Bicycle Accident Lawyer, Buffalo Grove, Il

Cycling Risks and Legal Help in Buffalo Grove, IL

A bicycle accident lawyer in Buffalo Grove, IL, may be necessary to support your personal injury lawsuit for compensation. This village is located several miles north of Chicago. As of 2025, there are roughly 43 miles of paths and trails in the area, but this does not include all the streets that bikers can use.

Since bikers have the right to use roads as drivers do, per municipal code 9-52-010, the complete network of bikeable roads and paths encompasses most of the village.

However, even with plenty of options for off-street cycling, bicycle riders still face risks due to collisions. There are no protected lanes, which means bikers must share the streets with other vehicles. Busy intersections, such as Deerfield Parkway and Buffalo Grove Road, experience heavy traffic and could present dangers to nearby cyclists.

Distracted driving often causes bike accidents when drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings. Aggressive driving can also place bikers in danger if drivers speed or change lanes quickly.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you seek compensation for legal damages if you have been involved in a bike accident. When you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, our team will investigate the case and provide legal support to increase your chances of earning compensation.

You may be eligible for economic damages like hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and property damage. Non-economic losses may include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Bicycle accident victims deserve to make informed decisions about their legal options. This is why we offer free legal consultations. You can schedule a consultation to speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer and ask questions about the claims process or your specific situation.

Our team has secured settlements for numerous bicycle accident victims. Here are a few examples of successful cases when our clients were awarded legal damages:

• $2.25 million for a woman who suffered a head injury when she was struck on her way to work
• $1 million for a woman who tore her rotator cuff because of a dooring accident
• $760,000 for a cyclist hit from behind at a stoplight
• $605,000 for a 72-year-old cyclist who was hit while crossing a marked crosswalk
• $499,000 for a bike messenger struck by a vehicle exiting a parking garage
• $510,000 for a cyclist who sustained facial injuries when a vehicle struck them while turning left
• $350,000 for a cyclist involved in a hit-and-run collision

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Buffalo Grove?

Bicycle accidents make up a very small percentage of crashes in Buffalo Grove. Eight crashes out of 566 total accidents involved bicycles in 2023 in Buffalo Grove. However, these collisions often result in a higher rate of serious injuries because bikers have less protection than drivers and passengers.

Some areas in the village are more dangerous for riders than others. Lake Cook Road is a busy route with multiple lanes going in each direction, often creating heavy traffic. This puts bikers at an increased risk of being hit. Dundee Road is also a dangerous spot for cyclists, especially at the intersections with South Buffalo Grove Road and North Elmhurst Road.

Many bikers are forced to use the roads to move around the area, which makes it more likely that a motor vehicle will hit them. Numerous off-street trails are available, but they are heavily focused on recreational areas and may not be practical for commuters.

Plus, many of these bike paths allow pedestrian traffic as well. Unfortunately, the lack of dedicated bike lanes increases the risk of injured bicyclists in Buffalo Grove.

Our Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Our team of attorneys knows what it takes to build a strong case if you are injured in a bicycle crash. Meet some of the members of our experienced law firm:

• Jonathan Rosenfeld – With deep roots in Illinois, Jonathan has been serving the communities of Chicago since opening the practice in 2010. He is the lead attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers and has vast experience with injured bicyclists.
• Jason H. Sherwood – Jason has been serving in personal injury litigation in Illinois since 2004. He has experience in many fields, including motor vehicle accidents involving bikers.
• Scott Schapiro – Scott is a Chicago native who has been practicing law since 1997. His focus has been on work-related injuries and personal injury, which includes several bicycle accident cases.
• Martin D. Gould – Martin has set records for massive settlements for several clients. He has plenty of experience with auto accidents, along with many other fields.
• Gerald J. Bekkerman – Gerald has earned a national reputation for his work with injured clients. Many of these hurt victims have included cyclists, and his experience in court has helped secure millions for his clients.
• Haig A. Himidian – Bicycle injuries are a specialty focus for Haig, who graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2013.

These experienced personal injury attorneys lead a committed team that can provide comprehensive legal representation. We use a team approach to ensure every case is investigated thoroughly, increasing our chances of building a strong case.

