Bicycle Accident Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Rights
Cyclists face numerous dangers when riding, especially when sharing the road with cars and larger vehicles. Negligent drivers can change a cyclist’s life in an instant.
At Martin Law, LLC, we are here for you when your life has been upended. Our bicycle accident attorneys are a father-daughter team who share a commitment to bringing you justice. We have secured successful settlements and verdicts for injury victims in vehicle accident cases across Illinois. Based in Arlington Heights, we have developed a strong reputation for integrity and dedication to our clients.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Bicycle accidents in the Chicago area can occur due to a variety of factors. Here are some of the most frequent contributors:
- Distracted driving: Driver distractions, such as on cellphones, are a leading contributor to bicycle crashes.
- “Doorings”: These incidents occur when drivers or passengers fail to check for approaching cyclists before opening their car door.
- Right-turn accidents: Drivers making right turns may not see a cyclist traveling alongside them, leading to accidents at intersections.
- Left-turn accidents: Drivers turning left at an intersection or into a driveway might fail to notice a cyclist in their path.
- Speeding: Speed is a contributing factor in many crashes.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who do not honor cyclists’ right of way at intersections or traffic signals can cause serious collisions.
- Low visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur at night or during poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.
We all play a role in keeping the roads safe. Both cyclists and drivers must remain vigilant and aware of these hazards.
What to Do After a Chicago Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can be disorienting and life-shattering. Taking the right steps immediately afterward is critical for both your well-being and any potential legal claims. See our list of actions to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
The Rising Risks of E-Bikes on Chicago Roads
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have surged in popularity across Chicago. With over eleven million shared bike and scooter trips recorded in 2024 alone, e-bikes have introduced a new kind of commuter to our streets. This rise in ridership has created confusion for motorists and dangerous situations for bikers. Many drivers struggle to gauge the speed of approaching e-bikes – which can legally reach up to 28 mph in Illinois – leading to misjudgments at intersections and unsafe turning maneuvers. Because e-bikes often look like traditional bicycles but travel at the speed of traffic, drivers frequently cut them off or turn directly into their path, causing severe injuries that require specialized legal attention.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Chicago Bicycle Accident?
You may have grounds to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, medication costs, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages for the income lost while recuperating.
- Pain and suffering to address the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Disability and disfigurement.
- Property damage – reimbursement for your bicycle and other personal items involved in the crash.
Our bicycle accident attorneys will work diligently to make sure that none of your accident-related expenses get overlooked.
Get a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured on a bicycle, please call us at 847-261-4995 for a free consultation with one of our bicycle accident attorneys. We are here to help you recover the compensation you need to get back on track.