Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists are highly vulnerable to serious injury if struck by an automobile. The injuries can be traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death.

Bicyclists are highly likely to suffer from severe injuries if struck by an automobile for apparent reasons. Victims may experience a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or even wrongful death.

Were you injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle and do not know how to proceed? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have years of experience helping victims of all kinds in Chicago accidents recover compensation from those responsible.

Contact a Buffalo Grove bike accident attorney at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free initial consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our personal injury law offices remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

National Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, approximately 800 bicyclists were killed, and more than 51,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. That is a lot of injuries and fatalities.

• In 2019, the number of fatalities exceeded 1,000 nationwide.
• The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a report indicating that bicyclists killed in traffic accidents increased by 10% from 2016 to 2017.
• Bicycle fatalities are exceptionally high among children, adolescents, and young adults. For example, in 2017, nearly 50% of all bicyclist fatalities were pedestrians aged 15 or younger.

Illinois Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2017, there were 1,024 bicycle accidents in Illinois. Of those accidents, 431 resulted in injuries, and six were fatal.

These numbers only reflect accidents on public roadways and do not include accidents on private property or while cycling recreationally.

In 2018, the state saw a significant rise in bike accidents, with 1,017 accidents recorded. Of those accidents, 777 resulted in injuries, and 11 were fatal.

2017 was the deadliest year for bicycle riders in recent history; six cyclists lost their lives due to motor vehicle accidents. This number is nearly double the one-year fatality record set back in 2012 when four people lost their lives due to Illinois bicycle accidents.

Cook County Bicycle Accident Statistics

While Buffalo Grove is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, this does not mean cyclists are immune to accidents. According to the Cook County bicycle accident statistics, there have been more than 12,000 bike accidents in Cook County since 2015, with over 400 individuals killed.

Northbrook is situated in Cook County and other cities in the Chicago area, including Crystal Lake, Rolling Meadows, Highland Park, Downers Grove, Vernon Hills, Rolling Meadows, and Arlington Heights.

Many cyclists enjoy the area because of the installed bike lane, bike paths, and other areas throughout North Chicago and Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County, and bypass throughout northern Illinois, making transport on two wheels quick and safe.

Unfortunately, the Cook County bicycle accident statistics show that this area has more bike accidents and fatalities than other parts of the state.

According to CBS Chicago, there have been more than 12,000 bicycle crashes in Cook County since 2010, with over 400 individuals killed.

Northbrook Bicycle Accident Statistics

A recent example of one such accident involved a cyclist struck by a Northbrook car. The victim, a 60-year-old man, was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

This accident occurred on the 1200 block of Dundee Road near Techny Road at 6:40 am. The bike lane on Dundee Road ends abruptly near this location. Dundee Road is a two-lane one-way street in both directions, with eastbound traffic from Techny Road and westbound travel from Tower Road.

Police say that the driver was traveling east in the left lane of Dundee when the accident occurred. The driver moved to the right lane when visibility became limited due to weather conditions and sunlight. The cyclist, traveling eastbound in the bike lane, then collided with the car.

It is still unclear as to who is at fault for this accident. Northbrook police are currently investigating the incident. However, this reminds drivers and cyclists to use caution while traveling on busy roads and be aware of their surroundings.

What Can You Do to Avoid a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycling is an excellent exercise and transportation but can also be dangerous. To stay safe while bicycling, you should always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and be cautious when riding in busy areas.

In addition, you can take steps to avoid accidents by riding with others, using hand signals, and being aware of your surroundings. If you experience an accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Most bicycle accidents occur when the bicycle travels in the same direction as the motor vehicle. Bicycle accidents are commonly caused by motor vehicles turning left into or right out of an intersection.

Other causes include cars passing bicycles too closely and motorists opening their car doors into an adjacent travel lane without checking for oncoming traffic.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to take the following steps:

• Assess the situation: Check your health condition and those around you. Then, call 911 immediately and ask for EMTs to be sent to the accident scene for your transport to the nearest hospital.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor. Only a competent doctor with the best diagnostic tools can accurately determine your injuries’ extent and current health status.
• File a police report: This document could help you recover losses and damages from the accident.
• Exchange information: With all motor vehicle drivers involved in the collision.
• Gather evidence: If possible, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and the bicycle. Also, try to obtain the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Consult with an attorney: If the other party is at fault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive financial compensation for your injuries.

Bicycling can be a fun and safe way to get around, but it’s essential to always remember to use caution when riding in traffic.

By following these simple tips, you can decrease your chances of experiencing a bicycle accident and ensure you get the medical attention you need if such an incident happens.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. However, you should also file a police report and seek medical attention immediately to ensure that your injuries are documented for a stronger personal injury case.

For more information about what to do in a bicycle accident, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer today.

