Chicago Bicycle Lane Accident Lawyers

Expert Legal Support for Chicago Cyclists Injured on Bike Lanes

Our Chicago bicycle lane accident lawyers understand that the city’s bicycle lanes are meant to protect cyclists, but accidents and serious injuries still happen due to negligent motorists, inattentive drivers, and unsafe road conditions.

With years of experience fighting for injured Chicago bicyclists, we help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. We have recovered tens of millions in bicycle accident case settlements, such as:

• $2,250,000 for a Chicago commuter who suffered a severe head injury after being struck while biking to work.
• $1,000,000 following a dooring accident involving a 26-year-old woman in a Chicago park.
• $760,000 for a cyclist rear-ended while stopped at a red light at a busy intersection in Chicago.

Types of Bicycle Lanes in Chicago

Chicago has several types of bike lanes designed to improve safety for bicycle riders, but bicycle crashes still occur due to negligent motorists and road hazards. The city’s bike lanes include:

• Buffered bike lanes – Standard lanes with extra space between cyclists and motor vehicles for added protection.
• Protected bike lanes (cycle tracks) – Separated from traffic by barriers, curbs, or parked cars to reduce collisions.
• Shared lanes (“sharrows”) – Marked lanes where bicyclists and motor vehicles share the road.
• Standard bike lanes – Designated lanes with painted lines but no physical separation from traffic.
• Neighborhood Greenways – Residential streets enhanced with traffic-calming safety measures, signage, and pavement markings.
• Off-Street Trails – Car-free paths designated for biking and walking, such as the Lakefront Trail and The 606.

Illinois and Chicago Laws Governing Bicycle Lanes

Illinois and Chicago have bicycle laws designed to protect riders and reduce crashes.

Motorists’ Responsibilities

• Yield to bicyclists in a bike lane before turning or merging.
• Leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
• Avoid blocking, parking, or driving in bicycle lanes.
• Check for cyclists before opening a vehicle door to prevent dooring accidents.

Cyclists’ Responsibilities

Per the Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road, cyclists must:

• Use bike lanes when available and safe.
• Follow traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
• Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes.

Common Causes of Bicycle Lane Accidents in Chicago

Even with designated bike lanes, bicycle crashes are common in Chicago due to negligent riders and drivers, as well as road hazards. Some of the most frequent bike crash causes include:

• Dooring accidents – Occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a bicycle lane, giving cyclists no time to react.
• Right-hook and left-hook accidents – A motor vehicle turns across a bike lane, cutting off a cyclist and causing a collision.
• Motorists encroaching on or obstructing bike lanes – Cars illegally drive, park, or stop in bicycle lanes, forcing cyclists into traffic.
• Sideswipe accidents – A driver passing too closely clips a cyclist, often causing broken bones or worse.
• Road hazards in bike lanes – Potholes, debris, and poor maintenance can cause cyclists to lose control.
• Pedestrian negligence – Pedestrians stepping into a bike path without looking can cause bicycle crashes.
• Defective bicycle or roadway design – Poorly designed intersections, faded bike lane markings, or defective bicycle parts can contribute to accidents.

Liability in Chicago Bicycle Lane Accidents

Determining fault in a bicycle accident is essential for injured bicyclists to recover damages. Liability depends on who violated traffic bicycle laws or acted negligently.

Negligent drivers are often at fault when they encroach on bike lanes, fail to yield, or open their vehicle’s door into a cyclist’s path. If a motor vehicle driver’s actions caused the accident, they can be held liable for the cyclist’s medical treatment expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver. The city or a municipality could be responsible if road hazards, poor bike lane maintenance, or defective traffic signals contributed to the crash. Bicycle manufacturers may also be liable if faulty equipment leads to an accident.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a bicycle accident in Chicago can protect your health and legal rights.

Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical care. A police report will document key details, which can help in a bicycle accident personal injury claim.

Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the bike lane, traffic signage, vehicle damage, and bicycle accident injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and all involved parties.

Preserve evidence. Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing, as it may help prove negligence.

Keep detailed records of medical bills, physical therapy, and time off work.

Do not give statements to insurance companies without legal advice, as insurers may try to minimize your claim. Consult with Chicago bicycle accident lawyers before discussing your case.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Chicago Bicycle Lane Accident Injury

If an insurance company denies your bicycle accident claim or offers an unfair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to pursue compensation. The legal process involves several key steps.

• Consulting with Chicago bicycle accident attorneys – An experienced attorney will evaluate your case, determine liable parties, and advise you on your legal options.
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence – Your lawyer will collect crucial evidence such as the police report, witness statements, medical records, photos, and video footage. This will help prove negligence and strengthen your case.
• Filing a lawsuit in Illinois courts – If a settlement is not reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to seek compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional suffering.
• The discovery process – Involves both sides sharing evidence, conducting depositions, and reviewing expert testimonies to strengthen their arguments.
• Negotiating a settlement – Many bicycle accident cases are settled before trial. Your lawyer will work to secure the highest possible payout from insurers.
• Going to trial – If no agreement is reached, your case will go before a judge or jury, where your attorney will argue for the financial compensation you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bike Accident

Injured bicyclists may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages after a bike accident.

Economic damages cover financial losses, including:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Property damage.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

If the bike accident caused a fatality, surviving family members can seek damages through a wrongful death claim.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Lane Accident Claims in Illinois

The Illinois statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202) is two years from the accident date. However, the deadline may be shorter if a government entity is responsible, such as the city failing to maintain a bike lane.

Why You Need an Experienced Bike Lane Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, seeking legal help is essential. An experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer from our team can gather critical evidence to prove negligence against negligent drivers or other liable parties.

We handle negotiations with insurance adjusters, who often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto bicycle riders. We can also defend your personal injury case in court if necessary.

Legal representation increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. Without an attorney, victims may settle for less than they deserve.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Lane Accident Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for injured bicyclists, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

We handle every step of the bicycle accident claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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.