Bicycle Accident Lawyer Springfield, Il

Experienced Legal Help for Injured Cyclists in Springfield

With the help of a Springfield bicycle accident lawyer in IL, victims have higher chances of recovering compensation if they have been hurt in a crash. This city has a growing bicycle culture with a mix of urban and suburban areas for cyclists.

There is a strong network of dedicated bike lanes with plans to add more in the future. These bike lanes, along with off-street trails, have made Springfield a safer city for both commuters and recreational bikers to ride in.

However, there are still plenty of areas with dense vehicle traffic, few bike lanes, road hazards, and busy intersections that increase the risk of a bike accident.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to supporting injured cyclists who are pursuing compensation for legal damages after an accident. We can help you recover medical treatment costs, lost income, and pain and suffering damages.

Contact our team today to speak with a Springfield bicycle accident lawyer during a free consultation.

Recent Bike Accident Settlements

Our law firm has a very strong track record of recovering settlements for bike accident victims.

Here are some successful outcomes for past clients:

• $805,000 for a biker hit by a truck that made a right turn directly into a bike lane
• $250,000 in an uninsured motorist claim for a businessman involved in a hit-and-run accident
• $2.25 million for a woman struck by a vehicle on her way to work, leading to a head injury

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Springfield?

Although bicycle accidents in Springfield and the rest of the state are not as common as other car accidents, they are often far more dangerous. Bikes offer little protection to riders, so collisions involving high speeds or other vehicles can cause devastating injuries.

In 2023, there were only 32 vehicle crashes involving a bicyclist out of 3,318 total vehicle accidents in Springfield.

Some areas of the city are riskier for bikers. The interchange between Route 55 and East Lake Shore is a tough intersection with lots of traffic on city streets. Intersections at Lincoln/Lawrence, Lincoln/North Grand, and Ash/North 1st also feature complex traffic patterns, so exercise caution when near these locations.

Although there are many bike lanes throughout the city, some areas force cyclists to share roads with vehicle traffic going in the same direction. This can increase the risk of an accident.

Bicycle Laws in Springfield & Illinois

Riders in Springfield must adhere to state guidelines regarding bicycle practices, as well as some local ordinances. Illinois traffic laws make it clear that bikers have the same rights to use the road as motorists, according to 625 ILCS 5/11.

Local municipal code 81.04 states that bikers must ride as close to the right as possible when sharing roads with vehicles. Code 81.08 states that bikers must use hand signals to communicate their intentions to cars around them.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Springfield

You have a limited amount of time to pursue a bicycle accident case. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years from the date of the incident. When pursuing a property damage claim only, you will have five years to pursue a lawsuit. If the defendant in your injury claim is a government entity, the timeline may be less than two years.

Ask your Springfield bicycle accident lawyer about which statute applies to your case.

Common Causes of Cyclist Accidents in Springfield

A bicycle accident case could have numerous contributing factors. Motorist collisions are some of the most common causes of bike crashes. Drivers may fail to yield, open car doors into bike lanes, or operate their vehicles while distracted.

Dangerous road conditions can cause serious bike crashes as well. Potholes, poor lighting, or insufficient bike lanes can cause bikers to get hurt. Even on off-street paths, cyclists could face risks from pedestrians or other bikers, especially on the Lost Bridge Trail.

Typical Injuries in Springfield Bicycle Accidents

Fair compensation for your losses heavily depends on the extent of your injuries. Many bicycle accidents lead to head injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. Some crash victims suffer from broken bones and shoulder dislocations. Spinal cord injuries could lead to paralysis or chronic back pain.

Soft tissue damage could include road rash, torn ligaments, deep bruising, and muscle damage. Some injuries are internal and may not be immediately apparent, such as organ damage and internal bleeding.

Liability in a Springfield Cyclist Injury Case

To pursue legal action and seek compensation, you must be able to prove liability for your accident. Some potentially responsible parties in your case include:

Negligent Motorists

Drivers can cause accidents when failing to yield, not checking blind spots, driving while impaired, or ignoring traffic signals.

City and Local Government

If the road has been poorly maintained, such as potholes or missing traffic signs, the city could be liable for damages.

Bicycle Manufacturers

If a defective brake or faulty gear causes your accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible for your injuries.

Compensation Available for Injured Bicyclists in Springfield

The two main categories of compensation are economic and non-economic damages. If the victim dies when the accident occurred or from succumbing to their injuries, surviving family members could seek wrongful death damages.

Let’s look at some losses you could pursue with your claim.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses for hospital bills, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and future costs
• Lost wages for missing time at work during recovery
• Property damage costs for repairing or replacing the bicycle

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering from physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Emotional trauma for PTSD, anxiety, or psychological distress from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your quality of life is affected by a permanent injury

Wrongful Death Claims

Surviving families can claim additional losses, such as funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Springfield, IL

Taking action after your bike crash can prioritize your health and preserve your legal options. Here is what you should do immediately after the incident:

• Call 911 to report the crash for an official report
• Gather evidence of the accident scene, like photos, and witness information
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies that want to devalue your claim
• Consult a Springfield bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights

Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

Your case is unlikely to go to trial unless one of the following conditions is met:

• The insurance company refuses liability
• The settlement offer is too low
• There are severe injuries or fatalities

Consult a Springfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

You should never navigate a complex legal process alone. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can guide you through this process to secure a fair settlement for your losses.

Our team will investigate the claim, collect evidence, secure police reports, and negotiate for maximum compensation. Our Springfield personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe anything unless we win your case.

Our firm is available 24/7 to provide legal guidance whenever you need it. Call 888-424-5757 or complete the online form to schedule a free consultation with a Springfield bicycle accident lawyer.

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I never expected to have such an involved attorney as I did here at this firm. I was a part of an accident and with the help of Mr. Rosenfeld, I got the settlement that really set me up with a better future. Truly one of the best in the business.

Claudia Gallegos

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.