Chicago Bicycle Intersection Collision Lawyer

Reputable Law Firm Helping Chicago Victims of Intersection Bike Crashes

A Chicago bicycle intersection collision lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle crash caused by a negligent driver. Intersections are some of the most dangerous areas for cyclists in Chicago, often leading to devastating injuries.

Some of our bicycle crash settlements include:

• $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old woman who sustained a torn rotator cuff when a driver opened their door in her way.
• $760,000 for a cyclist hit from behind while stopped at a traffic light.

Common Types of Bicycle Intersection Collisions in Chicago

Intersections pose serious risks for bicycle riders, especially when negligent drivers fail to follow traffic signals or check for cyclists. Common intersection accidents include:

• Right-hook accidents – Section 9-16-020(f) of the Municipal Code of Chicago requires drivers to yield to cyclists when turning right.
• Left-hook accidents – Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming bicycles, as mandated by Section 9-16-020(e).
• Dooring accidents – Opening a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist is illegal under Section 9-80-035.
• Rear-end collisions – Drivers are generally required to maintain a safe following distance and exercise due care to avoid collisions, as stated in Section 9-40-160.
• Sideswipe accidents – Section 11-703(d) of the Illinois Vehicle Code requires motorists to pass bicycles with at least three feet of clearance.
• Failure to yield accidents – Drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when required, per Section 9-16-020 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

Liability in Chicago Bicycle Intersection Accidents

Liability in a bicycle accident is based on negligence, meaning another party failed to act reasonably. To prove negligence, an injury victim must show:

• Duty of care – Drivers must follow traffic laws and keep cyclists safe.
• Breach of duty – A driver violates this duty by reckless or careless actions.
• Causation – The driver’s actions directly caused the bicycle crash.
• Damages – The cyclist suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or other losses.

Common Driver Errors Leading to Intersection Collisions

Many bicycle accidents at intersections result from driver negligence, including:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way – Drivers turning or merging into a bike path may ignore a cyclist’s legal right-of-way.
• Speeding or aggressive driving – Speeding reduces reaction time, increasing the risk of hitting a bicycle rider.
• Running red lights or stop signs – Drivers who fail to stop at intersections put injured bicyclists at risk.
• Improper turns – Making a right-hook or left-hook turn without checking for cyclists.
• Failure to see the cyclist – Distracted or inattentive driving leads to bike accidents when drivers overlook cyclists in crosswalks or bicycle lanes.

Potential Liability of Other Parties

While negligent drivers cause most intersection accidents, other parties may also be responsible:

• The City of Chicago – Poor road design, a lack of bike lanes, or malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to crashes.
• Construction companies – Work zones that block bicycle lanes or create unmarked detours can endanger bicycle riders.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Intersection Accident in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a bicycle accident can protect your health and legal rights:

• Prioritize safety and seek immediate medical attention.
• Call 911 and report the accident to the Chicago police.
• Document the accident scene.
• Gather evidence.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies.
• Consult a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer before providing any statements.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Chicago Bicycle Intersection Accident

If a bicycle accident claim cannot be resolved through insurance, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure fair compensation. The legal process with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers includes:

• An attorney from our legal team reviews your case, explains your rights, and advises on your legal options.
• We work with accident reconstruction experts, obtain police reports, collect medical records, and interview witnesses.
• We formally file a complaint against the negligent driver or other responsible parties.
• During the discovery process, both sides share evidence, take depositions, and build their cases.
• Many bicycle accident cases settle before trial, ensuring accident victims receive compensation without lengthy litigation.
• If no settlement is reached, we will prepare your case for trial, where we will present arguments, evidence, and witness testimony to secure a just verdict.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Intersection Accident

Injured cyclists may recover financial compensation for the losses from a bicycle crash. Damages may include:

• Medical expenses – Coverage for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages and future earnings – Compensation for missed work and potential loss of future income due to serious injuries.
• Pain and suffering – Payment for non-economic damages such as emotional distress, physical pain, and the long-term impact of injuries.
• Property damage – Costs to repair or replace a damaged bicycle and personal belongings.
• Wrongful death damages – Families of accident victims who were killed in a bicycle crash may seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Intersection Accident Claims in Illinois

In Illinois, as established under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, injured bicyclists generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to seek financial compensation.

Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, having a Chicago intersection bicycle collision lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your case. Understand cyclists’ challenges; our lawyers fight to prove negligence and secure full and fair compensation.

An experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney will:

• Investigate the bicycle crash and gather evidence, including the police report and witness statements.
• Handle negotiations with the insurance company and insurance adjusters, ensuring you are not pressured into a low settlement.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how negligent drivers caused the crash.
• Represent you in court if a bicycle accident claim requires legal action.

Consult Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys Near You!

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident at a Chicago intersection, the legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers fight for injured cyclists to recover maximum compensation.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your Chicago bicycle accident case and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.Call our Chicago office at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney and learn how we can help you.

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.