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Rockford Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, there is little to no recourse for your injuries. You can be seriously hurt or even killed, but the driver will usually face little to no consequences.
Having no recourse is wrong and unfair! In addition, drivers should have more accountability than they currently do when injuring bicyclists on the road.
At the law offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we serve as legal advocates for bicyclist rights and safety and provide legal representation when our clients are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
Contact our Rockford accident attorneys at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for immediate legal help and schedule a free consultation. No matter what happened during your accident, an experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Bicycling in Rockford, Illinois
Rockford is one of the most populated cities in Illinois and has enacted ordinances intending to protect its large number of avid bicyclists. Bicycling has become extremely popular in recent years as people become more health conscious, look for ways to save money and seek new forms of recreation.
It is important to understand Rockford's laws to avoid guilt if involved in an accident. The Rockford bicycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are happy to review laws regarding bikes and other vehicles with two wheels with you and discuss your legal options if you have been injured and require legal advice.
Rockford Bike Trails
Its proximity to numerous forest preserves and trails makes Rockford a wonderful place to take a bike hike. In addition, riders may choose to travel along the Long Prairie Trail, which follows a section of the old Kenosha Division Rail Line.
They can also enjoy a forest ride along the trails within the Kieselburg Forest Preserve or visit Rock Cut State Park in neighboring Loves Park. It has access to seven miles of trails designed specifically for mountain bikers.
Adherence to Bike Laws Protects Your Rights
While many bicycle accidents result from negligence on behalf of motorists, defendants will often use non-adherence to local laws to mitigate damage. It hurts your case if you were breaking the law at the time of your accident, so it is important to observe local ordinances for your protection and the protection of others.
Section 16-77 of Article IV of the Rockford Code of Ordinances highlights the following rules which bicyclists must follow:
- Never carry passengers on a bicycle, as this endangers you as well as your passenger
- Riding on the sidewalk is prohibited in areas of business or commerce
- When riding on the sidewalk where permitted, you must stay to the right and make pedestrians aware of your presence before passing
- You may not hitch onto any motor vehicle
- When a bike path or bicycle lane has been provided, bicyclists must use that lane and refrain from occupying any other part of the street
National and Illinois Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, in 2017, there were 726 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States. This rate is a 5.5 percent increase from 2011 and the highest number of bicyclist fatalities since 1991.
In Illinois, during 2017, there were 14 bicyclists killed, which is a rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population. This number is the same as in 2015 and lower than the national average of 2.9 cyclists killed per 100,000 people.
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that the most frequent cause of bicycle accidents statewide is motorists turning left in front of a bicyclist, accounting for 36 percent of all crashes. This traffic violation was also the leading cause of fatalities. Other causes of accidents include:
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Bicyclist going too fast for conditions
- Motorist opening door into the path of bicycles
- A bicyclist riding into the path of a motor vehicle
- Road hazards and defects
Bicycle Accident Fatalities
While the number of fatalities has remained relatively consistent in Illinois, it is important to be aware of the dangers bicyclists face when sharing the road with motorists.
Data reveals the most common cause of a bike accident fatality includes:
- Motorists turning in front of the bicyclist
- Riding into the path of a motor vehicle
- Distracted driving with a motor vehicle jumps the bike lane or drives on bike paths
Bicycling at night without proper lighting equipment can also increase your chance of being involved in an accident, so it is critical to make sure you are visible to motorists.
Increasing visibility requires using accessories such as head or hand lights, wearing reflective clothing, and using reflectors on your bike.
It is important to be aware of the local laws and ride safely and defensively to protect yourself and others. If you have been injured in a bike accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.
If you were injured on your bicycle while on the job, you are likely entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits through your employer to ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment.
Drivers Must be Held Accountable for the Accidents They Cause
Even though a bicyclist can cause an accident if they fail to adhere to local bike laws, drivers are liable for Rockford bicycle accidents more often than not. According to the law, the driver either fails to notice the cyclist or invades the space that the cyclist is entitled to use.
When the driver is at fault, they must provide compensation so that the victim may pay for the cost of treating their injuries and any other expenses that result from the accident.
For example, compensation can be provided for the following.
- Surgical treatment of broken bones and rehabilitative therapy
- Long-term care of neurological disorders resulting from traumatic brain injuries
- Treatment of lacerations and infections caused by the introduction of debris to open wounds
- Care for spinal cord injuries, including surgeries to repair the back or spine
- Lost wages due to an inability to work throughout the victim's physical recovery
- Pain and suffering
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
In the first moments after a bicycle crash, what you do next could save a life or minimize the healing process. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), these are the steps you should take:
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
If you are injured while riding a bicycle, call for medical help. If you are not injured, check on other people involved in the accident, including those in motor vehicles.
Call 911
If there is a serious injury, call 911 immediately. If there is no serious injury but you need police assistance, you can call the police after you call for medical help to ensure that someone will be there when emergency services arrive.
Give Everyone Involved in the Accident Contact Information
Before emergency workers arrive, make sure that all motorists and bicyclists involved in the accident give their contact information to one another. Gathering information ensures everyone knows who will be responsible (at-fault party) for which bills. In addition, it establishes a paper trail in case one party later denies their role in the accident.
