
- Seek to prove fault and establish liability
- Help determine the full extent of your injuries and other losses
- Help negotiate a fair settlement with insurance carriers
- File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
Our attorneys will work diligently to identify the liable parties and hold them responsible. Having our team on your side can help improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your personal injury claim.
Related Topics
If you have been injured in a traffic accident in Illinois, you likely have several thoughts running through your mind. Here are some articles to answer your questions or concerns:
How to Take Pictures of Your Case
Whose Fault Is It?: How to Determine Liability in Illinois Car Accidents
Why a Personal Injury or Workers' Compensation Attorney Near You Is Important
Snow and Ice Don't Cause Car Accidents, Bad Drivers Do
What You Should Know If Your Car Is Totaled
Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS ATTORNEYS SERVING NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, you have the right to pursue fair compensation. Contact our team at Marker & Crannell Attorneys at Law today to schedule a one-on-one case assessment. Our firm proudly represents clients across Naperville, Romeoville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Aurora, and Plainfield, Illinois. Call our office today for help!