Bicycle Accident Insurance Claims in Illinois

When injured cyclists come to our Chicago-based firm after a serious crash, one of the first things we help them is understand all of the steps involved in bicycle accident insurance claims in Illinois. A bicycle accident can leave someone facing medical bills, lost wages, and damage to their bike and gear, all while dealing with an insurance company that may try to minimize what happened. Our experienced lawyers stand with our clients from the very beginning, guiding them through the process so they never feel alone or unheard.

How to File a Bike Accident Insurance Claim

Filing a bike accident insurance claim in Illinois involves several steps, each of which can significantly impact the value of the future personal injury case. Below is the process we walk our clients through so they can understand what to expect.

Determine Who Is Liable for the Bike Crash

Identifying who is at fault for a bicycle accident is the foundation of every successful bicycle accident claim. We conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the at-fault driver, a business, a municipality, or another negligent party contributed to the bicycle collision.

Liability may fall on:

• A motorist who caused a motor vehicle collision
• A driver who failed to check blind spots
• Someone who opened their door into a cyclist’s path
• A delivery vehicle blocking a bike lane
• A rideshare driver who veered into a cyclist
• A city contractor responsible for roadway defects or poor lighting

When we determine fault, we can identify the liable parties and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other harms caused by someone else’s negligence.

Identify the Applicable Insurance Policies

Once we know who caused the bike collision, we identify every insurance policy that may provide coverage. This determines whether your insurance claim will be filed against a third-party insurer or your own insurance company.

Coverage may include:

• Driver liability insurance under their car insurance policy
• Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) if the at-fault party has no insurance
• Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) when the driver lacks enough insurance
• MedPay for immediate medical bills regardless of fault
• Health insurance for ongoing treatment and medical care
• Renter or homeowner policies when property damage is involved

Understanding insurance policy coverage is essential because it affects the entire claims process, the insurer’s responsibilities, and how we structure the personal injury case.

Calculate Damages

Before we file a claim, we calculate the full extent of damages. Injured bike riders often face harms that are not immediately obvious, so documenting both visible injuries and long-term effects is crucial. Common categories of damages include:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses and continued medical care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Damaged bicycle and gear
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or scarring
• Disruption to daily activities

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or drag racing.

By properly calculating damages early, we can fight aggressively for full and fair compensation.

Consult an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney can greatly influence your outcome. As a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team, we understand how to deal with insurance adjusters, negotiate a fair settlement, and, when necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit.

We gather evidence, handle communication with every insurance company involved, and protect you from tactics designed to pressure cyclists into giving a recorded statement or accepting a low offer. With our experienced team behind you, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.

How to Strengthen Your Bicycle Accident Claim

Understanding what to do after a bicycle accident can make or break a future claim. We guide our clients through these steps from day one:

• Seek medical care: Always seek medical attention, even for common injuries where the harm isn’t immediately apparent. A medical professional creates records that become essential evidence.
• Call police and obtain a crash report: A police report documents how the accident happened and may identify the at-fault driver.
• Document the accident scene: Take photos of the accident scene, skid marks and roadway conditions, traffic signals, your visible injuries, and your damaged bicycle and gear.
• Gather witness information: Witness statements often help resolve disputed liability.
• Preserve the bike and safety gear: Never repair or dispose of the bike before an inspection.
• Notify insurers: You should notify your accident insurance carriers, but avoid admitting fault.
• Consult a lawyer: A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights during the entire claims process and prevent mistakes that may strongly affect your personal injury claim.

How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help

Our firm conducts a comprehensive investigation into every bicycle crash case to hold negligent parties accountable and protect victims throughout the bike accident claim.

Gathering Evidence

We help collect evidence such as:

• Surveillance camera footage
• GPS or bike computer data
• Timeline logs and location history
• Medical records
• Photos of the bicycle crash scene

Handling Insurer Communication

We deal directly with every insurance company involved so our clients don’t have to.

Addressing Disputed Liability

Common disputes include:

• Claiming the cyclist was partially at fault
• Alleging poor lighting or weather created the bike crash
• Minimizing injuries
• Asserting policy exclusions
• Attempts to save money by offering low reimbursement for bike damages

Negotiating Settlements and Filing Lawsuits

We quantify damages accurately and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. When negotiations fail, we are prepared to file suit and litigate to seek full compensation.

Bicycle Accident Settlements Secured by Our Team

Below are examples of bicycle accident settlements we have handled for clients in the Chicago area. Each case reflects the complexity of bicycle accident cases and the significant impact a bicycle collision can have on a person’s life.

$2,250,000 Recovery for a Chicago Commuter’s Uninsured Motorist Claim

Emma was biking to work near the Loop when a turning delivery van struck her and fled, triggering her uninsured motorist coverage. She suffered a significant head injury requiring months of treatment. Because she preserved her damaged bike, documented her injuries, and sought immediate medical attention, we built a strong claim that resolved for $2.25 million, reflecting the long-term impact on her health and career.

$1,000,000 Bicycle-Dooring Settlement for a 26-Year-Old Cyclist

Lily was riding in a protected Lakeview bike lane when a driver opened his door into her path, violating Chicago’s dooring ordinance. She sustained a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. Although the insurance company tried to blame her, witness statements and skid mark evidence showed she had no chance to avoid the collision. Her bike accident settlement reached $1,000,000.

$760,000 Settlement for a Cyclist Rear-Ended at a Red Light

Michael was stopped at a red light in Logan Square when a speeding driver rear-ended him. The at-fault party blamed “poor lighting,” but surveillance footage proved otherwise. He suffered back injuries requiring extensive treatment. His bicycle accident claim settled for $760,000, helping him recover after months of lost wages and physical therapy.

FAQs

Does car insurance cover bike accidents in Illinois?

Yes. Car insurance coverage in Illinois applies when a driver causes a bicycle accident. An injured cyclist can file a bike accident claim against the driver’s liability insurance or their own UM/UIM coverage, depending on the circumstances.

What if the at-fault party doesn’t have enough insurance?

If an at-fault party has insufficient coverage, injured cyclists may use their own uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured protection. This is especially important in fatal bicycle accidents, where damages may far exceed the driver’s insurance limits.

How long do injured cyclists have to file a claim in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury actions must be commenced within two years of the accident date. However, the deadline can vary depending on:

• Whether a government entity is involved
• Whether the case concerns a minor
• Whether wrongful death is alleged

We help our clients navigate these timelines carefully so they never miss a filing deadline.

What is the average value of bicycle accident cases in Illinois?

Bike accident cases in Illinois range widely, from $5,000 to $8,000,000. The average settlement is $708,342, while the median settlement reaches $128,919. Case value depends heavily on injuries, liability disputes, ongoing treatment, and how significantly the accident impacted the cyclist’s life.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, we stand with you through every step of the claims process. As your Chicago traffic accident lawyer, we help you seek compensation, collect evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue the settlement you deserve.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.