What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago?

A bicycle accident in Chicago can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in Chicago can protect your rights and help you seek compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago

Bicycle accidents in Chicago happen for many reasons, often due to driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Common causes include:

• Dooring – A parked driver opens their door without checking for cyclists, which is prohibited under Chicago Municipal Code (9-80-035).
• Distracted driving – Drivers using phones or other distractions fail to see bicyclists.
• Failure to yield – Vehicles involved in turns or intersections may ignore cyclists’ right of way, which is regulated under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1).
• Unsafe road conditions – Potholes, debris, or poorly maintained bike lanes can cause a bike crash.
• Speeding – A driver going too fast has less time to react to cyclists, also regulated under Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601).
• Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment.

Prioritize Safety: Immediate Actions at the Scene

Your safety comes first after a bicycle accident. These steps can protect your health and strengthen any insurance claim or legal action.

• Assess your injuries and check on others – If you or anyone involved is hurt, seek medical attention immediately.
• If possible, move to a safe location – If the accident occurred in traffic, get to the side of the road to avoid further harm.
• Call 911 to report the accident – Request emergency assistance so police and medical responders can document the incident. A police report can be valuable for your claim.
• Do not move your bicycle unless necessary – Leaving it in place can help investigators understand what happened. If it’s a hazard, take photos before moving it.

Gather Information: Documenting the Accident

Gathering as much evidence as possible after a bicycle accident in Chicago can help support your personal injury claim. Be sure to:

• Exchange information with the other party and any other people involved – Get the driver’s license number, insurance information, phone number, and vehicle details.
• Obtain witness contact information – Independent witnesses can provide statements that may strengthen your case.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene – Include your bicycle, vehicles involved, visible injuries, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• Note the location, date, and time – Write down details, including weather and traffic conditions.
• Do not admit fault or discuss accident details extensively – Anything you say may be used against you during the legal process.

Seek Medical Attention: Prioritizing Your Health

Prompt medical attention after a bicycle accident in Chicago is essential, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen without prompt medical care.

• Get checked by emergency responders or visit a doctor as soon as possible – Delaying medical treatment can put your health at risk and weaken your claim.
• Keep detailed records of your medical expenses, diagnoses, and treatments – Medical records help prove the extent of your injuries.
• Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments – Gaps in treatment may be used by the insurance company to downplay your injuries.

Report the Accident to the Police

Reporting a bike accident to the police is essential for documenting what happened. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be valuable when dealing with the insurance company or filing a personal injury claim.

• Ensure the police respond to the scene – Officers will document the accident, gather witness information, and note traffic law violations.
• Ask for the report number – This allows you to request a copy later.
• Review the police report for accuracy – If any details are incorrect, you may be able to request corrections.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notifying your insurance company after a bicycle accident in Chicago is essential, even if you were not at fault. Coverage like uninsured motorist protection or medical payments may apply depending on your policy.

• Report the accident as soon as possible – Delays could affect your ability to file a claim.
• Provide basic facts only – Share the date, time, location, and vehicles involved, but avoid giving a recorded statement without legal representation.
• Give your insurance company the police report number – This helps verify the accident details.
• Submit medical records and expenses if your policy covers injuries – Keeping detailed records of medical treatment and lost income can support your claim.

Preserve Evidence: Protecting Your Legal Rights

Preserving evidence after a bicycle accident in Chicago can strengthen your claim and help prove the extent of your injuries and losses.

• Do not repair your bicycle before it has been inspected – Damage to your bike can serve as evidence of the impact and severity of the accident.
• Keep all damaged clothing and equipment – Torn clothing, a cracked helmet, or broken gear can help demonstrate the force of the crash.
• Maintain a file of all accident-related documents – This includes the police report, medical records, medical bills, insurance claim correspondence, and witness information.
• Keep a journal of your recovery – Document pain levels, detailed information about treatment, emotional distress, and how the accident affects your daily life.

Consult with a Chicago Bike Accident Attorney

Consulting with a Chicago bicycle accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but legal representation can level the playing field.

• Maximize compensation – An attorney evaluates your bicycle accident case, calculates damages, and fights for the full amount you deserve.
• Handle negotiations – Lawyers deal with the insurance company and the other party, preventing you from accepting a low settlement.
• Gather evidence and build a strong case – Legal professionals collect medical records, witness statements, and accident reports to support your claim.
• Navigate the legal process – Whether filing a claim or pursuing a lawsuit, an attorney ensures that deadlines and procedures are followed.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you were involved in a bike accident in Chicago, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys fight for injured cyclists to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case.

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.