Chicago has increasingly become a bicycle-friendly city with many people using bicycles as a method of transportation, for health and fitness, and for recreation purposes. Even with more people riding bicycles throughout Illinois, public streets are still a dangerous place, especially when the proper precautions are not followed. Bicycle accidents are far too common on Chicago’s streets and serious injuries often occur due to a number of causes.
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.
Right of Way Accidents
In general, Illinois law considers bicyclists as drivers, thus they are required to follow the same traffic laws as someone behind the wheel of a car, truck, or SUV, including abiding by traffic signs and signals and not cutting in front of vehicles that have the right of way. Right of way accidents are common with bicycles and can include:
- Stoplight collisions – If you are on a bicycle at a stoplight and cross before the light turns green, you would be responsible if you are hit by an oncoming vehicle. If you have the green light and you are hit, the other driver may be liable for your injuries and responsible for your damages.
- Intersection collisions – If you approach an intersection that has a stop sign, you are required to follow those signs as if you were behind the wheel of a vehicle. When at an intersection and an accident occurs, liability will likely be shared. If the intersection has no traffic control devices, the vehicle that reaches the intersection first is to have the right of way and proceed first. However, drivers are not always patient or willing to allow a bicycle to go first, so it is best to assume they will take the right of way.
- Right hook accidents – These types of accidents occur when the bicyclist is on the right side of the road and a right-turning vehicle turns into the cyclist. This is why it is best to keep yourself positioned further to the left to increase visibility.
- Left cross accidents – These accidents occur when a left-turning vehicle crosses into the path of the bicycle that is crossing the roadway. Because left-turning vehicles are required to yield the right of way, these accidents are almost always the fault of the person behind the wheel of the vehicle.
While right-of-way accidents are the most common types of bicycle accidents, they are not the only cause.
Other Causes of Bicycle Accidents
There can be a variety of causes of bicycle accidents beyond right-of-way incidents and are almost always the fault of the driver in a vehicle. These types of accidents can include.
- Sideswipes or rear-end collisions – If a driver misjudges the distance between their vehicle and the bicycle, it is possible that they will sideswipe or collide with the bicycle from behind when trying to pass or not stopping quickly enough at an intersection.
- Dooring accidents – If a driver opens their door without checking that there are no bicycles approaching, it is possible that the bicyclist will not have enough time to stop and will strike the door, being thrown from the bicycle and severely injured.
- Drunk driving – A drunk driver is a dangerous driver. Drunk drivers may not see bicyclists, cannot drive safely, and maybe speeding and swerving on the roadway.
- Distracted driving – Distracted drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers and put other drivers and bicyclists at risk for serious injury and death. When the driver of a vehicle is texting, checking social media, talking on the phone, or doing anything else that takes their eyes off the road, the results can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one is involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to document the accident, the accident scene, never admit fault, and talk with any witnesses. Even if they share liability with the motorist involved, they may be able to receive some compensation from the other party for their role in the accident.
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.