Our attorneys’ combined experience includes many bicycle accident cases, so you can be confident in our ability to secure compensation from at-fault drivers and other negligent parties.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Personal injury victims often worry about the finances needed to pursue legal action. After all, many of them are facing overwhelming medical bills and missed time at work, so the thought of paying attorney fees may cause them to hesitate with a civil claim.

To overcome this concern, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. With this agreement, each lawyer only receives a fee if they successfully secure compensation for their client. That payment is then taken directly from the settlement rather than from the client’s pocket.

Contingency fees ensure there are no out-of-pocket expenses to use our services, so there is no financial risk to the injured party.

Additionally, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers provides a free legal review for every potential client so they can feel confident in their decision. During this consultation, you may ask whatever questions you have about the legal process before you decide to hire our law firm for your case.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Buffalo Grove

If you want to prioritize your health and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries, it is essential to follow the proper steps after the accident. Here are the steps you must take in the aftermath of a bike crash to focus on your injuries and legal options.

1. Seek medical attention immediately – You must seek medical care for your injuries at the scene of the accident. Even minor injuries should be evaluated in case there are underlying concerns. Plus, if you fail to seek treatment, it could be used against you for your legal claim to undermine the extent of the injuries.
2. Contact law enforcement. It is essential to report the accident to the authorities. They will respond by coming to the scene and creating an accident report, which can be used as evidence in a civil claim. If anyone has been injured in the accident, medical services will also be notified.
3. Document the scene – If you are able, documenting the scene with as many details as possible is necessary for insurance or injury claims. Take photos and videos of the scene and the damage, speak to witnesses to obtain contact information, and preserve physical evidence like your helmet or bike.
4. Exchange information – Details should be collected from anyone involved in the collision, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and even witnesses. Gather information about insurance companies, licenses, and IDs, as well as witness contacts, for reference throughout the claims process.
5. Obtain medical records – Even if you were treated at the scene for minor injuries, you should schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation and keep all medical records, including imaging results, blood tests, and medical bills. These documents will be essential when proving damages.
6. Do not admit fault to anyone – Admitting fault is the quickest way to undermine your shot at compensation. When speaking to other drivers at the scene or an insurance company, do not apologize or admit fault for the accident. Wait until you consult with legal representation before speaking to other parties about driver negligence.
7. Consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney – Before you speak to any insurance companies or file claims, contact an expert lawyer to discuss your case. They will help you decide the best legal path and discuss how to prepare for a civil claim. Your experienced attorney will also ensure your rights as an injured cyclist are protected.

The Legal Process for Bicycle Accident Cases in Buffalo Grove

A bicycle accident claim can be a complicated process, especially if you have no experience with personal injury law. Here are the typical steps involved in the legal process if you have been hurt while riding a bicycle in Buffalo Grove.

1. Free consultation – You should discuss the case with an experienced bicycle accident attorney from our firm during a free case review to learn more about the process. A free consultation will help you determine if you have a case to recover compensation from an automobile insurance policy.
2. Investigation and evidence collection – Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the accident and your legal damages. This may involve reviewing police reports, collecting witness statements, and analyzing medical records. Attorneys know what types of evidence will support your efforts to recover damages.
3. Filing a personal injury claim – The attorney will initiate the claim against the at-fault party, filing it in an Illinois court. This begins the discovery process, when information and evidence are shared between all parties involved in the collision.
4. Negotiation with insurance companies – The insurer of the negligent driver will likely attempt to undermine your case and make a low offer. Our attorneys will use their negotiation skills to maximize the settlement to cover all your legal damages.
5. Preparing for trial (if necessary) – While many civil claims result in an agreed-upon settlement, some could end up in civil court. If no agreement is reached for compensation, your lawyer will prepare you for the trial and represent your interests there.

Gathering Evidence for a Bicycle Accident Claim

Securing evidence is the key to winning your bicycle accident case. Though the standard of proof is not as strict as a criminal proceeding, you must still prove that the accident was more likely than not the fault of the other party. Numerous types of evidence could strengthen your case against the negligent party.

