Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Illinois Hammer: Your Trusted Chicago Bike Accident Attorneys
With over 30 years of experience practicing personal injury law, our team is dedicated to pursuing justice for Illinois injury victims. That passion has helped us win more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
We leverage our extended knowledge of Chicago bicycle laws and regulations to your benefit, weaving local laws into our case strategy.
Let’s suppose you were hit by a driver who failed to yield to you while making a left turn. We can cite specific laws like the Municipal Code of Chicago § 9-16-020(e) to demonstrate the negligence of the other party.
Our skilled approach to representation means we look out for you during every step of the claims process, going beyond legal services. Additionally, we can assist in arranging essential medical care and, if needed, secure a same-day pre-settlement loan to help cover living expenses resulting from your injuries.
We know injury victims often face financial hardships. That’s why we work on contingency, offering our legal services for no up-front cost. You won’t pay us anything until we win your case. If you’re unhappy with our services for any reason, we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to freely take your case elsewhere.
How Do I File a Chicago Bike Accident Claim?
While you can file a personal injury lawsuit after a bike accident, primarily seeking an out-of-court resolution is usually the best solution. Injured cyclists have the legal right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which usually kicks off settlement negotiations.
A skilled Chicago bike accident attorney can explain your case and pressure the insurance company to pay you fair compensation for your injuries. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, offering the quickest and simplest resolution. However, filing a lawsuit is necessary when settlement talks break down.
You will be in the strongest position to pursue a lawsuit once you’ve attempted and failed to reach a settlement agreement. Suing might be the only way to recover compensation from an uncooperative or aggressive insurance company.
What is the Value of My Bike Accident Claim?
Every personal injury case is unique and differs in potential value based on the circumstances involved. There’s no all-encompassing answer to how much a claim can be worth and calculating that value can be complicated.
The nature and severity of your injuries will typically have the largest impact on the value of your claim, including several other factors. Your injuries and their impacts will determine what types of damages you’ll be able to recover and how much those damages will be worth.
Our trusted Chicago bicycle accident lawyers can review your case to accurately assess the value of your claim. We’ll fight hard to win you the maximum possible compensation.
Classification of Damages
Economic damage compensates for losses with a specific monetary value and is typically the most straightforward to prove and recover. Economic damages include medical bills, property damage, and lost income. They are usually well-documented and simple to calculate.
Non-economic damage covers the more subjective impacts on your quality of life and well-being. These include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment, and damage to your relationships.
You may also be entitled to recover punitive damages if the liable party was egregiously negligent or acted intentionally. Punitive damages are awarded as a penalty to punish particularly bad behavior and deter future misconduct.
What Past Clients Have to Say About the Illinois Hammer
“My experience at this firm was amazing, from the caring, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff. They all took part in helping me after one of the most horrific accidents in my life occurred and made sure I felt heard and understood; they pushed for the best and made sure I received nothing less. Thank you to your team and support on this difficult time.”
– Katia P.
Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Chicago?
Unless there are designated bike lanes, Illinois law expects motorists and bicyclists to safely share the road. It’s possible for a bicyclist to share blame for a crash but the driver is frequently at fault.
It might be harder to prove liability in situations other than a straightforward accident between a driver and a bicyclist. For instance, a government entity or property owner might be responsible for a poorly maintained bike lane that caused the accident. Moreover, the manufacturer may be at fault if a bike defect causes your accident.
The faster you contact a Chicago bike accident attorney, the easier it is to preserve evidence and establish liability. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, call us today at 888-742-6637 for a free case evaluation.
How Does Illinois' Comparative Negligence Law and At-Fault System Apply in Bicycle Accidents
Illinois is an “at fault” state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damage. Each party’s share of responsibility for an accident is considered during the insurance claim process.
Illinois has a modified comparative negligence system that applies to all accidents, including bike accidents. If an accident victim is more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, they cannot recover compensation. They can recover compensation for their damages if they are 50 percent or less at fault. However, their compensation will be reduced proportionately to the percentage of liability they share.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After a Bike Accident?
Under Illinois’ statute of limitations, bike accident victims generally have two years to file a lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions. The statute of limitations for suing government entities or employees is only one year after the accident.
The statute of limitations is paused for minors and legally incapacitated individuals. In those situations, the two-year period begins to run when the victim turns 18, or the legal incapacity is lifted.
Properly investigating an accident and gathering evidence can be a long and complicated process. If you’re considering pursuing a claim, it’s important to start as early as possible to give your attorney the time they need to build an airtight case. Witness testimony can be less reliable the longer you wait, and evidence can be harder to find or even destroyed.
How Bike-Sharing Apps Can Impact Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Apps that allow users to rent electric scooters or bikes—like Divvy, Lime, and Spin—are becoming more popular in Chicago as short-term transportation alternatives for residents and visitors alike.
If you’re injured in an accident while riding a rented e-bike or scooter, you may be able to make a claim both against the driver who hit you and the rental company itself. Pursuing a claim against rental companies might complicate your claim, but it can maximize your potential compensation. Our experienced Chicago bike accident attorneys can help you weigh your options and make informed decisions.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Bike Accident Cases
Illinois requires automobile insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, which pays for damages caused by an uninsured driver. If you are in a bicycle accident caused by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
A Chicago bike accident lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue all the compensation available, even if you find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Chicago Bicycle Accident, We’re Ready To Hammer Your Claim!
Don’t take on the insurance companies alone. Contact The Illinois Hammer Injury Attorneys online or call 888-742-6637 today for a free case evaluation. We won’t stop fighting until you get the compensation you deserve, and you won’t pay us until we win.
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