Chicago Bicycle Head and Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Chicago Bike Accident Law Firm Helping Cyclists with Head and Brain Injuries

A bicycle accident can cause devastating head injuries, ranging from mild to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries. Cyclists have little protection against the force of a motor vehicle, making them vulnerable to skull fractures, contrecoup injuries, and diffuse axonal injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a bike accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A Chicago bicycle accident injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.

Some of the bicycle accident case settlements we have recovered include:

• $2,250,000 for a Chicago commuter who sustained a serious head injury after being struck by a vehicle while biking to work.
• $510,000 for a cyclist who suffered facial injuries and a mild brain injury when hit by a car making a left turn.
• $350,000 for a cyclist who was injured in a collision with a hit-and-run driver in Chicago.

Types of Head Injuries

A bicycle accident can lead to various brain injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Common types include:

• Concussions (mild traumatic brain injury) – A jolt or impact disrupts brain function, causing dizziness, confusion, and memory issues.
• Skull fractures – A severe impact can break the skull, potentially leading to brain damage or axonal injury.
• Contusions – A direct blow to the head can cause bruising of the brain tissue (contusion), sometimes requiring surgery.
• Hematomas – Blood pooling inside the skull can create dangerous pressure on the brain, requiring emergency medical attention.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Severe TBIs can have long-term effects on brain function, requiring extensive medical treatment. Common TBIs resulting from bicycle accidents include:

• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – A sudden jolt or violent head rotation can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, tearing brain tissue and nerve fibers. DAI can lead to permanent cognitive impairment or coma.
• Contusions and intracranial hemorrhages – A direct impact to the head can cause a contusion or bleeding within the brain (hemorrhage). Severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure and prevent further damage.
• Penetrating brain injuries – In extreme cases, objects from the accident, such as debris or broken helmet pieces, can penetrate the skull, causing severe damage to the brain. These injuries often require emergency surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Head Injuries in Chicago

Many bicycle accidents result in injuries to the head, especially when cyclists are struck by larger vehicles or forced off balance. Common causes include:

• Collisions with motor vehicles – Drivers who fail to yield, run red lights, or engage in distracted driving often hit cyclists, causing TBIs from direct impact or being thrown onto the pavement.
• Dooring accidents – A driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path, leading to a crash and potential skull fractures.
• Falls caused by road hazards – Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can cause cyclists to lose control and suffer injury upon impact.
• Accidents involving pedestrians or other cyclists – Sudden stops or unexpected movements can force a rider to swerve and fall.
• Left– and right-hook accidents – A driver turning across a bike lane without checking can knock a cyclist over, leading to serious injury.

Regardless of the cause, accident victims should seek medical attention immediately and consult a Chicago brain injury lawyer to hold the responsible party accountable.

The Long-Term Effects of TBIs

TBIs can have lasting effects on a person’s physical health, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Even mild injuries to the brain can lead to persistent symptoms, while severe brain injuries may cause lifelong disabilities requiring ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

TBIs can impact motor skills, coordination, and balance. Many accident victims suffer from chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even seizures. More severe cases, such as diffuse axonal injuries, can result in paralysis or permanent loss of function in certain parts of the body.

Brain damage can affect memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Some victims experience difficulty processing information or making decisions, which can interfere with daily activities and work.

Many TBI victims struggle with mood swings, depression, anxiety, and personality changes. Contrecoup and axonal injuries can damage areas of the brain that control emotions, leading to increased irritability, aggression, or impulsivity.

Long-term care for serious injuries to the head can result in overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning potential. Many victims require physical therapy or in-home care, creating a lasting financial burden.

Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident Head Injury Case

To recover compensation for an injury to the head or brain, the injured cyclist must prove that another party was responsible for the accident. This involves establishing negligence, gathering strong evidence, and addressing potential defenses.

To hold the at-fault party accountable, a lawyer must prove:

• Duty – The driver, property owner, or other responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely.
• Breach – The party failed to uphold this duty (e.g., a driver ignored a cyclist’s right-of-way).
• Causation – The bike accident directly caused the brain injuries.
• Damages – The victim suffered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Key evidence in a bicycle accident case includes:

• Police reports document the accident and identify potential traffic violations.
• Witness statements confirming how the accident occurred.
• Medical records show the severity of the injury and necessary treatment.
• Expert testimony from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists.

Experts may analyze skid marks, vehicle impact points, and helmet damage in complex cases to determine how the bicycle accident caused the injury.

Insurance companies may argue that the cyclist was partially at fault for disobeying traffic laws. However, under Illinois’ comparative negligence rule, victims can still seek compensation if they are less than 50% responsible.

The Importance of Hiring a Specialized Bicycle Accident Attorney

When a bicycle accident results in TBIs, having a Chicago bicycle head and traumatic brain injury lawyer with experience in these complex cases is essential. Brain injuries can have lifelong consequences, yet insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.

A lawyer will fight for fair compensation, ensuring victims receive damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Head and Brain Injury Attorney Near You!

Brain injury cases require extensive legal and medical knowledge. If you or a loved one suffered injuries to the head or brain in a bicycle accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our specialized personal injury attorneys in Chicago ensure that victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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.