Bicycle Accident Lawyer Evanston, Il

Cycling Risks and Legal Help in Evanston, IL

An Evanston bicycle accident lawyer in IL can help you file a personal injury claim if you have been hurt in a bike crash. Riding a bike is a healthy and economical way to get around the city of Evanston.

Numerous improvements have been made to the bicycle network in recent years, with more protected bike lanes and shared bike stations throughout the city. 39 miles of bike lanes were either added or repainted between 2021 and 2022.

Although the bike network is growing and becoming safer, there are still plenty of risks for cyclists. Intersections with heavy traffic, driver negligence, road hazards, and pedestrian congestion can all increase the chance of a rider getting hurt in a bicycle accident.

Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a law firm committed to supporting those suffering from bicycle accident injuries. Our team can help you hold the at-fault party accountable by building a strong case and securing compensation for your legal damages. Damages in a bicycle accident case could include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

You should understand your legal options before making a decision, so we offer a free legal consultation where you can ask questions about your bicycle accident case and the claims process. Speak to a bicycle accident attorney in Evanston, IL, today to learn more about filing your claim.

Recent Bike Accident Settlements

Experience is essential when pursuing a settlement for personal injury. You need a bicycle accident attorney who has worked on similar cases in the past to increase your chances of victory. The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has worked on many bicycle accident cases and secured settlements for numerous clients.

Here are a few settlements we have won on behalf of injured cyclists.

• $805,000 for a biker who was struck when a truck turned left directly into a marked bike lane. The man suffered a compound clavicle fracture and a torn rotator cuff that required multiple surgeries.
• $250,000 in an uninsured motorist claim in which a businessman was struck in a hit-and-run accident. The cyclist experienced a knee injury and required arthroscopic surgery.
• $200,000 for a cyclist who was struck by a truck driver who blew a stop sign. The victim suffered a torn meniscus that had to be repaired surgically.
• $499,000 for a bike messenger struck by a vehicle exiting a parking garage. This settlement was achieved within four months of litigation.
• $1 million for a woman injured in a dooring accident when a vehicle occupant opened a door into her path. She suffered a torn rotator cuff in the accident.
• $2.25 million in a policy limit settlement for a woman who was struck on her way to work. She sustained a head injury, and her uninsured motorist coverage paid the settlement.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Evanston?

Bicycle accidents can be more dangerous for the rider because of their vulnerability. However, they occur at a much lower rate than other types of vehicle accidents.

For example, in 2023, 46 vehicle crashes were reported that involved cyclists. The total number of vehicle accidents for that year in Evanston was 949. This shows that bicycle accident rates are far lower than motor vehicle accident rates.

The same trend is reflected in data from Chicago. Out of 101,023 vehicle accidents that same year, only 1,410 involved a bicycle rider. Although these crashes happen far less often, bikers often face more severe injuries due to the lack of protection offered by a bike.

Bicycle accidents are more likely to occur in areas with heavy traffic and many cyclists. In Evanston, some of the busiest streets for bicycle riders are Sheridan Road, Ridge Avenue, and Green Bay Road.

These routes are all main roadways with heavy vehicle traffic and plenty of cyclists. As a result, there is a higher chance of collisions, especially at busy intersections along these roads.

Evanston has been improving its bike network in recent years. More protected lanes are being added to create safer spaces for cyclists, and numerous off-street trails and shared roads are relatively safe. However, even these protective measures may not prevent all accidents, especially in areas with more pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Bicycle Laws in Evanston & Illinois

Cyclists in Evanston, IL, are subject to many of the same laws that apply to all cities in the state. Specifically, the state code 625 ILCS 5/11 includes many statutes regarding bicycles, including the fact that cyclists have the same rights to use the roads as motorists.

The city has a few local ordinances that bikers must know to adhere to city regulations. Municipal code 10-9-2 states that anyone living within the city limits must register their bicycle with the chief of police if they use the bike on public roads.

Code 10-9-4 states that cyclists cannot ride bikes on sidewalks unless specifically marked otherwise. If you are allowed to ride on a certain sidewalk in the city, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

According to municipal code 10-9-5, the following equipment requirements apply:

• Brakes must be in good working order and allow the rider to stop within 25 feet when riding at 10 mph.
• If you ride at night, you must have a light that is visible up to 500 feet away from the front and rear reflectors.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a protective helmet when riding in public.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Evanston

Whether you are working with a bicycle accident attorney on your claim or not, you have a limited amount of time to pursue legal action after the incident. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most bike accident injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. If you wait until after this period to file your claim, the case could be dismissed.

If your claim is only for property damage to your bicycle, you will have five years to pursue legal action. Claims against government entities for adverse road conditions may have shorter deadlines, so make sure you consult your bicycle accident attorney to understand which statutes apply to your case.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Evanston

The cause of your bicycle accident will play a key role in the claims process. You must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident in which you were hurt. Multiple factors could cause a crash that results in bicycle accident injuries.

Negligent Drivers

The most common defendant in these types of cases is a negligent motorist. Crashes could be caused by distracted driving, failure to yield, opening car doors into bike lanes, running red lights, or failing to look before making turns. Quick lane changes can also cause dangerous bicycle accidents.

