What to Do If You’ve Been Hit While Riding a Bike in Illinois
Being hit while riding a bike is a traumatic experience. Cyclists have little protection against a multi-ton vehicle, and the consequences of these motor vehicle crashes are often catastrophic. If you were hit while riding a bike in Illinois, you may be entitled to legal compensation. At Glisson Law, we are dedicated to helping injured cyclists hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward. With over 60 years of experience representing personal injury victims across Illinois, Glisson Law understands the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that follow a bicycle accident. Our goal is to ensure that you are not left to shoulder those burdens alone.
Can You File a Lawsuit If You Were Hit While Riding a Bike?
Yes. Under Illinois law, bicyclists are considered lawful users of the road and are entitled to the same protections as motorists. If you were following the rules of the road and a driver struck you, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
At Glisson Law, we help injured cyclists pursue compensation for emergency medical treatment, ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our bicycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to navigate these complex claims and fight for full and fair compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Often Blame the Cyclist
Despite clear laws that protect bicyclists, insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist in order to reduce or deny compensation. Common accusations include riding outside the designated bike lane, not wearing a helmet, failing to wear reflective or bright clothing, or disobeying traffic laws. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the crash. Our attorneys work to disprove false accusations and present evidence that accurately reflects what happened.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Illinois
Driver negligence is a leading cause of bike accidents. Our legal team often sees cases involving drivers turning without checking for cyclists, “dooring accidents” caused by parked car occupants opening doors into bike lanes, distracted driving due to texting or GPS use, speeding, failure to yield at intersections, aggressive or hostile behavior toward cyclists, and poorly maintained or unsafe road conditions. Identifying the cause of the accident is essential to building a strong legal claim. We conduct thorough investigations to determine liability and uncover all possible contributing factors.
Steps to Take After Being Hit While Riding a Bike
The decisions you make in the hours and days after being hit while riding a bike in Illinois can have a lasting impact on your ability to recover compensation. Glisson Law recommends calling 911 and seeking immediate medical attention, filing a police report and obtaining a copy, taking photos of the accident scene, damage, and your injuries, collecting contact information for witnesses, avoiding statements to the insurance company, and contacting a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are often severe due to the lack of physical protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries and bleeding, deep lacerations and road rash, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Some injuries require surgery, prolonged hospitalization, or lifelong care. At Glisson Law, we work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and build a case that reflects both current and future medical needs.
The Importance of Medical Documentation
Accurate and thorough medical documentation is crucial. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize claims by arguing that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. To counter this, seek prompt medical care even for minor symptoms, follow all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments, keep a journal detailing your pain, limitations, and daily challenges, and do not downplay your symptoms when speaking with healthcare providers. By maintaining a comprehensive medical record, we can demonstrate the long-term impact of your injuries and pursue full compensation.
Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions exist. Claims against government entities may have shorter notice periods, and if the injured party is a minor, the deadline may be extended. Delays in pursuing legal action can jeopardize your case. It is critical to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
What Insurance Policies May Cover Your Accident
Several forms of insurance coverage may apply when you are hit while riding a bike in Illinois. The at-fault driver’s liability coverage is typically the primary source. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may also apply, even though you were not in a vehicle at the time. Health insurance can cover initial treatment, while homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may provide additional liability protection under specific circumstances. At Glisson Law, we examine all available sources of coverage to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Additional Parties That May Share Liability
In some cases, additional parties beyond the driver may be liable for your injuries. An employer may be held responsible if the driver was working at the time of the crash. A government agency could share liability if poor road design or maintenance contributed. A manufacturer might be accountable if a defective vehicle or bike component was involved. Similarly, a construction company may be liable if road work created dangerous conditions. Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing your recovery after being hit while riding a bike in Illinois.
Why You Should Hire Glisson Law After Being Hit While Riding a Bike
Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal, medical, and insurance issues. Insurance companies have legal teams working to limit your recovery. You deserve an advocate who understands the law and will protect your rights. When you hire Glisson Law, you benefit from over two decades of personal injury experience, a track record of successful verdicts and settlements, a compassionate team committed to your recovery, and contingency fee representation, which means you pay nothing unless we win. We fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
If you or a loved one has been hit while riding a bike in Illinois, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Glisson Law is here to provide guidance, protection, and experienced representation. Contact us for a free consultation today. We serve clients throughout all of Illinois.