Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Illinois
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, using GPS, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road can fail to notice a cyclist until it’s too late.
Failure to Yield
Dooring Accidents
Unsafe Road Conditions
Speeding
Driving Under the Influence
By identifying the cause of the accident, our attorneys can help build a strong case for liability, ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
The Impact of Bicycle Accidents: Physical, Emotional, and Financial Burdens
Bicycle accidents can lead to life-changing injuries, with victims often facing long recovery periods and significant financial strain. Common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, are common in bicycle accidents and often require surgery or extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
- Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, cyclists often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious accident.
These injuries not only affect the victim but also have a ripple effect on their families, careers, and overall quality of life.
Our goal as your Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer is to secure compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses—both physical and emotional.
Contact Us Today at (312) 386-6706 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
Insurance Challenges for Bicycle Accident Victims
Insurance companies may challenge or deny your claim, particularly if the fault isn’t immediately clear. If the responsible party contests your claim, you’ll need solid evidence to back up your case.
Comprehensive documentation of your injuries and proof of the other party’s liability is essential to maximize your compensation.
A skilled personal injury attorney from Mulholland Injury Law Firm can gather the necessary evidence to build a compelling case for compensation. Without an experienced bicycle accident lawyer protecting your interests, you risk having your claim reduced, delayed, or outright denied.
Key Indicators You Might Need Legal Help
a. Severe Injuries Resulting in Permanent Disability
Injuries to your head, neck, back, or spinal cord from a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities.
These types of injuries often require long-term, costly medical treatment. To ensure you receive the care you need, it’s crucial to secure all available financial resources.
b. Disputes About Who Is at Fault
c. Multiple Parties Involved in the Accident
d. Your Insurance Claim Has Been Denied or Delayed
e. Lowball Settlements:
Insurance adjusters may offer an initial settlement that does not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
At Mulholland Injury Law, our team of Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers handle all communications with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our experienced attorneys will aggressively negotiate to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
The Role of Comparative Negligence in Illinois Bicycle Accident Cases
In Illinois, the law follows a system of modified comparative negligence, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Importantly, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages. That’s why having an experienced attorney who can challenge unfair accusations of shared fault is critical to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How to File a Claim for a Cycling Accident?
To initiate the process of claiming compensation following a cycling accident, it is essential to consult with our experienced bicycle accident lawyer. They will offer a complimentary initial assessment to evaluate the potential success of your claim. The viability of your claim hinges on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. If it can be demonstrated, based on the balance of probabilities, that another party was at fault and that their negligence led to the accident, your claim is more likely to succeed.
Should your lawyer determine that your claim has little or no chance of success, they may decline to represent you on a no-win, no-fee basis. In this case, you are welcome to seek advice from other legal firms, as different attorneys may have varying views on liability or differing risk tolerances.
In certain instances, it may be premature to conclusively establish liability when your claim is first evaluated. You may not be able to fully recall the details of the accident for various reasons, and gathering evidence related to liability can require time. Your lawyer will diligently work to collect all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, and details from accident investigations. This evidence is vital for assessing the case and pursuing your claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party to secure an early admission of liability.
Both your lawyer and the third-party insurers will adhere to a defined protocol that includes strict timelines for exchanging initial information. This protocol is designed to address liability issues in the early stages of the claims process.
Early rehabilitation is also a key focus. In many cases, an independent rehabilitation assessment is conducted promptly, allowing your lawyer to seek funding from the at-fault party to cover the costs of medical investigations, therapies, and treatments.
What Compensation is Available for Bicycle Accident Victims in Chicago?
Victims of bicycle accidents in Chicago may be entitled to compensation for both tangible financial losses, known as economic damages, and for more subjective impacts, referred to as noneconomic damages.
Commonly awarded damages in these cases can include compensation for:
- Medical Costs
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Home Nursing Care and Assistance
- Repair or Replacement of Damaged Property
- Lost Income
- Diminished Earning Capacity
- Chronic Pain
- Emotional Trauma
- Scarring or Disfigurement
- Loss of Life’s Pleasures
- Embarrassment or Humiliation
- Loss of Consortium
What Compensation is Available for Bicycle Accident Victims in Chicago?
- What injuries have you sustained from the bicycle accident?
- Are you able to continue working as before?
- Has the accident resulted in a disability?
- Did the accident worsen any preexisting medical conditions?
It’s crucial to have a skilled bicycle accident attorney in Chicago to advocate for you. At Mulholland Injury Law Firm, our nationally recognized attorneys have achieved life-changing results for clients, including numerous million-dollar settlements. Contact our Chicago personal injury law firm to find out how we can help maximize your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
The first thing is to ensure your safety and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Document the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos of your injuries and any property damage. Finally, avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after the accident?
Yes, it’s important to see a doctor as some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention can also provide documentation crucial to your claim.
Can I still file a claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes, in Illinois, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Chicago?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What types of damages can I recover in a bicycle accident claim?
You may be entitled to economic damages (like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What evidence do I need to support my bicycle accident claim?
Key evidence includes medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene and injuries, police reports, and any surveillance footage. An attorney can help you gather and organize this evidence effectively.
How long will it take to settle my bicycle accident claim?
The timeline for settling a bicycle accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some claims settle within a few months, while others may take years to resolve.
Expert Legal Representation by
Toby P. Mulholland,
Your Trusted Injury Lawyer
Since launching his law practice in 2000, Toby P. Mulholland has been a dedicated advocate for clients suffering serious injuries. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, premises liability, dog bite cases, and catastrophic injury litigation.
Toby’s distinguished career is marked by his skill in litigation, participating in numerous trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions. His innovative approaches to depositions have consistently resulted in successful outcomes for even the most complex cases. Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes situations with a creative, results-oriented approach.
Licensing and Professional Associations
Cities Served
Practice Areas
See Why Clients Trust Us
