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Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

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Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Biking is a fun and healthy way to get around, but you can be seriously hurt if another driver does not consider your safety. In addition, should you be injured in an accident with a careless or reckless motorist, paying for the medical care you need can be challenging.

The compassionate personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are experienced in handling bicycle accident cases. We will fight hard on your behalf so that you receive compensation for all your injuries and other losses resulting from this tragic event.

Contact an Aurora bicycle injury lawyer at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora is the second-largest city in the State of Illinois. While it is a friendly community for bicyclists, the steady traffic flow moving through the city can threaten their safety. In addition, drivers are often unaware of bicyclists’ locations or do not give them the respect and space on the road that the laws afford them.

The Aurora bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are committed to protecting the rights of anyone involved in a bike collision and ensuring that their needs are covered by securing the maximum allowable compensation on their behalf.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC offers free consultations of all Aurora, IL, bicycle accident cases. A lawyer with experience settling and litigating bike crash cases in Aurora will carefully review your case.

Should you elect to hire our law firm, you will only be charged a fee upon our successful recovery for you.

Whether you wish to stay fit, save money on gas, or connect with your surroundings on a bike hike, the city of Aurora is very friendly to the needs and desires of cyclists.

The city is home to numerous bike trails, including one of the main branches of the Illinois Prairie Path, the Fox River Trail, and the Virgil Gilman Trail. Combined, these trails provide bicyclists with hundreds of miles of path to explore and a varied terrain that travels through cityscapes, old railroad routes, and prairies and forests.

In addition to recreational biking, many cyclists choose to bike to and from work to maintain an active lifestyle or for the economic benefit of not needing to purchase gasoline.

Aurora, it is vital to be aware of the laws in effect regarding the safe operation of bicycles.

You will need to apply for a license to use your bicycle through the police department, which is happy to provide residents and visitors with more information about the laws and ordinances which must be followed.

National Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [1], in 2012, there were 722 bicyclist fatalities in the United States. That’s a huge number, and it’s only going up. In fact, since 1975, the number of bicyclist fatalities has increased by 120 percent.

Bike collision statistics vary from state to state. In Illinois, there were 18 bicyclist fatalities in 2012, slightly higher than the national average.

Illinois and Chicago Area Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 15 bicycle fatalities in Chicago in 2012. However, it’s important to understand that these statistics only account for fatal accidents on public roads; the CDC states that an estimated 50 percent of bicycle accidents occur on private property.

Most bicycle accidents are caused by cyclists ignoring traffic laws, speeding on sidewalks, or weaving between cars. But what happens when bicyclists are hit by a vehicle? Who’s liable? The answer can be both simple and complicated at the same time.

A cyclist often suffers severe injuries when a bicyclist is hit by a car. In some cases, the cyclist dies. Suppose you are the car driver that hit the cyclist. In that case, you may be liable for the cyclist’s injuries or death because drivers must use reasonable care when operating a vehicle, including taking into account the safety of bicyclists [2].

If you are a cyclist who was hit by a car, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s important to note that not every bike crash will result in a lawsuit. Often, an insurance company will handle the claim without going to court.

However, if you are dealing with a severe injury, you must speak with an experienced attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Aurora, IL Bicycle Accident Injury Statistics

Beyond Bicycle Accidents: The Dangers of Distracted Driving

One of the most dangerous car collisions is the “door prize,” where a car occupant opens their door into traffic and hits an oncoming cyclist.

This collision is often caused by distracted drivers looking down at their phones or talking to passengers instead of paying attention to oncoming vehicle traffic.

In Illinois, a law prohibits drivers in motor vehicles from opening their doors into traffic unless they are in a designated parking space. Violators face fines of up to $1,000 for violating this law. In Chicago, drivers may be fined up to $300 for opening their doors into traffic when a bicycle lane is present.

Distracted driving has become a primary national concern, and we must act against the dangers of distracted driving. In addition, it’s up to us to protect other road users, including bicyclists.

If a distracted driver has injured you, you may be eligible to receive financial recovery for your injuries.