Illinois Bicycle Laws

The state legislature has enacted bicycle laws to ensure cyclists’ safety in rural and urban areas. In Illinois, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

• Bicycles must obey all traffic signs and signals
• Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns
• When riding at night, bicycles must have a white light in the front and a red reflector or light in the back
• Cyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars
• Every bicycle must have a brake that will enable the rider to make the bike stop within 25 feet when traveling from a speed of 10 miles per hour

Bicycles ridden between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a red rear reflector and white front headlight or have reflective material on the bike and rider.

Lane Use

Cyclists can use any lane not explicitly designated for motor vehicles unless it creates a hazard.

When riding in a lane with more than one lane going in the same direction, cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the lane as possible without impeding or interfering with other drivers.

• Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
• On sidewalks, bicycles must yield to pedestrians unless signs are posted saying otherwise.
• Bicycles are not permitted on expressways or thruways.

Bicycles versus Cars

When riding on the shoulder of a road, cyclists must ride single file when passing by cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

If there is no sidewalk or shoulder available (or it creates a hazard) and the cyclist must ride in the roadway, he must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible without impeding or interfering with other drivers.

• Motorists are required to leave a minimum of three feet when passing cyclists.
• If a cyclist is hit by a car, the cyclist may be entitled to compensation for his injuries.

Suppose you have been injured in a bicycle accident. In that case, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney who can review the evidence and determine whether you have a personal injury case.

What You Can Do to Prevent a Bicycle Accident

Bicycling is a great way to get around Buffalo Grove but it can also be dangerous. If you are not careful, you could be in a bicycle accident. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while cycling:

• Always wear a helmet: A helmet can save your life if you are involved in a bicycle accident. According to the NHTSA, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Helmets should fit snugly and be worn correctly.
• Stay visible: Ensure drivers see you, especially at night or in bad weather. Wear bright clothing, use lights, and ensure your bicycle has reflectors.
• Follow the rules of the road: Obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and red lights
• Avoid distracted driving and riding: Do not listen to music through headphones, text, apply makeup, or talk on a cell phone while riding your bike. Instead, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. Safety is especially crucial at intersections and when riding downhill.
• Use caution when riding near cars: Ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid getting hit by a car door.
• Plan your route ahead of time: Know where you are going and avoid busy streets and intersections.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Look for potholes, uneven pavement, and other cyclists and pedestrians.
• Ride single file and stay to the right: If you are riding with others, use a paceline so that cars have room to pass them safely.
• Avoid distractions while cycling to avoid truck, car, and pedestrian accidents
• Be patient: Don’t try to ride too fast or take shortcuts.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet that will help you stay solid and alert while cycling.

Following these tips can reduce your chances of getting in a bicycle accident. So stay safe and have fun!

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Many bicycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death when the cyclist collides with a moving passenger vehicle or commercial truck.

In these personal injury cases, the victim cyclist may be required to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In determining the number of damages a cyclist should be entitled to, it is helpful to understand common bicycle accident injuries.

While fatalities are rare, severe head trauma or traumatic brain injury often occurs in catastrophic accidents. In addition, severe neck and spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis or death.

The most common bike accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Facial injuries and head trauma
• Crushing injuries
• Cut, bruises, and lacerations
• Dismemberment (amputation)
• Wrongful death

Traumatic injuries can be life-altering and cause permanent disability, so it’s important to seek appropriate medical treatment.

A wrongful death case is handled much like a personal injury claim. The injured families can seek financial compensation for a preventable death even if the responsibility is not required to have a criminal defense when no charges were filed.

Contact the Chicago cycling accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, for more on how a personal injury attorney may help you seek compensation for damages.

Filing a Compensation Claim

A common goal of our personal injury attorneys is to seek financial compensation for our clients and ensure that their rights are protected through the legal process.

Typically, we hold drivers responsible for their negligence in harming our clients and file a claim against their insurance company to pay for the injured party’s damages and losses, which could include:

• Hospital visits costs and medical expenses
• Past medical bills
• Funeral & burial costs in wrongful death cases
• Lost wages and future lost earnings
• Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress

Being compensated for your damages is not automatic. The legal process requires you to prove how the other party was at fault for your bicycle accident. To do that, our legal team will prove the four elements of civil tort law, including:

• The driver had a legal responsibility to ensure your safety
• The driver failed (breach) in their duty, leading to an accident
• The accident caused your damages, losses, injuries, or the death of a loved one
• The damages can be proved in court

Are you the victim of a bicycle accident? The law offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help.

Contact our personal injury legal team today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.

We also represent surviving family members who lost loved ones in bicycle accidents to ensure they are compensated for their tragic loss in bicycle accidents or:

• Medical malpractice
• Car accidents
• Premises liability
• Product liability
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective drugs

Hiring Bicycle Accident Lawyers to Resolve Your Cook County, DuPage County, or Lake County Compensation Case

Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident? Speak with an experienced Buffalo Grove bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive compensation and work directly with the insurance companies to negotiate a settlement. Call us today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation.

Our law firm accepts all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This promise ensures you pay nothing until your case is resolved through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Buffalo Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyer Resources:

• CDC – Bicycling Risk Factors
• Consumer Product Safety Commission – Bicycle-Related Accidents