Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Seeking Justice and Maximum Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

As an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team, we stand with cyclists hurt by negligent drivers, unsafe bike lanes, or poor road conditions. Whether your crash happened downtown, on Milwaukee Avenue, or the Lakefront Trail, our firm is here to help.

We believe in your case and know how overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can feel after a bicycle accident. You’re not alone, our legal team understands Illinois law and Chicago bicycle laws, and we’re committed to helping you pursue fair compensation and accountability.

Settlements & Recovered by Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Our bicycle accident settlements reflect the dedication and experience our firm brings to every case. Each recovery represents a Chicago cyclist who trusted us to uncover the truth, prove negligence, and fight for accountability.

$605,000 – Senior Cyclist Struck in Crosswalk by Commercial Truck

Mary, a 72-year-old cyclist, was crossing at a marked crosswalk near Michigan Avenue when a delivery truck failed to yield while turning right. She suffered multiple fractures and required months of rehabilitation. The case value was influenced by the truck driver’s safety record, surveillance footage, and the long-term impact on Mary’s mobility.

$510,000 – Left-Turn Collision Causing Facial Injuries and Mild TBI

Carlos was biking home from work in Logan Square when a car making a left turn at an intersection hit him head-on. He sustained facial fractures, dental trauma, and a mild traumatic brain injury. Our team used traffic-camera footage and expert medical testimony to prove the driver’s failure to yield and the cognitive effects of his injury.

$499,000 – Bike Messenger Hit by Car Exiting Downtown Parking Garage

David, a professional bike messenger, was struck by a vehicle pulling out of a Loop parking garage onto a two-way street. Through discovery, we showed the driver was unfamiliar with Chicago traffic patterns and failed to look both ways. The settlement was achieved in less than four months, nearly the full recovery possible, reflecting both the strength of the evidence and David’s quick legal action.

Why Choose Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys

When you’re searching for the best Chicago bicycle accident attorneys, experience, trust, and results matter. Our top-rated bicycle accident lawyer team has helped more than 5,000 clients win their personal injury cases, recovered over $450 million, and achieved a 98% success rate across Illinois. With 100+ years of combined experience, we’ve built a reputation for tireless advocacy and compassionate representation. We’re available 24/7 because we know serious bike crashes don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your recovery.

Our attorneys have earned recognition and honors from respected professional organizations, including:

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers®
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
• Contributing Author for The National Law Review
• AVVO Rating of 10/10

Choosing our top Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team means having seasoned trial lawyers who believe in your case and know how to prove negligence, hold motor vehicle drivers accountable, and secure justice for injured cyclists across the Chicago area.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

Our firm represents Chicago bicyclists in a wide range of bicycle accident cases, from minor collisions to catastrophic crashes. Every bike accident is unique, and understanding how it happened helps us show negligence and pursue justice for injured riders. We handle all types of bicycle accidents in Chicago, including:

• Bridge or underpass bicycle accidents (poor visibility or grade changes)
• Collisions with commercial trucks or delivery vans
• Collisions with pedestrians in shared spaces
• Collisions with public transit buses or taxis
• Crashes on protected bike lanes or trails (e.g., Lakefront Trail, Milwaukee Avenue)
• Dooring accidents involving parked vehicles
• Fatal bicycle accidents
• Fixed-object crashes (light poles, guardrails, curbs)
• Hit-and-run bicycle collisions
• Intersection bicycle collisions
• Left-turn bicycle accidents (vehicle turning left into oncoming cyclist)
• Multi-bicycle collisions during group rides
• Rear-end bicycle accidents caused by vehicles striking cyclists from behind
• Right-hook bicycle accidents (vehicle turning right across a bike’s path)
• Sideswipe bicycle accidents on narrow city streets
• Single-bicycle crashes from loss of control or avoiding hazards

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Chicago?

As Chicago bicycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen how quickly a ride can turn dangerous when drivers, road crews, or city agencies fail to prioritize bicycle safety. Understanding the most frequent causes of bicycle crashes helps our team identify negligence and strengthen each bike accident claim. Common causes in Chicago include:

• Defective bicycle parts or mechanical failures (brakes, tires, gears)
• Distracted driving by motorists (texting, phone calls, in-car systems)
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Failure to yield to cyclists in bike lanes or crosswalks
• Inadequate helmet or reflective gear use
• Inadequate visibility or blind spots on large vehicles
• Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers sharing the road
• Malfunctioning traffic lights at intersections
• Missing or damaged traffic signs and signals
• Negligent maintenance of city streets
• Obstructed bicycle lanes from parked cars or construction
• Opening vehicle doors into a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
• Poor road conditions (potholes, debris, uneven pavement)
• Poor street lighting in residential or industrial areas
• Poorly designed or unmarked bicycle lanes
• Speeding or aggressive driving near cyclists
• Sudden stops or turns without signaling
• Unsafe passing or “buzzing” riders
• Wet or slippery surfaces after rain or snow

