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Rockford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Legal Support for Injured Cyclists in Rockford
A Rockford bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek justice if you’ve been injured in a bike crash due to driver negligence.
Known for its scenic bike paths, including the Rock River Recreation Trail and the peaceful routes through Sinnissippi Park, Rockford’s expanding bike lanes and scenic trails make cycling popular, but they also increase the risk of accidents involving motor vehicles.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases and fighting for injured cyclists’ rights. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bike accident, our legal team can help you recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Recent Settlements for Rockford Bike Collision Victims
- $2,250,000 for a Rockford commuter who suffered a head injury in a bicycle accident, covered by her uninsured motorist policy.
- $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old woman injured in a bicycle-dooring incident in downtown Rockford.
- $760,000 for a cyclist hit from behind at a traffic light at a Rockford intersection.
How Frequent Are Bike Accidents in Rockford?
In 2023, Rockford reported 21 bicycle crashes, highlighting the risks cyclists face on city roads. Of these incidents, 17 resulted in injuries, while one was fatal. Only three crashes caused property damage without injuries, demonstrating the high likelihood of harm in bike-related accidents.
A total of 18 cyclists were injured, with one suffering severe injuries, 12 experiencing moderate injuries, and five sustaining minor injuries. With over 86% of crashes leading to injuries, these bicycle crash statistics underscore the importance of safer infrastructure and legal advocacy for injured cyclists.
Rockford & Illinois Bike Laws: What Cyclists Need to Know
Understanding local and state laws can help protect your rights if you’re involved in a bicycle accident. Below are key regulations affecting cyclists in Rockford and throughout Illinois.
- Rockford Code of Ordinances § 16-74 – Bicyclists must follow all city and state traffic laws, except where specific bicycle regulations apply.
- § 16-77(b)(3) – Cyclists on sidewalks or crosswalks must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing.
- § 16-77(f) – Cyclists must use designated bike lanes or paths when available.
- § 16-77(g) – Cyclists cannot engage in reckless riding that endangers themselves, pedestrians, vehicles, or property.
- Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1502) – Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must obey all traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way laws.
- Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) – Cyclists can still recover financial compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for an accident. However, compensation is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Filing Deadlines: Illinois Statute of Limitations for Bike Injury Cases
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Rockford, you have two years to file a personal injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202) and five years for property damage. If the crash involved poor road conditions or government negligence, the deadline may be even shorter. Talking to a Rockford bike crash attorney can help ensure you don’t miss your chance to seek compensation.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Rockford
Bicycle crashes in Rockford often stem from negligent motorists failing to yield, running red lights, or engaging in distracted driving. Dooring incidents are another major hazard, where parked drivers open their doors into an approaching cyclist’s path.
Poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, and inadequate bike lanes, further increase accident risks. Collisions with pedestrians on shared-use paths like the Rock River Recreation Trail are also common.
Additionally, several high-risk intersections throughout Rockford see frequent bicycle accidents, such as East State Street & Perryville Road, North Main Street & Auburn Street, and West State Street & Kilburn Avenue.
Common Bicycle Injuries Sustained in Rockford Accidents
Cyclists involved in crashes often suffer head and brain trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Fractures and joint dislocations in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are also common. More severe crashes can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or chronic nerve pain. Severe road rash, muscle tears, and lacerations often require extensive medical treatment. In high-impact crashes, cyclists may suffer internal organ injuries due to blunt force trauma, leading to internal bleeding or organ damage.
Who Is Liable in a Rockford Bicycle Accident Case?
Several parties may be responsible for a bicycle accident in Rockford, depending on the circumstances.
Reckless or negligent drivers who speed, make unsafe lane changes, or fail to yield are a leading cause of crashes. City and local government entities may also be liable if poor road maintenance, missing signage, or hazardous bike lanes contribute to an accident.
Additionally, bicycle manufacturers and retailers can be held accountable for defective bikes or parts that cause mechanical failures leading to crashes.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bike Crash?
Victims of bicycle accidents in Rockford may be eligible for various forms of financial compensation, including:
- Economic Damages – Covers medical expenses such as emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Cyclists can also seek reimbursement for bicycle repair or replacement costs.
- Non-Economic Damages – Includes pain and suffering damages, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of cycling and daily activities.
- Wrongful Death Damages – For families of fatal bike crash victims, compensation may cover funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and guidance.
Seeking legal help from an experienced Rockford bicycle accident attorney can improve your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Essential Steps to Take After a Bicycle Collision in Rockford
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident in Rockford, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. First, call 911 and ensure a police report is filed. Next, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness statements, and noting any hazardous road conditions. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention, as some bike accident injuries worsen over time.
When dealing with insurance companies, be cautious—avoid making statements without legal counsel, as insurers often try to minimize payouts. Consulting a Rockford bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the personal injury claims process and maximize your financial compensation.
Do Rockford Bicycle Accident Cases Go to Court?
Many bicycle accident claims settle out of court, but litigation may be necessary if insurance companies deny claims, settlement offers are too low, or liability is disputed. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring the strongest possible position during negotiations.
Contact a Rockford Bicycle Crash Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Rockford, our legal team is here to help. We offer a free case review—call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.
Our Rockford personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Reach out today and let us help you seek compensation for your damages.
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I was ran off the road and my bike last year by a truck driver. Mr. Rosenfeld knew exactly how to help. He saved me time and was able to help me with a lot more than I originally thought. The recovery would have been much harder without him especially missing work, but thanks to Mr. Rosenfeld I was able to take as much time as I needed to recover!
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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.