Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Chicago Bicycle Accident Law Firm Helping Cyclists Hurt in Sideswipe Crashes

The Chicago sideswipe bicycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Law understand the severe injuries that can occur when drivers fail to share the road safely. Our law firm helps injured cyclists pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost wages any personal injuries arising from sideswipe crashes.

Some of the bike crash settlements we’ve recovered on behalf of clients include:

• $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old cyclist who suffered a torn rotator cuff after a driver unlawfully opened a car door in her path, violating city traffic laws.
• $760,000 for a cyclist stopped at a traffic light was struck from behind by a driver who blamed poor lighting for the crash.
• $605,000 for a 72-year-old cyclist who was hit by a commercial truck while lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk.

What is a Sideswipe Accident?

A sideswipe accident occurs when a motor vehicle traveling in the same direction makes contact with the side of a bicycle. These bicycle accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers fail to leave enough space while passing, drift into bike lanes, or attempt unsafe lane changes.

Even a slight impact can cause bicycle riders to lose control, resulting in a bicycle crash that leads to serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and neck injuries.

Illinois Law and Sideswipe Accidents

Under Illinois traffic law, motor vehicle drivers must take precautions to prevent sideswipe accidents with cyclists.

625 ILCS 5/11-703 requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle. Additionally, drivers must follow safe lane change and signaling requirements and ensure they do not drift into marked bike lanes.

Bicycle riders have the right to use the roadway, and Chicago-specific ordinances provide further protections by restricting vehicles from blocking or encroaching on designated bicycle lanes.

For example, 9-40-060 explicitly states that drivers are not permitted to drive, stand, or park their vehicles on any on-street path or lane designated for bicycle use.

Additionally, the Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road prohibit drivers from operating their vehicles unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist in a reckless manner, which could result in a crash.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Bike Accidents in Chicago

Sideswipe accidents often occur due to negligence by vehicle drivers. Common causes include driver inattention and distraction, such as texting or using a phone, failure to check blind spots, and misjudging a cyclist’s position or speed. Other factors include improper lane changes, driving too close to bike lanes, and aggressive driving or road rage.

What to Do Immediately After a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident

Sideswipe bicycle accident victims should take these steps following a crash:

• Prioritize safety by assessing injuries and moving to a safe location if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Gather information, including the driver’s details, witness contacts, and vehicle information.
• Document the scene with photos and videos of the bike crash.
• Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
• Do not admit fault or make statements that could impact your claim.

Investigating a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Claim

A thorough investigation is essential to proving liability in a sideswipe bike crash. Key steps include:

• Obtaining the police report, which documents how the accident occurred and whether the driver violated any laws.
• Interviewing witnesses to gather statements that support the cyclist’s claim.
• Analyzing the accident scene and vehicle damage, including reviewing traffic camera footage and road conditions.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the bike crash happened and establish fault.

Proving Fault in a Sideswipe Accident Case

To establish liability in a sideswipe accident, a bicycle accident lawyer must prove:

• The driver’s duty of care – Drivers must operate vehicles safely and maintain a safe distance from cyclists.
• Breach of duty (negligence) – Violating state law, such as failing to check blind spots or drifting into bike lanes, proves negligence.
• Causation – Linking the driver’s actions to the bicycle accident injuries through medical records and eyewitness testimony.
• Potential defenses – Addressing claims of cyclist contributory negligence, such as improper lane positioning.

Potential Compensation for Injuries in a Sideswipe Accident

Under Illinois personal injury law, injured cyclists may recover the following economic and non-economic damages after a sideswipe accident in Chicago:

• Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Consult a Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

If you were injured in a sideswipe bicycle accident, you deserve experienced legal representation. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we fight for injured bicyclists to recover financial compensation. Our legal team will handle your case and negotiate with the insurance company while you focus on recovery.

Our bike accident lawyers in Chicago work 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.