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Cyclists have little protection in a collision, which means even low-speed crashes can cause severe harm. Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys have represented riders with injuries ranging from temporary pain to lifelong disability. Common injuries in bike accident cases include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Facial fractures, dental damage, or jaw injuries
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Road rash, lacerations, and deep abrasions
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Nerve damage causing chronic pain or mobility loss
• Soft-tissue strains and ligament tears

These injuries often require hospitalization, surgery, and long-term physical therapy. We work closely with medical experts to document every diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term effect to ensure our clients receive full recognition for both physical and emotional harm.

What Damages Can Injured Cyclists Recover in Chicago?

When we file a bicycle accident claim, we fight for every loss our client has suffered: financial, physical, and emotional. Compensation in Chicago bicycle accident lawsuits can include:

• Medical expenses: hospital bills, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and future care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: for time missed from work or career changes caused by injuries
• Property damage: repair or replacement of the bicycle and personal equipment
• Pain and suffering: physical pain, anxiety, and reduced quality of life
• Emotional distress: trauma, fear of riding again, or psychological harm after a bicycle crash
• Loss of normal life: inability to engage in everyday or recreational activities
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable): funeral costs and loss of companionship for families

Our Chicago bike injury lawyers understand how every case is personal. We take time to document your full story, not just your medical bills, but how the accident changed your life, so that you can pursue fair compensation and begin rebuilding with confidence.

What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Case Worth in Chicago?

The value of a bike accident claim in Chicago depends on the injuries, evidence, insurance coverage, and overall impact on the rider’s life. Data shows that the average bicycle accident case settles for around $641,729, with a median value of $113,234. Settlements typically range from about $5,000 for minor injuries to over $8,000,000 for catastrophic or wrongful death cases.

Case value is influenced by several factors, including:

• The severity of injuries and length of recovery
• The amount of medical expenses and future care needs
• Lost income or loss of earning capacity
• Level of pain, emotional distress, and loss of normal life
• Evidence proving driver negligence or safety violations
• The strength of your legal representation in negotiations with insurance companies

Example Bicycle Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Our firm studies past bike accident cases to understand how Chicago juries and insurers evaluate damages. These examples from show how circumstances, evidence, and injury severity can affect outcomes.

$1,462,000 – Dooring Accident on Chicago Street

A cyclist struck a car door suddenly opened in a traffic lane, suffering dental fractures and pelvic nerve injuries. The case highlighted driver negligence and the dangers of car doors opening into bicycle lanes without checking for cyclists.

$600,000 – Fatal Truck Collision Involving a Child Cyclist

A young bicyclist was fatally injured after being run over by a semi-truck in a suburban Chicago area. The estate argued the driver failed to maintain a proper lookout. Expert reconstruction supported that the crash could have been avoided had the trucker reacted sooner.

$212,977 – Bike Lane Crash Caused by SUV in Downtown Chicago

A cyclist riding to work was thrown from her bike when a rideshare SUV parked illegally in a designated bicycle lane, and the passenger opened a door in her path. She sustained a concussion, spinal strain, and herniated disc. Evidence of illegal parking and unsafe door opening established clear driver negligence.

Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bike accident cases in Chicago can be complex. Proving negligence often requires analyzing police reports, traffic camera footage, and medical records, while navigating insurance disputes and comparative fault arguments. Many crashes involve multiple parties, such as drivers, city contractors, or delivery companies, each represented by their own insurers and lawyers.

Our Chicago bicycle injury lawyers understand the local court systems, from Cook County Circuit Court to the Daley Center, and know how to present evidence effectively under Illinois law. We work with accident reconstruction experts, subpoena city traffic data, and build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. When you work with our law firm, you have a team that knows how to fight for cyclists’ rights in one of the busiest urban biking environments in the country.

How Common Are Bike Crashes in Chicago?

According to the latest available bicycle accident statistics gathered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the city of Chicago reported 1,410 crashes involving bicyclists in 2023. Of those, 7 were fatal, and 1,246 resulted in injuries.

These numbers highlight the significant risk faced by cyclists and reinforce why injured bicyclists need strong legal support when pursuing a bike accident claim.

Where Do Bike Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Most bicycle and car accidents in Chicago happen on high-traffic corridors where cyclists and vehicles share limited space. Areas like Milwaukee Avenue, Clark Street, Halsted Street, and Elston Avenue see frequent collisions due to heavy bicycle traffic and limited protected bicycle lanes. Intersections near downtown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square remain among the most dangerous for Chicago cyclists.

