Failure to Yield Bike Accident Lawyer: Chicago, Illinois

Bicycling, as a mode of transportation, is becoming more popular for adults. For some cyclists, using a bike saves money on gas, provides more exercise, and leads to a greener lifestyle.

In a government survey, more than fifty-seven million Americans over fifteen years of age said they rode bikes. Half of those riders used the roadways. Motorist awareness is more critical than ever as the roads become crowded to ensure bicyclists get where they are going safely.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC helps Chicago bicyclists get compensation for their injuries caused in collisions when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way in a crosswalk, bike lane, or other area. Our bicycle accident lawyers have represented hundreds of cyclists across Illinois recover compensation from negligent drivers that break traffic laws. Complete our case intake form. Let us we will review your case in a free consultation.

Our law firm protects the rights of bicyclists by taking immediate legal action. We seek compensation for economic damages (medical care, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain-and-suffering) through an accident case in effective attorney-client relationships. Our bicycle accident attorneys will file a personal injury claim on behalf of the plaintiff before the state statute of limitations expires.

Illinois Rules of the Road for Cars and Bicycles on the Road

Although bike laws are different throughout the country, there are specific rules that regulate how and when vehicles must yield for bicycles on the road. Illinois is a progressive state that protects bike riders.

The city of Chicago requires that bicyclists use the roadways, not the sidewalks. The strict ordinances protect bicyclists from severe accidents and injuries. To avoid a car accident with serious injuries, motorists must follow the rules including:

• Three-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 make a right turn, 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 but drivers often hit bicyclists while executing a left turn especially while going through a red light.
• Right of way. Motor vehicle drivers must give the yield the right of way to a bike rider or pedestrians at a stop sign, traffic light, or intersection by following the rules of the road.

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

Distracted driving is a serious problem when sharing the road with cyclists. Driving while distracted can lead to accidents involving critical injuries, broken bones, and wrongful death. The driver's failure to see the cyclists along their path or in a blind spot can be catastrophic.

Law enforcement often cites the at-fault driver involved in a failure to yield accident, especially if the police can prove the motorist was sending/reading a text message or talking on a cell phone when the accident occurred.

Bicyclist Injury Accidents

There are no national numbers on how many accidents are due to motorists not yielding to bicycles or are at fault. However, there have been several state surveys that suggest motorists are to blame over half the time. One five-year study in Hawaii showed the negligence of motorists who 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 2018, there were over 50,000 bicyclists injured and another 857 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

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

Lawyers Representing Injured Bicyclists in Chicago

If you are in an accident where a car or vehicle failed to yield when you were bike riding, you need an accident lawyer on your side to fight your case. Proving the motorist or truck driver was at fault is only part of the fight. You also need legal assistance to ensure that the insurance company or person at fault gives you fair monetary compensation for your injuries.

The property damage attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC our experienced in handling Chicago bicycle accident lawsuits. We will work tirelessly to get you the best financial compensation settlement possible.

We provide the injured party a free case evaluation. There is no charge for our legal representation unless we obtain a financial resolution on your behalf. Get an Illinois bike accident law firm working for you. Call (888) 424-5757 today.

Resources for bicycle accident statistics:

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