Contact an Aurora bicycle accident attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, and (888) 424-5757 or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Other Contributing Factors That Cause Bicycle Accidents

Statistics reveal numerous contributing factors leading to bicycle crashes with minor to catastrophic injuries. In addition to distracted driving, other contributing factors include:

  • Adverse weather: During the summer heat in the cold winter, changing weather leads to many bicycle accidents. Rain, sleet, snow, and ice make the roads slick and present dangers to bicyclists. Drivers also have a hard time seeing bicyclists in adverse weather.
  • Inexperienced cyclists: Children, especially those not accompanied by adults, are at risk for bicycle accidents. Unsafe speeds, running stop signs or red lights, and riding on the wrong side of the road are the most common causes of accidents involving inexperienced cyclists.
  • Dooring: Opening a car door into traffic and hitting an oncoming cyclist is a common cause of bicycle accidents. This type of collision often occurs when the driver is distracted.
  • Vehicles turning left: Drivers making left-hand turns at an intersection often do not see oncoming cyclists collide.
  • Motorists overtaking cyclists: Many motorists did not give the accident victims the right of way when passing them, which led to a collision.
  • Theft: A large percentage of bicycle crashes occur when a cyclist is attempting to recover a bike that has been stolen.

Are you a bicycle accident victim who suffered minor to severe injuries? Did you lose a loved one through a wrongful death caused by a motorist’s negligence?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC has represented injured cyclists for over 35 years. If you have been injured in a bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury law office for a free consultation. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Motor Vehicle/Bicycle Accident Injuries

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), bicycle accident victims suffer catastrophic harm when colliding with passenger vehicles in commercial trucks.

In many cases, the at-fault driver is responsible for the victim’s injuries and the emergency medical treatment required to help and begin healing when possible.

Data shows that the most common injuries associated with a bike accident are when the vehicle strikes the victim.

Some of these injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Total or partial paralysis, including paraplegic, quadriplegia, and tetraplegia
  • Crushing injuries
  • Amputation (dismemberment)
  • Facial injuries and head trauma
  • Death

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, please seek immediate medical attention. Many of the injuries above may not be immediately apparent and can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.

You must contact an experienced Aurora bicycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim for damages. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC will get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Within the first few minutes following a bicycle accident colliding with a motor vehicle or commercial truck, the steps the victim or others take could save a life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the steps following a bicycle accident to ensure everyone’s health and safety include:

  • Ensure everyone’s safety if an accident occurs in traffic
  • Check on the bicyclist to see if they are injured (do not move the injured party to avoid further injury if they have internal injuries, spinal cord damages, or traumatic brain injuries)
  • Call 911 to report the incident and ask for police and EMT services for transportation to the hospital
  • Go to the hospital even if you consider your injuries to be minimal (only a competent doctor with the best diagnostic tools can accurately determine your current health and the extent of your injuries)
  • Try to find witnesses who may be able to provide written statements about the accident
  • Take pictures of the scene, motor vehicle damage, injuries sustained by both parties involved in the accident, and any other relevant information
  • Do not admit fault or apologize for causing the accident (no matter how sorry you might feel)

Even though you may have been injured in an Aurora bicycle accident, you must seek medical attention immediately. It would be best if you also asked for copies of your accident report (which will be provided by the police).

If the other party was responsible for causing your injuries, they might attempt to settle with you outside of court.

However, suppose you are not ready to agree or recover compensation for your damages. In that case, you only have a limited time to take legal action against the other drivers responsible for your damage.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive in an Aurora Bicycle Accident Case?

Depending on the extent and severity of your injuries after colliding with a motor vehicle or commercial truck, you could receive several types of damages when filing a claim:

  • Medical bills (past, present, and future)
  • Emergency room charges
  • Expenses associated with physical/occupational therapy and rehabilitation
  • Emotional distress (both past and future)
  • Lost income (past, present, and future)
  • Property damage (if your bicycle or personal property was damaged in the collision)

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Using Aurora Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Surviving family members who lost a loved one in a bicycle accident can seek financial compensation to recover their damages. Qualifying family members typically include the surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, parent, grandparent, sibling, and others.

