Joliet Bicycle Accidents

Why Choose Midwest Injury Lawyers for Your Joliet Bicycle Accident Case?

At Midwest Injury Lawyers, we want to do everything in our power to recover the maximum compensation possible on your behalf. We focus on standing up for you, protecting your rights, and making your voice heard.

Here’s why you should choose us for your Joliet bicycle accident case:

• Experienced Legal Representation: As our client, you are our top priority. We handle your case with the utmost respect and attention, from the beginning of your claim to its ultimate conclusion. We communicate openly, ensuring you remain in control and make informed decisions about your future.
• Help with Your Recovery: We can help you obtain necessary medical care by coordinating with healthcare professionals and negotiating liens on favorable terms. This approach allows you to get the treatment you deserve without the stress of upfront medical costs.
• Experienced and Recognized Attorneys: Our founding partners, Chet Cameron Jr. and Sam Carl, bring decades of experience to every case they handle. Our firm’s success in recovering substantial compensation for our clients is a testament to our dedication and skill.
• Client-Driven Service: We’re proud of the accolades and client testimonials we have received for our professionalism and devotion to quality service. Our commitment to your case is unwavering, from investigation to negotiation and even in the courtroom if necessary.
• You Only Pay If We Win: Our contingency fee approach means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This policy ensures you can access the skilled legal representation you deserve, regardless of your finances.
• Peace of Mind: Dealing with insurance companies is overwhelming. We take on the burden of communicating and negotiating with them so you can concentrate fully on your recovery.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?

Determining the value of an Illinois bicycle accident claim involves considering numerous factors. Here are key elements that commonly influence the payout in these claims:

Medical Expenses

This significant factor includes the costs of immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs resulting from the accident. If your injuries are severe and require long-term treatment, they could substantially increase your claim’s value.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

If the accident prevents you from working, you could claim compensation for the income you lose as a result. This includes the money you have lost to date and potential future earnings losses if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical and emotional distress you endure as a result of the accident. This factor is highly subjective, and compensation varies considerably depending on the severity of the injuries, how they affect your daily life, and the skills of your attorney.

Liability

The clearer it is that the other party was at fault, the more compensation you could recover. This means you have a better chance of recovering the full amount you deserve if you have strong evidence of liability and quality legal representation.

Insurance Policy Limits

The at-fault party’s insurance coverage also plays a significant role in the amount of compensation you can get. Higher policy limits mean more money is on the table.

Remember, each bicycle accident claim in Illinois is different. A Joliet bicycle accident lawyer can give you a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?

In Illinois, both cyclists and motorists must adhere to specific rules to ensure road safety. Below are the regulations and equipment requirements for Illinois cyclists, plus the responsibilities of motorists sharing the road with cyclists in Joliet.

Cyclist Equipment and Riding Rules

• Safety Equipment: Cyclists must equip their bicycles with front lights visible at least 500 feet, red rear reflectors visible from 600 feet, and horns or bells audible up to 100 feet. Riders must have front lights and rear reflectors on their bikes at night.
• Carrying Equipment: It is illegal and unsafe to carry any item that prevents a rider from using both hands to control and operate their bicycle.
• Riding Position: Cyclists should ride as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
• Moving Left: Cyclists may move left for overtaking, preparing for turns, or avoiding obstacles. This maneuver is also legal when lanes are too narrow and on one-way highways with multiple lanes.
• Direction of Travel: Cyclists must always ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal and dangerous.
• Riding Side-by-Side: Riding two abreast is permissible if it does not impede traffic. Illinois law prohibits cyclists from riding more than two abreast, except on designated bicycle paths.

