Bicycle Accident Lawyer Waukegan, Il

Cycling Risks and Legal Help in Waukegan, IL

An experienced Waukegan bicycle accident lawyer in IL can help you file your personal injury claim after a bad bike accident. Many residents in this city rely on bicycles for commuting and recreational purposes.

Lake County manages roughly 60 miles of bike paths and lanes, many of which are located within the Waukegan city limits. There are several dedicated bike lanes, but not enough to keep all riders safe.

Cyclists face many risks when they ride around Waukegan. The lack of bike lanes means they must share roads with other motor vehicles, and driver negligence or inattention can often cause a bicycle accident. The risk is even greater in high-traffic intersections, where many motorists may not understand the rights bikers have.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers legal support for injured bicyclists in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. Our team has spent years protecting the rights of injured cyclists and we know how to build a strong case to seek compensation.

Our Experienced Waukegan bicycle accident attorneys will help you recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Choosing to pursue legal action should always be an informed decision. Therefore, we offer a free legal consultation with a Waukegan bicycle accident attorney, during which you can ask questions about the claims process and your specific case.

Recent Bike Accident Settlements

Our law firm has worked on many bicycle accident cases in the past. We have successfully recovered millions for our clients from insurance companies and at-fault parties.

Here are some bike crash settlements we have won for injured victims.

• $2.25 million for a woman who sustained a head injury when struck on her way to work
• $1 million for a woman who tore her rotator cuff in a dooring accident
• $760,000 for a man who was struck from behind while stopped at a traffic light
• $510,000 for a cyclist who sustained facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury when a vehicle made a left turn
• $499,000 for a bike messenger who was struck by a vehicle exiting a parking garage

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Waukegan?

Bicycle crashes are fairly uncommon, both in Waukegan and nearby Chicago, compared to other types of car accidents. However, bicycle accident victims are far more likely to experience serious injuries because of the lack of protection.

In 2023, only 13 vehicle accidents involved cyclists in Waukegan. In Chicago that same year, 1,410 crashes out of 101,023 involved bicycles.

Cyclists should know which areas of Waukegan are more dangerous and could cause a bicycle accident. Some of the busiest roads in the city are Washington Street, Green Bay Road, and Belvidere Street.

Dense vehicle traffic and busy intersections make these streets especially risky for bicycle riders. Since there are not many bike lanes, cyclists are forced to use shared roads in many circumstances, increasing the risk of a bicycle accident.

Bicycle Laws in Waukegan & Illinois

Understanding state and local ordinances regarding bicycles is the key to avoiding a bicycle accident. Under Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/11, bikers have the same rights as motorists when using the roads, which means they must obey the same traffic laws and signals.

In Waukegan, there are specific regulations all bicyclists must follow. Section 5-67 of the municipal code states that you must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible when riding slower than the speed of traffic on a shared road. Bikers cannot use sidewalks in the business district or in areas where traffic signage prohibits them.

Section 5-61 states that bikers riding at night must have lamps equipped that are visible up to 500 feet away and rear reflectors.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Waukegan

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim.

Personal injury cases can be filed up to two years after the date of the incident. If you are only filing a property damage claim, the statute of limitations is five years. If the defendant in your personal injury case is a government entity for unsafe road conditions, a shorter timeline may apply.

You can ask an experienced personal injury lawyer which statutes apply to your case to ensure you file your bicycle accident lawsuit in time.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Waukegan

How the accident occurred will play a big role in your bicycle accident case. Waukegan bicycle accident lawyers can help you determine the cause of the bike accident with an investigation.

Here are some of the most common causes of bike crashes:

• Motorist collisions – Motorists may fail to yield to cyclists, drive while distracted, drive while impaired, open car doors into the paths of bikers, or fail to check their surroundings before turning.
• Hazardous road conditions – Conditions of the road could contribute to a bicycle accident, such as potholes, uneven pavement, inadequate lighting, or insufficient bike lanes.
• Pedestrians and other cyclists – Even when there are no other motor vehicles involved, cyclists could experience crashes because of pedestrians or other bikers on off-street paths, such as Robert McClory Bike Path and Waukegan Beach.