Exchange Information
When emergency workers arrive, make sure to tell them if anyone is injured or dead. If there are any serious injuries, request that they transport the victim immediately to the hospital. If no injuries are apparent, make sure to tell the emergency workers what happened.
Be Prepared for Liability Disputes Involving Rockford Bicycle Accidents
Even though you will do your best to follow proper procedures after an accident, there may still be disputes about who is at fault. If this happens, report the accident according to the above steps and then contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Rockford bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, and it is important to know what to do if you are involved in one. First, drivers must be held accountable for their actions, and victims should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How a Rockford, Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
The Rockford bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have helped thousands of clients injured in bicycle accidents receive the treatment they need and recover the compensation required to pay for their care.
Contact us now to arrange a risk-free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we can maximize the value of your case through the use of an expert team of medical experts, economists, accident reconstruction specialists, and proven attorneys.
Unless we can negotiate a settlement or secure a court judgment in your favor, our services will always be free of charge.
Can I Sue Somebody for Hitting Me on My Bicycle?
Our Rockford personal injury attorneys represent many individuals hurt in bicycle accidents caused by another's negligence. According to Illinois law, every injured party has a legal right to seek financial compensation from those who caused them harm.
Your legal action includes filing a claim against negligent drivers and their insurance companies and others who might be at fault for causing your damages. We handle every side of the case and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim
Even if you experience minor injuries or minimal property damage in a bicycle accident case, you still have a legal right to seek financial compensation for your damages and losses. However, these cases can be complex.
That is why you need an experienced bike accident lawyer in Rockford on your side to help you build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve.
An attorney working on your behalf can build a case, speak directly to the insurance company, or claims adjuster, and hold the responsible party financially accountable.
Once the claim is filed, your lawyer can help manage the case and keep you up to date on its progress. The process for resolving a claim include:
- Conciliation: This is how parties try to resolve issues with minimal court involvement. During this phase, settlement negotiations occur, and lawyers document pertinent information regarding your damages and injuries.
- Trial: If conciliation fails, a civil trial will be scheduled for you to present evidence and witnesses on your behalf. Your attorney or legal representative will argue your case before a judge or jury.
- Appeal: If the verdict is unfavorable, you have the right to file an appeal. This process can take several months or even years and typically requires the assistance of an appellate lawyer.
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Your personal injury lawyer will help you gather evidence, document your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to seek full compensation for all your losses.
Even if you are involved in an accident, you have rights that are not your fault. Contact us now to speak directly with a bike accident lawyer in Rockford or learn more about what we can do to help you seek justice.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Surviving family members who lost a loved one in a fatal bike accident have legal remedies available to obtain the financial compensation they deserve for their damages.
Generally, qualifying entities and individuals include the decedent's estate, surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, and others.
Much like a personal injury case, a wrongful death lawsuit will pay damages that include:
- Hospital cost and medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
To qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit, you must file your claim within two years of the date of your loved one's death. However, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
We understand the grief and suffering surviving family members experience after losing a loved one in a bicycle accident.
The Rockford personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have been helping those dealing with injuries from an accident for years and will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Filing Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Rockford bicycle accidents can be serious and often result in serious injuries or death. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to know what to do.
First, make sure you are okay and have no major injuries.
- If there are any injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
- In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. This restriction means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.
- It is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss any important deadlines.
Are you unable to file a personal injury lawsuit due to injuries? If so, your lawyer can file a "TIL" or "tolling" motion which will extend the statute of limitations until you are medically able to proceed with your case.
It is also important to contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you are taking all the necessary steps to protect your rights.
How Much is My Case Worth?
Every bicycle accident case with minor to severe injuries or wrongful death is unique with different evidence and facts. Therefore, accurately determining the case's value can be challenging.
However, a Rockford personal injury lawyer from our law offices will use their years of experience in calculating methods to determine your lawsuit's value accurately.
Contributing factors to determine your case's worth include:
- The extent of your injuries and the length of time it will take to heal if possible
- Lost wages and how much you would have earned if you were able to work
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills (if the injury prevents you from working)
- Property damage or loss of property value because of the accident
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't have to pay us until you receive an award or settlement in your case. After that, the insurance company will pay for our legal representation.
The attorneys at our law firm understand how scary it can be after being involved in a bicycle accident. We are here to help you every step of the way through the legal claims process. Call us today for a free case review and consultation at (888) 424-5757.
The Rockford bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, understand how difficult it can be after a bicycle accident.
Therefore, our law firm offers every injured person a free consultation to discuss Illinois tort law in receiving financial compensation from the at-fault party through their insurance policy.
Hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm to Resolve your Bicycle Accident Case
Were you involved in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence? Our Rockford personal injury attorneys get you the treatment you need for your injuries and get money to pay for your medical care and other damages. At the same time, we work hard to prove liability in court.
Our legal team accepts all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on contingency, meaning you will pay no upfront fees until your case is resolved.
Additionally, all confidential or sensitive information you share with your Rockford personal injury lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Call our law office today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) to speak with a Rockford bicycle accident lawyer concerning your accident involving a bicycle and motor vehicle.
Our Cook County law office currently provides legal representation to injured parties throughout Illinois and the following localities: Cook County, Kane County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, Winnebago County, etc.