Was your loved one killed in a bike accident caused by the negligence of another party? If so, your family could also file claims for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses (if you or your family decide to hold a funeral)
  • Loss of companionship/support (this analyzes the financial value of life lost in the accident)
  • Loss of familial support
  • Lost future earnings
  • Punitive damages (this determines if the party responsible for causing the accident should pay a larger sum to prevent future occurrences—often measured in the millions of dollars)

At some point, when the claim moves to civil court, the judge will determine if the decedent had a will stipulating the executor. If no will exists or no executor has been named, the judge will appoint someone to represent the decedent’s estate.

What damages your family can receive after a fatal bicycle accident varies depending on state and county guidelines (and there may be certain limitations).

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after filing a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit, or any civil claims to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your loved one’s death.

Every family member could receive different compensation based on their relationship with the decedent and the extent of their injuries.

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit after being injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation. They will be able to advise you on your best course of legal action and help ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation available to you.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

The injured victim can seek financial compensation from every party responsible for causing the accident. However, receiving financial compensation is not automatic, and filing a personal injury claim can be complex, requiring the skills of experienced Aurora bike accident attorneys.

Typically, Aurora bicycle accident lawyers will initiate a claim based on the evidence and facts of the case against the defendant and your insurance carrier.

To determine the case’s worth, the Aurora bicycle accident lawyer will use numerous methods, including:

  • Determining the liability of each party involved in the accident
  • Calculating specific damages for medical costs, injuries, and pain/suffering
  • Working with any other interested parties (such as your spouse or employer) to recover compensation for their losses

An experienced Aurora bicycle accident lawyer may sometimes force all responsible parties to settle outside court. However, avoiding a trial could result in a faster, more fair payout for you and your loved ones.

Sometimes, the law firm will hire accident reconstruction experts to identify exactly how the collision occurred and who might be liable for damages.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is vital to contact an experienced Aurora bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help you receive the maximum compensation under the law.

Your case is built on civil tort law, meaning that your attorney will likely accept your case on a contingency fee basis. Under this legal arrangement, your attorney will postpone their fees until the case is settled through a negotiated agreement or jury award.

The defendant’s insurance company will pay your attorney’s fees at that time. However, your attorney fees are waived if your case is resolved on behalf of the defendant, meaning you never paid anything out-of-pocket for legal representation.

This agreement works well for nearly all plaintiffs (injured parties) because the insurance company hires and pays the Aurora bicycle accident lawyer rather than the injured person.

If you have been harmed in a bike accident, it is vital to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will help you receive the maximum financial recovery under the law.

Bike Accident Claims and the Illinois Statute of Limitations

The state legislature restricts the amount of time it hurts parties (plaintiffs) can file a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation against the responsible parties (defendants). The law states that the plaintiff has a specific number of years to file their injury claim, depending on the type of wrongful conduct involved in an accident.

For instance, if your bike accident occurred due to a car’s negligent driving, you have two years from the accident date to file your personal injury case against the motor vehicle driver and their insurance company.

If you fail to file within the time limit, you could be barred forever from seeking financial compensation for your injuries. However, our law firm may find some extenuating circumstances that could extend that time in your case.

In addition, extending the statute of limitations creates a new opportunity to file a civil lawsuit against the motor vehicle driver and others at fault, holding them financially accountable for your damages.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer to Handle Your Bicycle Accident Claim

When you file a claim for your injuries, it’s essential that you only deal with professionals who have extensive experience handling personal injury claims.

If you don’t work with a qualified Aurora bicycle accident attorney, the chances are that your case will not proceed as smoothly as you would like, and you may not receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to deal with insurance companies, negotiate fair settlements, and take your case to court.

Hire an Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Resolve Your Personal Injury Case

Were you severely harmed in a bike accident, or did you lose a loved one in wrongful death and want to file a claim for damages that may be beneficial to recover financial compensation?

Contact the Aurora bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, to discuss your case’s merits.

Our law office is dedicated to helping injured cyclists receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

We work with some of Illinois’s best accident reconstruction experts to prove liability and recover damages. We are proud to help injured cyclists seek justice and monetary recovery and put our years of experience to work for you!

Call an Aurora personal injury attorney at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We accept all cases on a contingency fee guarantee, meaning you pay no fees until we resolve your case.

Resources: [1] NHTSA, [2] NHTSA

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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