Adverse Road Conditions

Hazardous road conditions are another leading cause of bike crashes. Cyclists are more likely to lose control of their bikes or fall off when they hit potholes or debris than motor vehicle drivers. Poor lighting in an area can also make it difficult to ride safely. A lack of designated lanes will increase the risk to cyclists as well.

Pedestrians and Other Cyclists

Bicycle crashes may occur on off-street locations, too. In Evanston, there are multiple pedestrian and bike paths where collisions are more likely. Several such locations include the downtown area, the Northwestern University campus, and the Lakefront Trail.

Typical Injuries in Evanston Bicycle Accidents

The purpose of a bicycle accident lawsuit is to recover compensation for injuries suffered. Serious injuries can have a physical, emotional, and financial impact on your life after the collision.

Here are some common bicycle accident injuries that could make you eligible for a personal injury settlement:

• Head injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries could cause serious symptoms, such as headaches, loss of motor function, cognitive issues, nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision.
• Broken bones and dislocations – The violent forces involved in a bicycle accident could lead to broken arms, legs, collarbones, wrists, or dislocated shoulders.
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to your spinal column could include herniated discs, bulging discs, vertebral fractures, or nerve damage.
• Soft tissue injuries – The blunt force trauma from your accident could cause soft tissue injuries like road rash, muscle tears, and ligament damage.
• Internal injuries – Your bicycle accident could have unseen ramifications, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These are common in high-speed crashes or accidents with motor vehicles.

Liability in an Evanston Cyclist Injury Case

Proving liability is the key to winning a personal injury lawsuit. You and your bicycle accident attorney must establish the negligent party and provide evidence of their wrongdoing. Proving liability depends on four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and legal damages.

Here are some potential parties that could be responsible for your injuries from a bicycle accident.

• Negligent motorists – Drivers may fail to yield the right of way, check their blindspots before turning, avoid distractions, or refrain from speeding.
• Local government entities – If roads are poorly maintained, resulting in potholes, insufficient lighting, or inadequate lanes for bikers, the city could be liable for your bicycle accident.
• Bicycle manufacturers – If a component on your bike is defective or a part was improperly installed, the maker of the bike could be responsible for paying your legal damages.

Types of Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists in Evanston

The purpose of your lawsuit is to seek compensation for legal damages suffered. Your lawyer will help you assess and prove all damages to maximize the settlement and ensure your losses are covered.

The two main categories of damages are economic and non-economic. If the victim of the bicycle accident dies from the crash or because of their injuries, the surviving family could seek additional compensation in a wrongful death claim.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income due to time missed at work while recovering from your injuries
• Property damage costs to repair or replace your bicycle
• Future medical costs for medical bills you expect to face based on professional evaluations

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering, which covers the physical discomfort from your injuries and emotional distress
• Mental trauma if you suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression after the bicycle accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life for catastrophic or permanent injuries that affect your ability to participate in daily activities or hobbies

Wrongful Death Compensation

• Funeral and burial expenses that surviving family members must face for their loved one
• Loss of financial support for the spouse and dependents of the deceased victim

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Evanston, IL

Your two priorities after a bicycle accident are health and legal action. The moment the accident occurs, you must take steps to prioritize your medical care and keep your options open for insurance or injury claims.

Here are the steps you should follow in the immediate aftermath of a bike crash.

• Call 911 and report the crash to ensure an official police report is filed and medical services are alerted.
• Gather evidence of the accident scene by taking photos and videos, collecting witness statements, and documenting your injuries and property damage.
• Seek medical attention for all injuries, even if they seem minor, and don’t forget to schedule a longer examination with your doctor to run tests.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies that will try to undermine your claim or get you to admit fault.
• Consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Evanston, IL, to protect your rights and discuss your legal options to seek compensation.

Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

Typically, a bicycle accident case will not go to trial. A trial is a civil proceeding that may be necessary if the parties involved cannot reach a settlement. Several scenarios may result in a civil trial for your bicycle accident case.

First, if insurance companies deny liability and refuse to pay for any damages, a trial may be necessary to present the evidence in court. A low settlement offer from the insurance companies could also be reason enough for a trial. Lastly, if a bicycle accident resulted in severe injuries or a fatality, the case could go to court.

In either case, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will protect your interests. Our team is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, guiding you through the entire legal process to secure fair compensation.

Consult an Evanston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

The right bicycle accident attorney can make all the difference in your legal claim. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to build a strong case, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and win a settlement that covers your losses. We are available 24/7 to provide any legal guidance you need and answer all questions.

Our Evanston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not owe anything unless we secure compensation on your behalf. Even then, our fees are deducted directly from the settlement. This ensures you can enter the legal process without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

We also want you to make an informed decision before starting this legal process. Therefore, we offer a free consultation with an experienced attorney where you can ask questions about your accident case and the claims process.

Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form to schedule your free consultation with an experienced lawyer.

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I was involved in an accident some months ago, and Mr. Rosenfeld and his team made sure I got a good settlement. As opposed to previous experiences I’ve had with other firms, Rosenfeld showed true dedication and made sure all of my questions were answered. Highly recommended and will go to them first for any future representation.

Adrian Gallegos

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.