• Accident reports – When the police arrive at the scene, they will draft an accident report that includes details about the cause of the collision
• Medical records – Information about your treatment and expenses will help prove you suffered legal damages because of the bicycle accident
• Witness statements – Anyone who observed the bicycle accident as it played out could support your argument for compensation, and a lawyer can help you gather their statements to use them as evidence.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage – Depending on the location of your bicycle accident, there may be footage of the collision captured by nearby security or traffic cameras. Your experienced attorney will help you search for sources of accident footage in the area.
• Photos and videos – If you have taken pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage to your equipment, this could strengthen your case. Videos may also be available if others recorded the events with their phones or dashcams.
• Accident reconstruction reports – Lawyers have access to accident reconstruction experts. These professionals can look at the evidence from a crash scene and determine how the collision played out, helping establish cthe ause.

Determining Liability for a Bicycle Crash in Buffalo Grove

An experienced attorney will help you determine liability for the bicycle accident. You must establish who is at fault for the crash to be eligible for compensation. Illinois is a comparative negligence state, which means you must be less than 50% responsible for the accident to receive a settlement.

However, your percentage of fault can reduce the maximum compensation amount.

Several parties may be liable for your bicycle accident. Negligent drivers could be at fault for being distracted, failing to yield, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating bike lanes.

The local government could be responsible if roads have not been maintained properly, resulting in potholes, inadequate bike lanes, or faulty traffic signals. Even bicycle manufacturers could be held accountable for your injuries if a defective bike part caused the crash.

Proving driver negligence is the key to succeeding in your bid for compensation. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove the four elements of negligence, which include:

• Duty of care – The defendant had a responsibility to prevent the accident that caused your personal injury
• Breach of duty – The defendant’s actions violated the duty of care
• Causation – There is a link between the defendant’s actions and the accident in which you were hurt
• Damages – There is proof that you suffered legal damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, as a direct result of the incident

Buffalo Grove Bicycle Laws Explained

Both bikers and motorists should understand the laws regarding bicycles. First, according to Chicago municipal codes, bicyclists have the same rights to use the roads as drivers. These codes also apply to the village of Buffalo Grove. Helmets are recommended but not required, except for children under the age of 12.

Here are some other relevant codes that affect bikers in the region.

• 9-52-020 – Cyclists cannot ride on sidewalks unless they are specifically marked for bikes or the rider is a child under the age of 12
• 9-52-080 – Cyclists riding at night must use lights visible up to 500 feet away and rear reflectors
• 9-52-045 – Cyclists must use proper hand signals to indicate their intentions when using bike lanes or streets
• 9-52-071 – Bicycles cannot be left unattended on any public way in the city
• 9-52-010 – Cyclists must obey all traffic laws that also apply to motor vehicle drivers under Illinois law

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Buffalo Grove

Numerous circumstances could cause a bike accident in Buffalo Grove. One of the most common causes of serious injuries in a bike crash is distracted driving. Motorists could be texting, eating, using devices, or paying attention to passengers, pulling their attention away from driving.

Some drivers fail to yield properly to cyclists, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Dooring accidents occur when a vehicle occupant in a parked car opens the door into the path of a biker.

Unsafe lane changes can cause a bicycle accident if the driver does not check their blind spots. Drivers who operate at excessive speeds will have less time to react to the presence of a cyclist. Drunk or otherwise impaired drivers are more likely to hit cyclists due to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.

Road conditions could also cause a bike accident. Potholes, uneven pavement, wet surfaces, or road debris could cause a biker to lose control and crash. If you are riding through intersections or off-street trails, pedestrians may also cause an accident, though it is your responsibility to ride around people on these paths.

High-Risk Roads & Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in Buffalo Grove

Bikers should be especially cautious in areas that present greater traffic risks. Lake Cook Road and Buffalo Grove Road both have numerous intersections and heavy traffic. Bike lanes along Dundee Road are extremely narrow and could be difficult for motorists to avoid.

Deerfield Parkway is another shared road that often experiences high speeds from drivers. Even if you take an off-street path, like the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Trails, there is a greater danger of pedestrian collisions.

Common Injuries in Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accidents

For a bicycle accident claim to succeed, the case will hinge on whether or not you suffered injuries as a direct result of the defendant’s actions. Many physical injuries could occur in a bike accident or due to complications after the fact. Here are some of the most common severe injuries in bicycle accidents.