Motorists’ Responsibilities

• Passing Bicyclists: Drivers must maintain at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists. If necessary, they must wait and only pass when it’s safe.
• Respecting Bike Lanes: Drivers must not drive, park, or stand in bike lanes. They must also yield to bicyclists before crossing these lanes.
• Checking for Bicyclists When Turning: All drivers should yield to cyclists, be cautious of their speed, and check for cyclists before turning.
• Stopping at Stop Lines: Drivers must stop at stop lines first before proceeding to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks.
• Yielding to Bicyclists: Motorists should treat bicycles as they would any other vehicle on the road, including by yielding when the cyclist has the right of way.
• Driving Near Bicyclists: Reckless driving near a bicyclist that results in a crash could result in misdemeanor or felony charges against the motorist.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

While cycling offers a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, it also exposes riders to various accident risks in the form of careless or aggressive drivers. Here are common examples of the types of traffic accidents that affect cyclists in Illinois:

Right-Hook Accidents

This type of accident happens when a motorist makes a right turn, cutting off a cyclist traveling straight in the same direction.

Often, the driver either misjudges the cyclist’s speed or fails to see the cyclist before turning. Even if the driver can avoid a side-impact collision with the vehicle, they may have to swerve dangerously to avoid a crash.

Dooring Accidents

These accidents occur when drivers or passengers in parked cars open their doors into the paths of oncoming cyclists.

Cyclists, often riding close to parked cars because of their requirement to travel on the far right-hand side of the road, might not have enough time to react, leading to a collision with the door. This type of accident can cause serious injuries, especially if the cyclist falls into traffic.

Rear-End Collisions

These accidents happen when a vehicle hits a cyclist from behind. This can occur if the driver is not paying attention, misjudges the cyclist’s speed, or follows too closely. Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous for cyclists, as the crashes can throw them forward off their bikes, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Left-Cross Accidents

These accidents occur when a vehicle driver making a left turn collides with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. Drivers often cause these accidents when they misjudge the speed of the cyclist or overlook them entirely. These accidents are often severe due to the speed and angle of the impact.

Intersection Collisions

Intersection collisions can occur when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right-of-way and hits a cyclist as a result. The complexity of traffic patterns in intersections increases the risk of accidents for both cyclists and drivers.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries, as cyclists are highly vulnerable on the road. The type and severity of these injuries can vary considerably depending on the circumstances of the collision.

Common examples of bicycle accident injuries include:

• Lacerations (cuts)
• Contusions (bruises)
• Abrasions (scrapes, such as “road rash”)
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Dental injuries
• Jaw fractures
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Shoulder dislocations
• Elbow fractures
• Wrist sprains
• Hand fractures
• Muscle strains
• Rib fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Punctured lungs
• Abdominal trauma
• Hip fractures
• Knee injuries
• Torn ligaments
• Ankle sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Foot fractures
• Emotional trauma (e.g., PTSD)

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Joliet Bicycle Accident

Dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident is challenging because these companies work hard to minimize payouts and save themselves money. They might try to get you to settle quickly, offering an amount that is far less than what you deserve. They might also question the severity of your injuries or argue that you were at fault, even partially, to reduce their liability.

A lawyer can make all the difference in these situations. Lawyers understand the tactics insurance companies use and how to fight back. They can gather evidence to support your claim and make the insurance company recognize the true extent of your injuries and financial losses. They can also advise you on the fair value of your claim so you don’t accept an inadequate settlement.

When you choose Midwest Injury Lawyers to handle your case, we can relieve you of all the stress of dealing with insurers and protect your rights from abuse. Our Joliet bicycle accident attorneys will work relentlessly to get you the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, taking the right steps matters for your health and any legal claims you might file. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away. Follow your doctor’s care plan closely to help yourself heal and document your injuries, which is key for any claim.

Next, gather evidence from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of your bicycle, the vehicle that hit you, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Also, get contact information from witnesses and the driver. This evidence is often instrumental in proving what happened and who was at fault. Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or discussing the incident on social media.

Finally, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Do not sign anything, give any recorded statements, or accept any offers without legal advice. A bicycle accident lawyer can explain your rights, deal with insurance companies, and get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact a Joliet Bicycle Accidents Lawyer Today

Do you have questions about your Joliet bicycle accident claim? Contact Midwest Injury Lawyers now at (815) 714-6131. We’ll review your case and answer your questions for free in a no-obligation consultation session.

Joliet Office

210 N Hammes Ave
Unit 205 C
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 714-6131