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Schaumburg Bicycle Accident
A bicycle rider is extremely vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision in a car accident. The injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can be devastating and life-altering.
The Law Offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC work with clients to maximize their financial recovery after suffering severe injuries in bicycle accidents.
Our legal team understands the victims might have long-term health problems or even wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver or company.
Contact our Schaumburg personal injury law firm 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 your Chicago bicycle accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
When the weather warms each year, avid bicyclists take the roads and paths in droves throughout Schaumburg, attracting dense traffic to the Woodfield mall and commercial districts.
Heavier traffic increases the likelihood that bicyclists will be injured in bicycle accidents involving vehicles. Therefore, it is important to take every precaution possible to ensure biker safety whenever you are sharing the roads with motorists.
To learn more about your legal rights following a bike accident or launch an investigation to determine whether the other party involved in your accident was at fault, you may contact the Schaumburg bicycle accident attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to NHTSA's Distraction Facts published in 2015, an estimated 8% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involved bicyclists and pedestrians.
In addition, while approximately 14% of all pedestrians injured in traffic accidents are struck by a car or other vehicle, nearly 75% of bicyclist injuries are caused by collisions with motor vehicles.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Several types of bicycle accidents can occur, including the following:
- The bicyclist is struck by a car or other vehicle from behind
- The cyclist is sideswiped by a car or truck
- The bike rider is hit by a car or truck while riding in the same direction as the vehicle
- The bicyclist is hit by a car or truck while parked and unloading/loading their bicycle
- The cyclist is hit by a car pulling out of a side street, driveway, or parking lot
- The bike rider is struck by a vehicle attempting to pass the bicyclist
- Failing to obey traffic laws when cyclists are in bike lanes
- Failing to follow local laws when sharing the road with others
Distracted driving is almost always the significant cause of bicycle collisions in nearly every case. Data reveals that distracted drivers are more likely to collide with a cyclist, often because they do not see the cyclist until it is too late.
Driver distractions can include anything that takes the driver's attention away from the road, including texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking while driving, grooming, and using a GPS.
Heavy Traffic Poses Additional Risk to Bicyclists
Schaumburg has gained renown for its commercial developments and is home to many corporate headquarters and offices belonging to giant companies. In addition, the Woodfield Mall is one of the largest malls in the country, and the businesses nearby draw additional traffic.
Schaumburg is also within ten miles of one of the busiest airports in the world, so it should be no surprise that its streets are always filled with traffic.
The easiest way to decrease your chances of being involved in a bike accident is to avoid highly trafficked roads, if possible, but you may be forced at some point to share the road with motorists.
Many of the laws mimic those of Illinois's Rules of the Road. Still, it is important to understand bicycle-specific ordinances to protect your rights if you are involved in a bike accident.
- Schaumburg requires bicyclists to obtain licenses for their bicycles (Schaumburg Ordinance 73.04) and abide by bicycle safety laws to reduce the chances of being involved in bicycle accidents.
- Unless riding on a path or road established specifically for bicycles, cyclists may only ride single file and must stay as far to the right as safely possible (Ordinance 73.12).
- Never ride at speeds that may compromise your safety or which are more than local speed limits (Ordinance 73.11).
- Safety equipment is required on all bicycles within Schaumburg's limits. The required equipment includes a headlamp, rear light or reflector, horn or bell, and working brake (Ordinance 73.13).
- You are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk within business districts and must signal pedestrians when planning to pass them while riding in districts where you may occupy the sidewalk (Ordinance 73.17).
- As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring that your child abides by the rules of the road and local laws and may be subject to a fine for non-compliance (Ordinance 73.07).
The Compensation You Are Entitled to Receive in Schaumburg When Injured in a Bike Accident
Trying to understand local ordinances and state laws and how they apply to your case can be extremely confusing and frustrating.
However, it is important to understand that even if you share responsibility for your accident, it is still possible to recover compensation. For this reason, you must have your case reviewed by one of the accredited Schaumburg bicycle accident attorneys.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we employ the use of accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, and medical experts, and economists to determine who is really at fault for your injuries, as well as the cost required to facilitate your full recovery.
The injuries below are commonly the result when someone has been involved in an accident and can require expensive medical care to treat, making it that much more important to ensure that these costs are covered:
- Traumatic brain injuries and neurological conditions: Catastrophic collisions between moving passenger vehicles/commercial trucks and bicyclists could leave the victim with life-altering traumatic brain injuries.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: When a bicyclist is involved in an accident with another motor vehicle or any other type of heavy machinery, puncture wounds and lacerations are common. These can lead to infections, especially if the cyclist was not wearing bicycle safety equipment at the time of their crash.
- Orthopedic injuries: When a bicycle collides with another object or person, the risk of orthopedic injuries is very high. These injuries include broken bones, dislocations, and sprains/strains that can significantly lose mobility and a decreased quality of life from pain and suffering.
- Spinal cord injuries: Catastrophic damage to the spinal column can result in paralysis, including paraplegic, quadriplegia, tetraplegia.
- Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones are the most common injury resulting from bicycle accidents. These injuries can be mild or serious enough to cause long-term disability, chronic pain, and permanent impairment.