• Head and brain trauma – Even when wearing a helmet, many accident victims experience concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries that can cause lifelong health issues
• Fractures and dislocations – Violent forces and blunt force trauma can cause broken arms, fractured collarbones, dislocated shoulders, or broken wrists
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to your spinal cord could result in paralysis or back pain, especially if there are vertebral fractures or severed nerves
• Soft tissue injuries – Hurt bicyclists may experience road rash, muscle tears, torn ligaments, or strained tendons after the collision
• Internal organ damage – High-speed crashes and collisions with motor vehicles could cause internal damage, such as bleeding or organ issues
• Other types of injuries that require medical treatment – Abrasions, lacerations, internal bleeding, amputations, and crush injuries

Types of Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists in Buffalo Grove

There are two primary categories of legal damages in a personal injury case. Victims may be rewarded with compensation for economic or non-economic damages. If the person dies in the accident or succumbs to their injuries, surviving families could file a wrongful death claim for additional losses.

Here is a breakdown of the primary damages associated with car accidents involving bicycles:

Economic Damages

• Medical costs – Medical expenses associated with emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages – Income that has been lost due to missed time at work during recovery
• Property damage – The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle or other possessions from the crash

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering – If you suffer from emotional distress or physical pain due to the accident, you could receive additional compensation
• Mental trauma and PTSD – The victim of a bicycle accident may suffer from anxiety, depression, or psychological issues because of the trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries are permanent and drastically affect your lifestyle, you could secure a larger settlement

Wrongful Death Compensation

• Funeral and burial expenses – Surviving family members could claim additional compensation to cover the costs of losing their loved one
• Loss of financial support – If the deceased victim had an income, the surviving family could receive compensation for lost financial support

In rare cases, a judge could award punitive damages, which are additional compensation meant to punish the defendant further for gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

There is a small chance your personal injury case could go to a civil trial. Most bicycle accident claims are settled before this process is necessary, but there are a few circumstances that could make a trial inevitable:

• The insurance company denies liability for the accident
• The settlement offer is far too low, and negotiations fail to reach a fair amount
• Severe injuries or the death of a victim complicate the claim enough to require a civil trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accidents

How much does it cost to hire a Buffalo Grove bike accident lawyer?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. Instead of charging you upfront fees for our services, we only receive payment if we secure a settlement on your behalf. The contingency fee is then deducted directly from the settlement, so you face no out-of-pocket expenses.

What should I do if I was partially at fault?

You should still consult personal injury attorneys to assess your options if you are injured in a bicycle accident that is partially your fault. Since Illinois is a comparative negligence state, you may still be eligible for compensation if you were less than 50% responsible. However, your percentage of fault will likely reduce the total settlement you could receive.

Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes, you can still pursue legal action for a bicycle accident injury if you were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are not required under the municipal codes in Chicago and Buffalo Grove unless you are under the age of 12. Therefore, bicycle accident victims who were not wearing helmets have not broken any laws that would undermine their claims.

What are the most dangerous areas for cyclists in Buffalo Grove?

Some streets have been mentioned previously and are more dangerous for cyclists due to heavy traffic, numerous intersections, and a lack of bicycle lanes. Buffalo Grove Road, North Elmhurst Road, Dundee Road, Deerfield Parkway, and Lake Cook Road are the most common streets for dangerous accidents. However, any busy intersection, narrow lanes, or shared roadways could cause a bicycle accident.

Do you have experience with cases similar to mine?

The importance of an experienced bicycle accident attorney for your case cannot be overstated. Fortunately, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a qualified law firm with numerous attorneys who have experience with these cases. We have helped cyclists who have been hurt in dooring, left-hook, right-hook, hit-and-run, failure-to-yield, and pedestrian accidents, so we know what it takes to win bicycle accident claims.

Consult a Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

Whether you have suffered from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or road rash because of a bike accident, the team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to investigate your personal injury lawsuit.

Our Buffalo Grove personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you with any legal questions and guide you through the claims process from start to finish.

Due to our contingency fee agreement, you won’t owe anything for our services unless we win your case, and those fees will only be deducted from the settlement. This ensures there is no financial burden to pursue justice for your suffering.

If you are ready to learn more about the legal process and speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney, call us today at 888-424-5757. You can also complete the online form to schedule your free consultation.

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I was run off the road on my bike last year by a truck driver. Mr. Rosenfeld knew exactly how to help. He saved me time and was able to help me with a lot more than I originally thought. The recovery would have been much harder without him, especially missing work, but thanks to Mr. Rosenfeld, I was able to take as much time as I needed to recover!

• Frankie DeMaso

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.