If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, an Elgin bicycle accident lawyer from our law firm can help. The personal injury attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represent seriously injured bicycle riders and accident victims in Elgin and throughout Illinois.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Elgin?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), of the 1,230 bicyclist deaths in 2021, 853 died in motor-vehicle crashes and 377 in other incidents. Males accounted for 88% of all bicycle deaths, over eight times the fatalities for females.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Elgin
Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes in Elgin include:
- Distracted drivers of motor vehicles who are texting, eating, or engaging in other distractions.
- Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists.
- Dooring occurs when a driver opens their door without checking for oncoming cyclists and a rider crashes into it.
- Speeding drivers have less time to react.
- Drunk drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have impaired judgment and reaction time.
Types of Injuries Suffered By Bike Accident Victims in Elgin
A personal injury claim for bicyclists in Elgin can rise from injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma:
- Head and brain injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI) may cause life-long disabilities .
- Broken bones, often in arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
- Road rash occurs when a cyclist is thrown from their bike, and they may slide across the pavement.
- Internal injuries to organs, leading to serious health complications.
Seeking Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Elgin, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve, it is important to work with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can negotiate with the insurance company and help navigate the legal process.
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Bicycle Accident?
Many bicycle accident cases can be settled out of court through skilled negotiation.
What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident in Elgin
If you suffer an accident leading to a bicycle accident case in Elgin, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
- Collect evidence: take photos of the accident and injuries, get witness contact info, obtain the police report, and retain your medical records.
- Consult a bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
What If I’m Partially to Blame for My Bicycle Accident?
In Illinois, the comparative negligence rule applies in personal injury cases. This means that even if a bicycle rider was obeying bicycle laws, riding in a bike lane but is partially at fault for the accident, they may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount of compensation they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident because of a negligent driver, our bicycle accident lawyers here to help. Our bicycle accident attorneys understand the complexities of bicycle accident cases and will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. An Elgin bicycle accident attorney will meet with you to discuss your bicycle accident claim, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.