Typical Injuries in Waukegan Bicycle Accidents

The extent of your injuries will affect how much money you receive in the settlement. The more serious your injuries, the more extensive the legal damages will be. It is essential to keep all medical records regarding treatment and expenses to support the validity of your personal injury claim.

Here are some common bicycle accident injuries:

• Head injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or puncture wounds
• Broken bones and dislocations – Broken arms, legs, collarbones, wrists, or dislocated shoulders
• Spinal cord injuries – Herniated discs, bulging discs, fractured vertebrae, or nerve damage could affect mobility
• Soft tissue injuries – road rash, muscle tears, ligament damage, sprains, or strains may require rehabilitation
• Internal injuries – Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately apparent after the accident occurs

Liability in a Waukegan Cyclist Injury Case

Waukegan bicycle accident attorneys will work with you to establish negligence for the bike accident. They must prove that the at-fault party had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that there is a causal link between their actions and the accident, and that you suffered legal damages.

Here are a few parties who may be liable for your medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress.

• Negligent motorists – A motor vehicle driver who fails to yield, speeds, is distracted, or makes improper lane changes could be at fault for your serious injuries.
• City and local government – If poorly maintained roads or inadequate bike lanes caused your accident, the city could be responsible for damages.
• Bicycle manufacturers – A defective component or poorly installed part could cause your accident, making the manufacturer responsible for your suffering.

Types of Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists in Waukegan

There are two main categories of legal damages in bicycle accident claims: economic and non-economic. If the victim of the bike accident dies at the scene or succumbs to their injuries, surviving family members may be eligible for additional damages in a wrongful death claim.

Let’s look at the most common damages cited in these types of claims.

Economic Damages

• Medical bills for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost income because of missed time at work during recovery
• Property damage costs for repairing or replacing the bicycle involved in the accident

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering to compensate the victim for emotional distress or pain from physical injuries
• Mental trauma if the victim faces PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders because of the crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life if the victim’s injuries affect their ability to participate in daily activities or hobbies

Wrongful Death Compensation

• Funeral and burial expenses for the surviving family members who must pay these bills
• Loss of financial support if the victim had income that supported immediate family members
• Loss of consortium for the spouse who lost their companion

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Waukegan, IL

Following the proper steps will ensure you prioritize your health and keep legal options open. Failing to act appropriately in the aftermath could undermine a potential personal injury claim.

Here is what you should do immediately after the bicycle accident.

• Call 911 and report the crash to ensure accident reports are created
• Gather evidence of the accident scene by taking photos, collecting witness statements, and documenting injuries
• Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries, because they can worsen over time or get infected
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies that will attempt to devalue your claim or get you to admit fault
• Consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Waukegan, IL, to protect your rights and seek fair compensation

Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

In general, bicycle accident cases do not go to trial. Most of these claims are settled outside of court. However, several scenarios may make civil court necessary to resolve your case:

• The insurance company denies liability and refuses to make a fair settlement offer
• The settlement offer is far too low and will not cover all your losses
• Severe injuries or a fatality sometimes require legal proceedings

Consult a Waukegan Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

An experienced bicycle accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you 24/7 whenever you need legal guidance. Whether you were hurt because of a negligent driver, distracted driving, another cyclist, or poorly maintained roads, we know what is required to secure compensation for lost wages, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma.

Our Waukegan personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not owe anything unless we secure a settlement on your behalf, so there are no out-of-pocket costs.

You can ask whatever questions you have during a free consultation with our personal injury law firm. Call us at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form to schedule your free legal review.

Carine Mininni

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I used the services of Jonathan Rosenfeld and his staff for a very serious case. Mr Rosenfeld was extremely attentive and answered all my questions as they came up. In the end, he was able to get a very favorable settlement with the insurance company. I do not think I could have gotten this much money without this firm helping. They were very reliable and trustworthy. I would recommend them to anyone looking for help with a personal or auto injury in Chicago.

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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.