Chicago Left Hook Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Financial Compensation for Chicago Cyclists Injured by Left-Turning Vehicles

Chicago left hook bicycle accident lawyers understand how dangerous it is when drivers make sudden right turns without checking for cyclists. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we help injured cyclists seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more.

Some of our settlements for injured bicyclists include:

• $510,000 for a cyclist who suffered facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle making a left turn. The policy limit settlement was awarded.
• $499,000 for a bike messenger who was hit by a car exiting a parking garage in Chicago. The driver, unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, did not realize the street had two-way traffic. The case settled within four months, nearly exhausting the available insurance coverage.
• $350,000 for a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run crash. Unable to identify the driver, the cyclist’s own auto insurance covered the settlement.

What is a Left Hook Accident?

Left hook accidents occur when a motor vehicle driver turns left at an intersection, driveway, or alley and collides with a bicyclist traveling straight in the same direction.

These crashes frequently occur at intersections, including major roads like Milwaukee Avenue, Clark Street, and Western Avenue. Left hook accidents often happen when drivers fail to yield, misjudge a cyclist’s speed, or are engaged in distracted driving.

Illinois Law and Left-Turn Accidents

Traffic laws in Illinois require motor vehicle drivers to exercise caution when turning left to prevent bike accidents. Failing to yield to an oncoming bicyclist can result in serious injuries and legal liability.

• The Duty to Yield to Oncoming Traffic (625 ILCS 5/11-902) requires drivers making a left turn to yield to bicyclists traveling straight through an intersection. Failure to do so can result in a bicycle accident claim.
• 625 ILCS 5/11-1505 requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as is safe. However, this does not apply when cyclists travel in bike lanes or approaching an intersection where they have the right of way.
• Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1505.1, bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles and are legally entitled to occupy an entire lane when necessary for safety.
• Chicago Municipal Ordinance 9-16-020 prohibits drivers from turning left in a way that endangers bicycle riders and requires motorists to check for cyclists before turning.

Common Causes of Left Hook Bike Accidents

Left hook bike accidents happen when vehicle drivers fail to notice or adequately yield to a bicyclist traveling straight. Common causes include:

• Driver inattention and distraction – Texting, talking on the phone, or focusing on other vehicles can cause a driver to overlook a cyclist.
• Failure to check blind spots – Cyclists are smaller than motor vehicles, making them harder to see if drivers don’t check their blind spots properly.
• Misjudging the cyclist’s speed and distance – Some drivers assume they can turn before the cyclist arrives, leading to a bike crash.
• Turning too quickly or sharply – Sudden left turns don’t give bicycle riders time to react.
• Poor visibility – Weather, parked cars, or other traffic signals may obstruct a driver’s view.
• Road design and infrastructure – Unclear signage or poorly marked bicycle lanes can increase accident risks.

What to Do Immediately After a Left Hook Bicycle Accident

Taking the proper steps after a left hook accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.

• Prioritize safety and seek medical attention.
• Call 911 and report the accident to the Chicago police.
• Take photos and videos of the scene and collect witness contact information.
• Keep track of treatment, expenses, lost wages, and recovery progress to support your bicycle accident claim.
• Avoid admitting fault or speaking with insurance companies without legal advice.

Investigating a Left Hook Bicycle Accident Case

A thorough investigation helps determine liability and strengthens a bicycle accident lawsuit. Key steps include:

• Gathering evidence;
• Interviewing witnesses;
• Analyzing the accident scene and vehicle damage;
• Working with accident reconstruction experts;
• Reviewing available camera footage.

Proving Fault in a Left Hook Accident Case

To hold a motor vehicle driver responsible for a left hook accident, Chicago bicycle accident attorneys must prove negligence using key legal principles:

• Establishing the driver’s duty of care – In Illinois, drivers must yield to bicyclists traveling straight when making a left turn. This duty ensures the safety of bike riders in intersections and bicycle lanes.
• Demonstrating a breach of duty – A negligent driver may have failed to yield, been distracted, misjudged the cyclist’s speed, or ignored traffic signals.
• Proving causation – Evidence such as the police report, medical records, witness statements, and vehicle damage can show that the driver’s actions directly caused the bicycle crash.
• Addressing potential defenses – Insurance companies may argue that the bicyclist was speeding or ran a light. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can counter these claims and fight for fair compensation.

Potential Compensation for Injuries in a Bike Accident

Injured bicyclists may be entitled to financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit, including:

• Medical expenses – Coverage for medical treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and future earnings – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential.
• Pain and suffering – Payment for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for a damaged bike and other belongings.

Consult a Chicago Left-Turn Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

If you were injured in a left hook accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. We understand the challenges injured bicyclists face and will work to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers fight for injured cyclists to recover financial compensation.Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. 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.