Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Recovering Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Chicago

Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team represents injured bicyclists, pedestrians, and families whose lives have been disrupted by careless drivers, unsafe road conditions, and others’ negligence. 

Our legal team has handled every type of bicycle accident in Chicago — from collisions in protected cycling lanes downtown to hit-and-run crashes in residential neighborhoods — and we know how quickly a peaceful ride can turn into a devastating event.

Whether your case involves a distracted driving incident, a dooring crash, or a motor vehicle turning illegally into a cyclist’s path, we have the resources and experience to protect your rights from day one. Book a free consultation today!

Bicycle Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$2,250,000 – Commuter Struck on Morning Ride

Maria, a daily cyclist commuting along Milwaukee Avenue, was struck by a driver who ran a red light. She suffered a severe head injury and months of rehabilitation. Because the driver was uninsured, we recovered the full policy limit through her underinsured motorist coverage.

$1,000,000 – Bicycle-Dooring Injury

While riding in a designated bike lane in Lincoln Park, 26-year-old Jenna was “doored” by a motor vehicle driver exiting without checking for cyclists. She tore her rotator cuff and required surgery. We proved the driver violated a Chicago bicycle ordinance, securing a seven-figure settlement.

$760,000 – Rear-End Collision at Stoplight

James, an experienced cyclist, was hit from behind while waiting at a traffic signal on Clark Street. The driver blamed poor visibility, but our accident lawyers established clear negligence. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Makes Us the Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Chicago

When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you need a team with the resources, trial experience, and local insight to win against even the largest insurance companies. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve built our reputation as top-rated Chicago bicycle accident attorneys by delivering results for injured cyclists across the city and suburbs.

With over $490 million recovered, our firm has been recognized by legal organizations, including Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, and Avvo, for excellence in personal injury cases. We combine aggressive advocacy with compassionate client care, ensuring you understand every step of your bicycle accident case while we handle the complex legal process.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

Our work as a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer covers a wide range of situations. Every bicycle accident case is unique, but we frequently represent bicycle injury victims in:

• Collisions with motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and rideshare vehicles
• Bicycle-door accidents, where a driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
• Intersection and crosswalk crashes caused by failure to yield or running red lights
• Bike lane accidents where drivers illegally encroach or park in the lane
• Defective bicycle components or protective gear leading to injury
• Poorly maintained roadways or hazardous conditions created by property owners

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

We know that most bicycle accidents in Chicago are preventable. Common factors include:

• Distracted driving, including cell phone use
• Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
• Speeding and aggressive driving in urban areas
• Improper lane changes or encroachment into cycling lanes
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poor visibility due to weather or inadequate lighting
• Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris

What Are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Bicycle accident injuries often lead to significant medical costs, lost earnings, and long-term rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries sustained by bicycle accident victims include:

• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries that can cause permanent disabilities
• Broken bones and severe fractures
• Soft tissue injuries affecting mobility
• Facial injuries from impact with the road or vehicle
• Road rash and deep lacerations
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Other catastrophic injuries

What Damages Can Injured Cyclists Recover in Illinois?

Depending on the circumstances of your bicycle accident case, compensation in bicycle accident cases may include:

• Medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses
• Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage, including repair or replacement of your bicycle and safety gear
• Pain and suffering from both physical injuries and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life, especially in cases involving permanent injuries
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members when a bicycle accident results in a fatality

What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Case Worth in Chicago?

According to recent data, the average payout for a Chicago bicycle accident case is $668,909, while the median settlement is $108,649. Reported case values in Cook County range from $5,000 to $8,000,000.

Several factors influence the value of a bicycle accident settlement, including:

• The extent of bicycle accident injuries and whether they are permanent
• The amount of available insurance coverage
• The clarity of liability and strength of the police report, witness testimony, and medical records
• The economic damages such as medical bills and lost earnings
• The non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Bicycle v Truck Accident

Terri, a 49-year-old saleswoman, was riding her bike southbound on LaSalle Street when a tractor-trailer turned right in front of her at the intersection with Chicago Avenue. She collided with the trailer, was dragged under the wheels, and suffered a crushed pelvis. 