Crashes also occur near major employment and retail zones, such as the Loop, River North, and West Loop, where delivery vehicles and rideshares frequently block bicycle lanes. In residential neighborhoods, collisions often happen near schools, grocery stores, and large apartment complexes where visibility and pedestrian activity are high. Understanding these hotspots helps us prove liability and advocate for safer streets across the Chicago area.

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What Bicycle Laws Govern Personal Injury Claims in Illinois?

Bike accident claims in Chicago are governed by both Illinois law and local ordinances designed to protect cyclists and regulate driver behavior.

Key state laws include:

• Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) – Establishes statewide bicycle rules, including the “three-foot passing” law (625 ILCS 5/11-703) requiring motor vehicle drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance.
• Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) – Allows families to file bicycle accident lawsuits after fatal crashes.

Under the Chicago Municipal Code, cyclists must follow local rules on sidewalk riding, hand signals, safety equipment, and riding regulations.

In Boub v. Township of Wayne (1998), the Illinois Supreme Court limited city liability for unsafe roads, but Dennis’s Law (2017) later affirmed that bicycles are “intended users” of all public roadways where permitted, strengthening cyclists’ rights across Illinois.

How Long Do Injured Bicyclists Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?

Most bicycle accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for personal injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Families in fatal cases also have two years from the date of death to sue under the Wrongful Death Act.

Claims involving city departments or public entities require faster notice under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). Exceptions apply for minors or delayed discovery of injury.

Because missing a deadline can bar recovery entirely, contacting an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures your bike accident claim is protected.

Who Is Legally Liable for Bike Accidents in Chicago?

Multiple parties may share liability in a bicycle accident lawsuit. Common defendants include:

• Negligent drivers – those who speed, text, or fail to yield to cyclists.
• Employers or commercial carriers – when company vehicles cause a crash.
• City departments or contractors – for unsafe road design or poor maintenance under the Chicago Municipal Code.
• Property owners – for hazards extending into bicycle lanes.
• Manufacturers – when defective bike parts or safety gear contribute to a bike injury.

Our Chicago attorneys investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties and pursue fair compensation under the law.

Common Defenses Following Bike Crashes

Defendants and insurance adjusters often argue that the bicycle rider was at fault or failed to follow bicycle laws. The most common defenses include:

• Comparative fault – claiming the cyclist caused or worsened the crash.
• Failure to wear safety gear – used to downplay damages.
• Unavoidable conditions – blaming weather or road design.

We counter these claims with police reports, traffic data, witness statements, and expert testimony showing the driver’s duty, breach, causation, and damages, the foundation of every personal injury lawsuit.

How to Strengthen Your Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can protect your rights:

• Call 911 and get help from a police officer.
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and road conditions.
• Get immediate medical attention and follow through with medical treatment.
• Keep all bills, repair receipts, and communication with insurance companies.
• Contact an experienced lawyer before giving a statement to an insurer.

Prompt action and consistent documentation help prove negligence and increase your chances of a fair settlement.

How Our Chicago Bike Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our legal team guides clients through every step of their personal injury law case, from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements or taking cases to trial. We handle all communication with insurance adjusters, gather expert testimony, and calculate both economic and non-economic damages for severe injuries.

We also ensure injured cyclists are treated with the same rights as other accident victims under local laws, protecting your path toward recovery and financial compensation.

FAQs

How much do Chicago bicycle accident law firms cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes only if we win your case or reach a fair settlement.

Who can file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?

Any cyclist hit by a car while riding a bike, or their family in fatal cases, may file a bicycle accident claim under Illinois law.

How is liability determined for a Chicago bicycle crash?

Liability is proven through duty, breach, causation, and damages. Determining who is at fault for a bicycle accident requires evidence such as police reports, traffic footage, and witness statements.

What if the injured cyclist was partially at fault for the motor vehicle accident?

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence. You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% responsible, though your award is reduced by your share of fault.

What evidence is needed to support a personal injury claim following a bicycle crash?

Photos, medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis help prove negligence and document the extent of medical treatment and loss.

Do Chicago traffic laws require helmets while cycling?

No citywide law mandates helmets for Chicago bicyclists, except for bicycle couriers and delivery people. However, wearing one is strongly encouraged by the Active Transportation Alliance for bicycle safety.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago, you don’t have to face the process alone. Our bike accident attorney team stands ready to listen, support, and guide you toward justice. We handle every case with compassion and persistence, fighting for your medical expenses, lost wages, and full financial compensation.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. Contact our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery and accountability.