- Road rash: Road rash is a term given to the scrapes, burns, and lacerations that result when you scrape your body along the pavement after being involved in an accident while riding your bike. This type of injury can lead to long-term scarring, infection, and significant pain.
- Internal bleeding: Many cases of internal bleeding go undiagnosed when the emergency room doctor is not equipped to diagnose the injury properly. The bleeding usually stops on its own once the victim is off their bicycle. Still, it could signify a more serious condition that may require an operation or hospitalization.
- Amputation (dismemberment): The blunt force impact of a moving vehicle against the human body can lead to dismemberment when a limb is severed at the hand, elbow, shoulder, knee, or ankle.
- Internal organ damage: Puncture wounds, blunt force trauma, and other injuries can cause significant damage to the internal organs. Ruptured spleens are often removed after motor vehicle accidents due to the risk of infection and high blood loss that this injury can cause.
In nearly all personal injury cases, the extent of the injuries suffered in a bike accident requires immediate medical attention, followed by years of rehabilitation, therapy, and surgeries.
Sometimes, the damage is so extensive that the injured party will never heal completely, leading to temporary or permanent disability. As a result, our bicycle accident lawyers will usually file personal injury claims seeking additional financial compensation for lifelong disabilities.
How a Schaumburg, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
In addition to personal injuries from the bike accident, you may also have damages for your damaged or lost property, including your bicycle and bike equipment. As with any personal injury case, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and lost income, both past and future.
If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to understand that you have rights as a victim. Therefore, in addition to the cost of your medical expenses and lost wages, the at-fault party should also be held responsible for any pain and suffering you may experience.
Our professional bicycle accident lawyers offer a free consultation to all victims to discuss their legal options. In addition, we always make sure our clients are well informed of their entire legal case to make an educated decision about how best to move forward.
Our personal injury law firm represents clients in both Illinois and Indiana, including Schaumburg, IL.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident Injury
In the first few moments after a bicycle accident, you likely are unaware of the extent of your injuries or what to do next. Before beginning the legal process, ensure that your medical condition is assessed, damage accurately diagnosed, and file the recommended treatment for your doctors.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not believe you are injured. Many injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and head injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Do not leave the scene of the accident.
If you have been involved in an accident, our personal injury attorneys suggest that you take the following steps right away:
- Stay calm and assess your physical condition to see if you are injured or not. If there is any visible bleeding, take steps to stop the bleeding.
- Call 911 and ask for an EMT transported to the hospital even if you suspect that your injuries are only minor.
- When the police arrive, provide only minimal information until you are sure that you are sufficiently healthy to answer questions.
- Have someone take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries as soon as possible; include all visible damage, including bruises, lacerations, and road rash.
- Have someone you trust get statements from any eyewitnesses at the scene.
- Never give a written, oral, or video statement of your side of the story until you have discussed what happened with your personal injury attorney.
- Contact an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation.
Contact a Schaumburg bicycle accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation so that our Schaumburg bicycle accident attorneys can review your legal opportunities with you and help you take the next step toward your recovery.
Our Chicago bicycle accident law firm has helped hundreds of clients injured in bicycle/car accidents just like yours. We are so confident that we will help you that if we fail to secure compensation on your behalf, our services will be free.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Under Illinois law, every individual harmed through another's negligence has a legal opportunity to file a civil lawsuit or personal injury claim for compensation.
However, these cases are often complex and require the skills of Chicago bicycle accident attorneys who can build a case, and negotiate with insurance companies, and resolve a case to ensure that their client receives maximum compensation.
The law allows the victim to seek full and fair compensation from the liable party, and their insurance company, based on contributing factors including:
- The extent and severity of their injuries
- The length of time required to heal completely, if possible
- All damages, including property damage
- How law enforcement document the accident and police reports
- Whether any future rehabilitation, therapy, or surgeries will be required to heal completely
- An estimate of all future medical expenses
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, legal counsel can help protect your rights and pursue the amount of compensation you deserve.
This type of settlement may include damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages due to missing work during the recovery period
- Lost earning potential throughout their lifetime as a result of permanent disability or death
- Emotional trauma and distress caused by a bicycle accident
- Any additional special damages related to the accident.
Before you start negotiations with an insurance company, have your personal injury attorneys review all available options for securing compensation for your injuries after discussing how the accident occurred.
They can explain how much compensation is justified based on the facts of your case and determine if you have any legal options or defenses.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you sustained injuries due to another person's negligence, call our Cook County law offices to schedule your free consultation today at (888) 424-5757. The sooner the case is opened, the better chance of preserving key evidence and obtaining compensation for your injuries.
Our legal team accepts all personal injury cases, medical malpractice claims, and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This agreement ensures that you pay nothing until we resolve your case involving personal injuries through a negotiated settlement or jury award.
Our personal injury law firm serves clients throughout Illinois and numerous areas, including Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County, Will County, Peoria County, Sangamon County, Will County, Winnebago County, Arlington Heights, Chicago, Orland Park, Oak Park, Tinley Park, Downers Grove, etc.