Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Peoria IL

With a Peoria bicycle accident lawyer in IL, cyclists can get justice for a negligent driver’s actions. Bicycle accident victims often suffer serious injuries that result in high medical bills, all of which should be paid by the at-fault party. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney today for a free initial consultation about your legal rights.

Recent Settlements Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Secured

• $2,250,000: Policy limit settlement for commuter hit on an urban street.
• $1,000,000: Settlement for torn rotator cuff as a result of a dooring accident.
• $805,500: Bike v. truck collision that resulted in a torn rotator cuff.

Cycling Risks and Legal Help in Peoria

Peoria is known for its unique cultural attractions, including the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Luthy Botanical Garden, and the Wildlife Prairie Park. These attract both residents and tourists alike, which spells danger for cyclists.

High vehicle traffic, minimal bike lanes, and many pedestrians can make it difficult to navigate this central Illinois town safely. This is especially true in the summer, which is when most bicycle accidents occur.

Those injured in cycling crashes can recover compensation through the civil legal process, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve suffered significant injuries in a bike crash, contact our experienced Peoria lawyers for a free case review.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Peoria?

Though cyclists are less common on America’s roads, they account for 2.6% of all traffic fatalities.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported 2,548 pedal cyclist accidents statewide in 2022, though this may not be a faithful estimate of how many cyclist crashes there are. Many go unreported, making it harder to determine how dangerous Illinois’s roads are for bikers.

In 2023, 23 bicycle accidents were reported to Peoria police. Sadly, two of these were fatal, which is a much higher mortality rate than for similarly sized cities in Illinois. For comparison, Peoria, IL, has about 109,000 people, and Naperville, which has a population of 150,000, had no bicyclist fatalities in 2023

While Peoria is attempting to improve bicycle infrastructure through its Bicycle Master Plan, there are still limited bike lanes. Not only does this put cyclists at risk, but it also increases the risk of car accidents, as studies demonstrate that bike lanes reduce driving speeds.

Particularly dangerous areas in Peoria include the intersection of Vistancia Boulevard and Lone Mountain Parkway, War Memorial Drive, and Dallas Road.

Bicycle Laws in Peoria & Illinois

According to the Peoria Municipal Code, bicyclists have all the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers (§28-496). This is aligned with the Illinois Vehicle Code (§625 ILCS 5/11-1502), and most provisions in the municipal code are the same as state law.

Specifically, bicyclists must follow these rules:

• Bicyclists should not use the sidewalk where it is prohibited and should yield to pedestrians (§28-498). They cannot ride bicycles on the sidewalk in business districts (§28-503).
• Bicycles must have a white light visible for up to 500 feet when riding at night (§28-497).
• Your bike must have working brakes (§28-497).
• You cannot remove both handles from the brakes or engage in any type of acrobatic riding (§28-501).

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence (§735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means you can recover compensation if you aren’t more than 50% responsible but will also receive less if you are found partially liable.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Peoria

For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years (§735 ILCS 5/13-202), while for property damage, it is (§735 ILCS 5/13-205).

If you want to make a claim against a government entity, you will have a shorter deadline due to the Tort Immunity Act (§745 ILCS 10). It’s crucial to contact us for a free consultation right away so we can determine which statute of limitations applies to your case.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Peoria

Every bicycle accident case is slightly different, so it’s important to work with an attorney who can help discover the cause. Common causes that our Peoria bicycle accident attorneys see include the following.

• Motorist Collisions: Negligent drivers may fail to yield, open car doors in bike lanes, or speed.
• Road Hazards: This includes potholes, debris, poor lighting, and lack of designated cycling lanes.
• Pedestrians and Bicycle Paths: Bike accidents may occur due to negligent pedestrians, especially on trails like the Rock Island Greenway.

Typical Injuries in Peoria Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident injuries are often very serious as cyclists have little protection against a collision. Common injuries include the following.

