As more and more people are cycling for transportation, “greener” living, and for health reasons, the increase in bicycles on the roadways has meant an increase in bicycle accidents. Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of bicycle accidents that occur, usually due to speeding, distracted driving, or inattention. Rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries, especially when the cyclist is thrown from the bicycle into the roadway or they bear the brunt of the impact from the crash.
At Mike Agruss Law, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.
Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Cyclists are at a distinct disadvantage when they take to the roadways because they lack the physical protection that motor vehicle drivers are afforded by being in a car. When they take to the busy streets of Chicago, accidents are inevitable.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end crashes include:
- Speeding – A driver that is speeding is not paying attention to those around them and does not have the ability to stop quickly. This is a deadly combination when cyclists share the road.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and is a major cause of all accidents on the roadways. A driver that is using their phone, checking social media, eating, or playing with the radio puts others at risk for serious injuries, and even death.
- Left-hand turns – Any time a cyclist is attempting to make a turn, they are more apt to be involved in a crash. Left-hand turns that involve a cyclist moving to the left into traffic often result in rear-end crashes.
- Lack of bike lanes – While there are over 200 miles of bike lanes in Chicago, many of the state’s roadways do not have a dedicated bike lane, forcing cyclists to share the road with other larger and more dangerous vehicles.
Rear-end crashes are rarely the fault of the person being hit, whether they are driving a car or cycling. To avoid being involved in a rear-end crash, cyclists should attempt to stay in bike lanes for as much of their ride as they can, use their mirrors and signals, and avoid having to cross through traffic for turns as much as possible.
If you or a loved one was involved in a rear-end crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact Mike Agruss Law, for a free consultation.
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Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at [email protected] or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
