Chicago Bicycle Spinal Injuries Lawyer

Helping Chicago Cyclists Recover Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

A bicycle accident can cause spinal injuries that lead to lifelong challenges, including paralysis, chronic pain, and costly medical treatment. If a negligent motor vehicle driver caused your injuries, you may have the right to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. Our Chicago bike accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses, as we’ve done for many of our clients.

If you’ve suffered spinal injuries in a bicycle accident, working with a Chicago bicycle spinal injuries lawyer can help you understand your legal options and maximize your compensation.

• $760,000 for a Chicago cyclist who was stopped at a traffic light and rear-ended by a driver who later blamed poor lighting for the crash.
• $510,000 for a cyclist who suffered facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury after being hit by a car making a left turn.
• $350,000 for a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run crash.

Types of Spinal Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Most bicycle accidents can result in severe spinal injuries, affecting mobility and overall health. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Spinal fractures (vertebral fractures) – A direct impact can break the vertebrae, leading to instability and severe pain.
• Spinal injuries (complete and incomplete) – A complete injury results in total paralysis below the injury site, while an incomplete injury allows some function to remain.
• Herniated discs and bulging discs – Trauma can cause discs to shift, pressing on nerves and causing chronic pain.
• Spinal cord compression – Swelling or damage can pressure the spinal cord, affecting movement and sensation.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Sudden impact can strain the neck and back muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Accidents Leading to Spinal Injuries

Bicycle accidents occur for many reasons, but the most common causes of spinal injuries involve driver negligence and dangerous road conditions.

Motor vehicle drivers who fail to follow traffic laws put bicycle riders at serious risk. Common negligent behaviors include:

• Distracted driving – Prohibited under 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2
• Failure to yield – Regulated under the Illinois Vehicle Code
• Opening a car door without checking – Prohibited under Chicago Municipal Code (Section 9-80-035)

Poorly maintained roads can cause a bicycle crash, forcing cyclists to swerve or lose control. If unsafe road conditions caused your injury, you may take legal action against the at-fault party, such as the city or a property owner. Our Chicago spinal cord injury lawyers can help pursue compensation.

Establishing Liability in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Spinal Injury Case

Injured cyclists must prove that another party was at fault to recover compensation for a bicycle accident in Chicago.

A successful bicycle accident lawsuit must show:

• Duty – The at-fault party had a legal duty to follow bicycle laws and drive safely.
• Breach – They failed to uphold this duty (e.g., reckless driving, failing to yield).
• Causation – Their negligence directly caused the bike crash and resulting spinal injuries.
• Damages – The cyclist suffered economic and non-economic damages.

Potential defendants in a spinal injury bicycle accident case include:

• Negligent drivers – If they violate traffic laws and cause a bicycle accident.
• Municipalities – If road hazards like potholes contributed to the crash.
• Bike manufacturers – If a defective bicycle part led to severe injuries.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident Resulting in a Spinal Injury

Taking the proper steps after a bike accident can protect your health and legal rights.

• Prioritize medical care – Seek immediate medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Spinal injuries can worsen without proper care.
• Call 911 and report the accident – A police report can help establish liability in your bicycle accident claim.
• Document the accident scene – If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.
• Preserve evidence – Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing for your bicycle accident case.
• Keep detailed records – Track medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies – Seek legal advice from a lawyer before making statements to the driver’s insurance company.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Spinal Injury Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident

If you suffered spinal injuries in a bicycle accident, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover compensation. The legal process includes:

• Consulting with a Chicago bicycle accident attorney specializing in spinal injuries – An experienced Chicago bicycle spinal injuries lawyer will evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy.
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence – Police reports, witness statements, medical records, accident scene photos, and expert testimony.
• Filing a lawsuit in Illinois courts – If negotiations with insurance companies fail, your attorney will file a formal bicycle accident claim.
• The discovery process – Both sides share evidence, including medical evaluations and accident reconstruction reports.
• Negotiating a settlement – Many cases settle before trial, securing fair compensation without court proceedings.
• Going to trial – If no agreement is reached, a personal injury attorney will argue for full damages before a judge or jury.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Accident Spinal Injury

Victims of spinal injuries from a bicycle accident may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Assistive care costs;
• Pain and suffering;
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Emotional distress.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Spinal Injury Claims in Illinois

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, bicyclists generally have two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim in Illinois. The deadline may be shorter if the claim is against a government entity. Consulting with an experienced bicycle accident attorney ensures your case is filed within the legal timeframe.

Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries from bicycle accidents can be life-changing, often leading to long-term medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Chicago bike accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation while protecting your legal rights.

These cases are complex and require an attorney with experience handling catastrophic injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but a skilled bicycle accident attorney will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Building a strong case may involve working with medical experts and life care planners to document the injury’s full impact. Beyond legal representation, a personal injury lawyer provides compassionate support, guiding you through the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.

Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys fight for injured cyclists and ensure they receive fair compensation. We understand bicycle accident victims’ challenges and are committed to holding the at-fault party accountable.

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.