Chicago Bicycle Broken Bones Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Chicago Cyclists Recover Compensation for Broken Bones

A bicycle accident can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, that require extensive medical treatment and recovery time. Chicago cyclists are vulnerable to reckless motor vehicle drivers, unsafe lanes, and sudden crashes caused by driver negligence.

If you or a loved one suffered fractures in a bicycle crash in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

Some of our settlements for victims of bicycle accidents include:

• $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old cyclist who suffered a torn rotator cuff when a driver unlawfully opened a car door in her path, violating a Chicago ordinance.
• $605,000 for a 72-year-old cyclist who was struck by a commercial truck while legally crossing in a marked crosswalk.
• $499,000 for a bike messenger was hit by a vehicle exiting a parking garage in Chicago.

Common Types of Fractures in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle crash victims often suffer broken bones due to the force of impact from a motor vehicle, a hard fall, or striking the pavement. Common fractures include:

• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures – A frequent injury when bike riders fall and extend their arms to brace for impact.
• Wrist and hand fractures (scaphoid, radius, ulna) – Common in cyclists who instinctively try to break their fall.
• Arm fractures (humerus, radius, ulna) – Occur when a cyclist is hit by a car or thrown from their bike.
• Leg fractures (femur, tibia, fibula) – High-impact crashes can cause severe leg breaks requiring surgery.
• Rib fractures – Direct impact to the torso can break ribs, making breathing painful.
• Pelvic fractures – Hard falls can cause severe damage to the pelvis, affecting mobility.
• Skull fractures – A head injury from a fall or crash can result in dangerous skull fractures, sometimes leading to traumatic brain injuries.

Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Crashes Resulting in Broken Bones

Bicycle crashes continue in Chicago due to driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, and equipment failures. Many victims suffer broken bones because of reckless motor vehicle drivers, hazardous bicycle paths, or faulty bike parts. Identifying the cause of the accident is essential in personal injury cases.

Driver Negligence: The Primary Cause

Most bicycle crashes result from drivers failing to follow traffic laws and respecting cyclists’ rights. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving – Using a phone, texting, or adjusting controls while driving.
• Failure to yield – Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections or bicycle lanes.
• Dooring accidents – Opening a car door into an approaching cyclist.
• Right-hook and left-hook accidents – Turning into a cyclist’s path without checking.
• Speeding or reckless driving – Reducing reaction time and increasing injury severity.
• Impaired driving – Alcohol and drug use impair judgment and reaction times.

Road Hazards: Potholes, Uneven Surfaces, and Debris

Poorly maintained bicycle paths and streets can cause bike crashes that lead to serious injuries. Chicago cyclists may lose control due to:

• Potholes – Deep holes in the road can cause sudden falls and fractures.
• Uneven pavement – Unexpected elevation changes can destabilize bicycle riders.
• Debris – Loose gravel, wet leaves, or fallen objects can cause a bicycle crash.

In cases where poor road conditions contributed to the accident, an attorney can help determine liability.

Defective Bicycle Components or Equipment Failure

Some bike crashes result from faulty bicycle components, such as defective brakes, handlebars, or wheels. If a bicycle accident was caused by equipment failure, the manufacturer or retailer could be liable under Illinois law.

A Chicago product liability lawyer can investigate whether a product defect contributed to the accident and pursue a claim against the responsible party.

Liability in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Case Involving Broken Bones

Determining liability is a key part of any accident claim. Victims must prove that another party’s negligence caused their injuries. Whether the accident was due to a motor vehicle driver, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can help identify the responsible party and pursue fair compensation.

Proving Negligence and Comparative Negligence Law

To hold a party accountable for a bicycle crash, an injury attorney must prove:

• Duty of care – The defendant was responsible for following traffic laws and driving safely.
• Breach of duty – The defendant acted negligently by distracted driving or failing to yield.
• Causation – The negligence directly caused the accident, resulting in injury.
• Damages – The victim suffered expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), cyclists can recover damages even if they are partially at fault. Comparative negligence reduces compensation based on the cyclist’s level of responsibility, but they must be less than 50% at fault to recover damages.

Potential Defendants in a Broken Bone Bicycle Accident Case

Multiple parties may be held liable in a bicycle crash case, including:

• Negligent drivers – Motor vehicle drivers who fail to yield, speed, or engage in reckless driving can be held responsible.
• Employers of negligent drivers (vicarious liability) – If a commercial driver caused the accident, their employer may share liability.
• The City of Chicago or other government entities – The city may be liable if poor road conditions, such as potholes or missing signs, caused the crash.
• Bicycle or component manufacturers (product liability) – The manufacturer or retailer may be responsible if a defective bicycle part, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the crash.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident Resulting in Broken Bones

Taking the proper steps after a bike accident can protect your health and legal rights. If you suffered broken bones in a bicycle crash in Chicago, follow these steps:

• Prioritize your health and seek immediate medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Delayed treatment can worsen fractures and impact a claim.
• Call 911 and report the accident to the Chicago police – A police report documents the crash and can help prove liability.
• Document the accident scene – Take photos and videos of the bicycle crash, bike lanes, the motor vehicle, injuries, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.
• Preserve evidence – Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing as evidence for your claim.
• Keep detailed records – Track medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation expenses to support your claim.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies without legal advice – Insurers may try to minimize your claim. Speak with a Chicago bicycle broken bones accident lawyer before making statements.

Filing a Lawsuit for Broken Bones Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident

If you suffered broken bones in a bicycle crash, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The legal process includes several key steps:

• Consulting with a Chicago broken bone injury lawyer – A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer will review your case, explain your legal rights, and determine if you have a strong claim against the at-fault party.
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence – Your attorney will gather evidence, including the police report, witness statements, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and surveillance footage. This step helps establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries.
• Filing a lawsuit in Illinois courts – If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney will file a claim, formally seeking damages from the responsible party.
• The discovery process – During this stage, both sides exchange evidence, including accident reports, medical evaluations, and expert testimony on bicycle safety and injury severity.
• Negotiating a settlement – Most bicycle crash cases are resolved through settlement discussions with insurance companies to secure fair compensation without trial.
• Going to trial – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your injury attorneys will present your case before a judge or jury, arguing for the maximum compensation for your bike accident case.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to for Broken Bones from a Bicycle Crash

If you suffered broken bones in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

Economic damages cover financial losses directly related to the accident, including:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity – Compensation for missed work during recovery as well as the injury’s effects on your long-term ability to work;
• Property damage – Repair or replacement of your bicycle and gear.

Non-economic damages compensate for emotional and physical suffering, including:

• Pain and suffering – Physical pain from fractures and treatment;
• Emotional distress – Anxiety, PTSD, and trauma from the bicycle crash;
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Reduced ability to participate in activities.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Illinois

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, bicyclists in Illinois generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a claim. If the claim is against a government entity, such as for hazardous bike lanes or poor road conditions, the deadline may be shorter.

Failing to file within this timeframe can prevent you from recovering compensation. A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can ensure your case is filed on time and help protect your legal rights.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Fracture Lawyer Near You!

If you suffered broken bones in a bicycle accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago fight for injured cyclists to recover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We understand Illinois traffic laws and know how to hold motor vehicle drivers accountable for their negligence.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free 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.