Her injuries included multiple fractures, internal damage, and severe disfigurement, requiring 14 surgeries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center. Terri faced permanent mobility limitations and urinary control issues. Through mediation before trial, the case resolved for $9.75 million, covering her medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

CTA Bus v Bicycle Accident

Ki, an 18-year-old University of Chicago student, was cycling on Hyde Park Boulevard when a city bus attempted to pass her and struck her. The bus’s back tire ran over her, fracturing her pelvis, degloving her heel, and causing catastrophic damage to her mobility. She underwent multiple surgeries, including a complex muscle graft to reconstruct her heel. 

Despite recovering some mobility, Ki faced permanent limitations that prevented her from returning to athletic activities. On the fifth day of trial, she reached a $5 million settlement to address her past and future medical bills, ongoing pain, and life-altering injuries.

Intersection Bicycle Crash

Katherine, a 20-year-old riding home from work, entered a crosswalk on Lake Cook Road when a driver failed to stop and struck her. She sustained multiple pelvic fractures and a serious shoulder injury, resulting in permanent pain, mobility issues, and limitations in her chosen career as a hairstylist. 

Expert testimony showed she would face ongoing pain, difficulty standing, and pregnancy-related complications in the future. After the defense disputed her injuries, the jury awarded $2,065,000 for past and future pain, suffering, disability, and lost earning capacity.

Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents in Chicago can lead to life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a complicated legal process. From the moment a crash occurs, insurance companies are already working to minimize their payout, often before injured bicyclists have even finished receiving medical attention. That’s why having an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer on your side is critical.

Our firm has seen firsthand how bicycle accident victims can be left struggling with medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. A bicycle accident attorney not only understands Illinois law and local bicycle laws but also knows how to navigate Cook County court procedures, work with accident reconstruction experts, and gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to strengthen your bicycle accident personal injury claim.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 crash statistics, Chicago recorded 1,410 reported crashes involving bicyclists. Of these, 7 were fatal and 1,246 resulted in injuries.

Where Do Bicycle Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Bicycle accidents in Chicago tend to cluster in areas with high vehicle traffic, limited bicycle lane separation, and frequent intersections. The most common locations include:

• Downtown streets and Loop intersections – Heavy congestion and turning motor vehicles create high collision risks for injured cyclists.
• Milwaukee Avenue corridor – Known as one of the city’s busiest bike routes, but also a hotspot for dooring accidents and bike crashes involving ride-share vehicles.
• Near college campuses – Areas around the University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University see frequent bicycle collisions due to dense mixed traffic and inexperienced drivers.
• Lakefront Trail crossings – Points where bike paths intersect with roadways often lead to bicycle accidents when drivers fail to yield.
• Neighborhood business districts – Commercial areas like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park record higher rates of bicycle accidents due to frequent parking turnover and delivery truck activity.

What Traffic Laws Govern Bicycle Accident Claims in Chicago?

Bike accident claims in Chicago are governed by both Illinois law and municipal ordinances that protect bicyclists and set rules for drivers. Key state provisions include:

• Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) – Contains statewide bicycle laws, including the “three-foot passing” requirement (625 ILCS 5/11-703), which mandates that motor vehicle drivers give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when overtaking.
• llinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) – Governs bicycle accident lawsuits brought by surviving family members when a fatal bicycle crash occurs.

The Chicago Municipal Code contains detailed regulations for bicycle operation, including:

• Sidewalk Riding (9-52-020)
• Speed of Bicycles (9-52-030)
• Yielding Right-of-Way (9-52-040)
• Hand Signals (9-52-045)
• Single File Riding (9-52-050)
• Carrying Articles (9-52-060)
• Proper Safety Equipment Requirements (9-52-080)
• Riding Regulations (9-52-090)
• Device Use Ban (9-52-110)

In the landmark 1998 Illinois Supreme Court case Boub v. Township of Wayne, the Court held that municipalities were not liable for injuries cyclists sustained due to poorly maintained roads. The reasoning was that cyclists were considered “permitted, but not intended, users” of most roadways in Illinois unless those roads were specifically designated for bicycle use. 

This interpretation created a significant obstacle for injured cyclists seeking compensation from municipalities. However, in 2017, Illinois enacted Dennis’s Law, which clarified that bicycles are indeed “intended users” of all Illinois roadways where bicycles are permitted.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

The time limit to file a bicycle accident personal injury lawsuit depends on the nature of the case. In most bike accident cases involving injury, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for personal injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

If the crash results in a fatality, eligible family members generally have two years from the date of death to bring a claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations.

