Chicago Bike Accident Lawyers
Bike accidents are a common occurrence in Illinois. If you are one of the many bicyclists who choose to ride to work or school in Chicago, it is in your best interest to know your rights and the bicycle laws in your state. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney discuss your legal rights and options.
Illinois Bicycle Accident Statistics
More and more Illinois residents are riding their bike to work and school on a regular basis. It is a wonderful way to get in shape and to save money. Sadly, negligent drivers can make riding your bike a serious risk to your heath and future. According to the Crash Facts & Statistics report by the Illinois Division of Traffic Safety, 20 bicyclists were killed and 3,100 bike riders were injured in Illinois bicycle accidents in 2009. Bicycle riders who are injured by negligent drivers may be able to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim. The family of someone killed in a Chicago bicycle accident may file a wrongful death claim to recover losses such funeral costs and lost future income.
Illinois Bicycle Laws
Under Illinois Vehicle Code section 11-1502: "Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Code." This means that bicycle riders are legally obligated to follow the same laws as motor vehicle drivers. This also means that drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists as they would to other vehicles.
Driver Negligence
A number of bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who are under the influence, distracted or speeding. Due to their smaller size, bicycles may not be as visible as other vehicles. A majority of bicycle accidents happen in the dark. Dangerous roadways that lack proper bike lanes or designated areas for bicyclists could also contribute to deadly bike accidents. If that occurs, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable.
If you choose to ride your bike on an Illinois roadway, it is important that you know your rights and the rules of the road, which you must follow. Failure to properly follow bicycle safety laws may make you liable for any resulting accident. Despite the fact that helmets have been known to greatly decrease the chances of brain trauma, Illinois remains one of the few states that does not have a bicycle helmet law. While you are not legally required to wear a helmet in the state of Illinois, you would be well-advised to wear one for your own personal safety. A jury considering your case will also look at you favorably if they see that you are a safe bike rider.
The Chicago car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have decades of experience protecting the rights of bicycle accident victims. If you have been injured in a Chicago bike crash as a result of someone else's negligence, let us help you pursue your legal rights. Call us today for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.