Failure to Yield Bike Accident Lawyer

Bicycling as a mode of transportation is becoming more popular for adults. Whether it is to save money on gas, get more exercise or to lead a greener lifestyle, there are many people that are hopping on a bike more often. In a 2002 survey, over 57 million Americans over 15 years of age said they rode bikes, with almost half of them using roadways when they did. With more bikes on the road, there needs to be increased awareness by motorists to allow these bicyclists to safely get where they are going.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC helps Chicago bicyclists get compensation for their injuries caused in collisions that result when drivers fail to yield to them. Our office has representing hundreds of cyclists across Illinois recover compensation from negligent drivers. Complete this case intake form and we will review your case for free.

Illinois Rules Of The Road Pertaining to Cars and Bicycles on the Road

Although bike laws are different throughout the country, there are laws that regulate how and when vehicles must yield for bicycles on the road. Illinois is a progressive state as far as bike laws are concerned. Since the city of Chicago requires that bicycles use the roadways, not the sidewalks, there are even tougher laws protecting bicyclists on the road.

• 3-Foot Rule. Illinois is one of over 20 states that require that motorists give bicyclists 3 feet or more of space when passing.
• Dooring law. Chicago municipal law requires that persons entering or exiting a vehicle yield to passing bicycles before opening a door into their path.
• Turning right. Chicago law states that when motorists are turning right, they must not turn right directly in front of a bicycle traveling in the same direction.
• Turning left. Motorists in Chicago are required to yield to bicycles approaching from the opposite direction when making a left hand turn.

In general, Chicago requires that motorists give bicycles the same consideration as any other vehicle on the road, and in turn, bicyclists are expected to follow the same rules as well.

Bicyclist Injury Accidents

While there are no national numbers on how many accidents are due to motorists not yielding to bicycles or are at fault, there have been several state surveys that suggest that motorists are to blame over half the time. One five-year study in Hawaii showed motorists were at fault in over 80% of the accidents involving bicycles. 

When motorists fail to yield to bicyclists, the results can be devastating for the bicyclists. In 2008, there were 52,000 bicyclists injured and another 716 killed in traffic accidents. Some common injuries to a bicyclist that occur when a bicycle and vehicle collide are:

• Fractured bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Lacerations and bruises
• Internal injuries

With no protection except for the gear that a bicyclist has on their body, the extent of injuries can be severe. It can take weeks, months and even years to recover from these accidents, leaving the bicyclist with mounting medical bills, lost time from work and other out-of-pocket expenses.

If you are in an accident where a car or vehicle failed to yield to you as a bicyclist, you need a lawyer on your side to fight your case. Proving the motorist was at fault is only part of the fight. You also need someone to ensure that the insurance company or person at fault gives you fair compensation for your injuries. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are experienced in handling Chicago bicycle accident lawsuits and will work tirelessly to get you the best financial compensation agreement possible. Our initial consultation is free and there is no charge for our services unless we get you a financial resolution. Get an Illinois bike accident law firm working for you. 888-424-5757

Resources for bicycle accident statistics:

• http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/811156.pdf
• Car-Striking-Bicyclist-Cook-County-Illinois-Lawsuit (pdf)