• Head Injuries: This includes concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken Bones: Typical broken bones our fracture attorneys see include broken arms, legs, collarbones, and wrists. Joints may also be dislocated.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These serious injuries can result in paralysis and chronic pain.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Road rash, muscle tears, ligament damage, bruises, and contusions are common in bicycle accident victims.
• Internal Injuries: Bike riders hit at high speeds may suffer from internal bleeding or organ damage.

Liability in a Peoria Cyclist Injury Case

Our Peoria bicycle accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to determine liability. We will look at things like police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness depositions to identify liable parties, which may include the following.

• Negligent Drivers: Motorists may fail to yield, speed, or drive distracted, causing bike accidents.
• City and Local Government: Our Peoria bicycle accident lawyers can hold the city accountable for poorly maintained roads and inadequate cycling infrastructure. These are more challenging to win due to Illinois Supreme Court decisions like Aleve v. City of Chicago, which claims that bike riders are not intended road users.
• Bicycle Manufacturers: Our product liability lawyers will seek compensation from manufacturers if defective bike components contribute to the bike accident.

Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists in Peoria

A reasonable settlement will depend on the facts of your case, as there is no average bicycle settlement. The amount that you receive will depend on things like the severity of your injuries, how long you took to recover, and the amount of insurance available.

We always push for maximum compensation and meticulously investigate your case to provide you with the best possible chance of success. This includes consulting with medical experts to learn what treatments you will need in the future so that we can ensure these are included in your settlement.

Some common damages received in bicycle accident cases include the following.

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Inconvenience

Wrongful Death Compensation

Loved ones of deceased bicycle accident victims may be eligible for all the damages above as well as funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, grief, and loss of companionship. Contact a Peoria wrongful death attorney from our firm for a free consultation to learn whether you can recover damages for a fatal bike crash.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Peoria

You must act quickly after a bicycle accident to ensure that you are safe, as well as to protect your right to recover damages. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Call 911: Report your location to the dispatcher, such as near the Peoria Zoo or on Knoxville Avenue. Ask them to send police and an ambulance.
• Gather Evidence: If the other party has remained on the scene, ask them for their contact details and insurance information. You should also get details from other accident victims and eyewitnesses who saw the crash.
• File a Police Report: Speak to the responding officer and explain what happened. Ask for the report number and the officer’s contact information.
• Seek Medical Attention: Go to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center as soon as possible. Bicycle accident victims may be in shock and not realize they were seriously hurt until later. Additionally, Peoria bicycle accident lawyers can use your medical records as evidence for your claim.
• Preserve Evidence: Do not get the bike repaired until your attorney tells you to. Keep your helmet and any clothing you were wearing.
• Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies will play games to deny your claim, such as saying you were to blame for the accident or using you saying you’re “fine” as proof that you were not injured. Let your bike accident lawyer handle all communications with third parties.
• Contact Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyers: Schedule a free case review today and learn whether you’re eligible for compensation.

Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most bicycle accident suits will settle out of court. This is because insurance companies may be forced to pay more than their initial offer, lawsuits are more expensive than negotiation, and they take longer. The insurance settlement timeline depends on the complexity of the case; it may range from a few weeks to over a year.

In some cases, it’s necessary to go to court. This happens when the company denies your claim, the settlement is too low, or when the victim has serious injuries. Wrongful death cases also often go to court.

Our Peoria bicycle accident lawyers are always prepared to take a case to court if necessary. We aggressively negotiate for accident victims and strive to receive the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost income, and other needs.

Consult a Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

Bike accidents are unfortunately common in Peoria, IL, but our bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. Our Peoria personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we are able to earn you compensation. We have helped over 5,000 clients earn a fair settlement that helps them heal in comfort.

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

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I don’t normally write reviews but I was so grateful for the work that Jonathan Rosenfeld did for me I can’t help but praise him and his staff. I never imagined that I could get the settlement that I did, and it’s all due to the work he did for me . If you need a PI. Attorney try him. .You won’t be disappointed. He is the absolute best. Thanks again Jonathan.

– victoria bond

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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.