If your Chicago bicycle accident case involves a city department or other public entity, you must meet shorter notice requirements under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/).

Certain exceptions may extend these deadlines, such as when the injured bicyclist is a minor or when the injury was not immediately discoverable. Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. That’s why it’s important to hire a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Who Is Legally Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

Liability in a Chicago bicycle accident case depends on the circumstances of the crash. Potentially responsible parties include:

• Motor vehicle drivers who cause a bicycle collision by speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or opening a door into a cyclist’s path.
• Commercial vehicle operators and their employers when delivery trucks, rideshare drivers, or buses cause bike accidents in high-traffic zones.
• Municipalities or government agencies if unsafe road design, potholes, or failure to maintain bike lanes leads to bicycle accident injuries — especially under Dennis’s Law when cyclists are intended roadway users.
• Property owners whose premises create dangerous conditions spilling into bicycle lanes or paths.
• Bicycle or parts manufacturers in a product liability lawsuit when defective frames, brakes, or components cause a crash.

Common Defenses in Chicago Bicycle Accident Cases

Defendants and drivers’ insurance companies may try to reduce or deny your claim by:

• Suggesting injuries sustained were worsened because you were not wearing a helmet or using required lights.
• Asserting the accident was caused by a sudden and unavoidable condition.
• Arguing you knowingly accepted the risks involved in riding under certain conditions.

We counter these defenses by gathering evidence quickly, using expert testimony, and applying Illinois traffic laws and the Chicago Municipal Code to prove the other party’s negligence.

How to Strengthen Your Bike Accident Case in Chicago

You can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful outcome by taking the following steps after a bicycle crash occurs:

1. Seek medical attention immediately — Even if you feel fine, some injuries such as internal bleeding or soft tissue injuries may not be obvious right away.
2. Call the police and file a report — Ensure the incident is documented and obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
3. Preserve evidence — Keep your damaged bike, helmet, and clothing; take photos of the scene, injuries, and any involved vehicles.
4. Get witness information — Names and contact details can be critical in proving fault.
5. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal representation — Adjusters may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement.
6. Document your losses — Save medical bills, records, and proof of lost wages to establish economic damages.

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will handle the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.

FAQs

What evidence do I need for a Chicago bicycle accident claim?

Key evidence includes the police report, photographs or video from the scene, medical records, witness statements, and, when available, footage from nearby traffic or security cameras, as well as the damaged bicycle and any safety gear.

Can I still be compensated if I share some of the blame for my bicycle crash?

The Illinois Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) allows injured bicyclists to recover compensation even if partially at fault, so long as they are less than 50% responsible for the crash.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

If the driver at fault has no insurance or too little coverage, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can explore other avenues for recovery. This might include making a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, pursuing liable third parties, or exploring product liability if defective equipment played a role.

What does it cost to hire a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer?

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you. The fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, discussed in advance.

I was visiting from out of state and got hurt in a Chicago bike crash. Do I still have legal options?

Yes. Even if you live elsewhere, you can bring a claim in Illinois for a bicycle accident that occurred in Chicago. Your lawyer will handle the local court filings, deadlines, and legal process on your behalf, keeping you updated remotely.

What steps has Chicago taken to improve bicycle safety?

The City of Chicago has expanded its network of protected bicycle lanes, implemented “Vision Zero” traffic safety initiatives, and increased signage and pavement markings at high-risk intersections. Other bicycle accident resources and initiatives include Chainlink Community Forum and Ride Illinois.

How long does it usually take to resolve a bike accident case?

Some cases settle within a few months if liability is clear and damages are well-documented, while others—especially those involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties—can take a year or more to resolve through negotiation or trial.

Book a Free Case Review with a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You

If you’ve been injured in a Chicago bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to take on insurance companies or negligent drivers alone. Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago have extensive experience representing injured bicyclists and their families, and we know how to build strong cases that hold at-fault parties accountable. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case.

Call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. A bicycle accident lawyer will review your case, explain your legal options, and start the process of securing the full and fair compensation you deserve for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.