Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Best Interests

Many people in Illinois ride their bicycles to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. But when cyclists share the road with drivers, a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle can be devastating and even fatal. Similar to motorcycles, bicycles do not offer the same protection as vehicles like cars and trucks, which is why cyclists can suffer serious and catastrophic injuries.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago, do not hesitate to let Pissetzky Law LLC help you recover your entitled compensation. Our legal team can examine your case, determine your available legal options, and help you maximize your monetary damages. We can help you make the best possible recovery from injury by obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Call (844) 668-4258 or complete our online contact form today to request a case evaluation. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 846 cyclists were killed in U.S. traffic accidents in 2019. There are two main types of crashes: falls from bicycles and accidents involving cars.

The following are common causes of bicycle accidents involving vehicles:

Accidents at intersections – Cyclists are most at risk of being involved in a bicycle accident when they are sharing the road with motor vehicles, especially at intersections. While only nearly 11 percent of bicycle accidents involved a collision with a vehicle, approximately 45 percent of these crashes occurred in intersections.

Cars turning left – This type of accident happens when a cyclist and a driver approach the intersection from opposite directions and the driver turns left, crashing into the cyclist. Motorists may not see the cyclist or misjudge the cyclist’s speed.

Cars turning right – Cyclists using the bike lanes can be susceptible to cars turning right and cutting them off, especially if the driver is not paying attention to his/her surroundings or fails to check his/her blind spots.

Distracted driving – From smartphones and food/beverages to grooming and other occupants, distractions can take your eyes away from the road, your hands off the steering wheel, and your attention away from the primary task of driving. When a driver is distracted, they are not able to react to certain road conditions in a timely manner, causing an accident.

Failure to yield – A driver who fails to yield the right of way to a cyclist can have a catastrophic or fatal outcome.

Dangerous road conditions – Bicycles are especially susceptible to accidents caused by road hazards, such as potholes, sewer grates, rail or trolley tracks, and even debris.