What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in Illinois?

The average bicycle accident settlement in Illinois is $664,447, with settlement amounts ranging from $5,000 to $8,000,000. While this average offers a general idea of what injured cyclists might recover, it’s essential to understand that every bicycle accident case is different.

The median settlement amount is $117,818, significantly lower than the average, showing that while some cases result in high payouts, most bike accident victims recover more modest amounts.

Settlement values depend heavily on the injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and whether the injured party is found partially at fault under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws.

If you were injured in a bicycle crash, speaking with an experienced attorney can give you a clearer picture of what your personal injury claim may be worth.

Example Bicycle Accident Settlements

$8 Million Settlement – Fatal Police Pursuit Bicycle Accident

On August 15, 2010, Kenyatta Brack Jr., age sixteen, was struck and killed by a car being pursued at high speed by law enforcement officers from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Dolton Police Department. His parents filed a wrongful death claim, alleging willful and wanton negligence during a reckless pursuit through residential streets at speeds of up to 80 mph.

The defendants denied wrongdoing, asserting that officers followed standard pursuit procedures. Before trial, the case settled for a total of $8 million, with Cook County paying $6 million and the village of Dolton paying $2 million.

$5 Million Settlement – Truck Turns Into Bicyclist in Crosswalk

On August 14, 2009, Paul Zanoni, a seventy-five-year-old bicyclist, was hit by a truck driver making a right turn while he crossed Madison Street and 25th Avenue in Bellwood. He suffered severe leg injuries, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation.

Zanoni’s legal representation argued the driver failed to look both ways before turning, while the defense claimed Zanoni was at fault for riding the wrong way on the sidewalk. The parties reached a $5 million settlement before trial to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lifelong care needs.

$3.5 Million Jury Verdict – Bicyclist Hit by CTA Bus

In 1998, Jacob Corre, age thirty-nine, was struck by a Chicago Transit Authority bus while riding his bicycle near a road construction area. He sustained a closed-head injury and brachial plexus nerve damage to his left arm.

Corre sued the CTA for negligence, claiming the bus tried to pass where there wasn’t enough room. The defense blamed Corre for unsafe riding behavior. The jury found the CTA negligent and Corre 25% comparatively at fault. 

Total damages were $3.5 million, reduced to $2.625 million after the fault adjustment. His award included $264,000 for medical expenses, $400,000 for pain and suffering, and $2.836 million for loss of normal life.

$2.91 Million Jury Verdict – Police Cruiser Strikes Bicyclist

On December 1, 2007, Cedric Bacon, age fifty-three, was struck by a Joliet police cruiser traveling at nearly 70 mph during a pursuit. Bacon sustained traumatic brain injuries, leg fractures, and pelvic injuries, leaving him permanently disabled and in need of long-term care.

Bacon sued the city of Joliet, claiming the officer drove recklessly. The jury found the city 72% liable and Bacon 28% comparatively negligent. Total damages were $2,971,406, with a final settlement value of $2,139,412 after fault reduction.

$1.46 Jury Award – Door Opening Bicycle Accident

On November 28, 2017, Amy Verdin, age thirty-six, was injured when she collided with the open door of a parked caron Irving Park Road in Chicago. She suffered tooth fractures and pelvic floor injuries, leading to chronic pain and ongoing therapy needs.

Verdin sought nearly $5 million in damages, including $63,000 in past medical costs and $518,000 in future medical costs. The jury found the driver 54% liable and Verdin 46% at fault, resulting in a reduced award of $800,280 from an original $1.46 million verdict.

$650,000 Settlement – Photographer Injured in Left-Turn Bicycle Collision

Anthony Bianco, 28, was riding southbound on North Racine Avenue when he collided with a left-turning BMW at the intersection of Racine and Fullerton. Bianco suffered a fractured ankle, shoulder injuries, and a torn labrum. He underwent surgery and extensive physical therapy.

He sued the driver for negligent operation of a vehicle. The defense claimed Bianco was riding at high speed and appeared suddenly. The case settled for $650,000, with $500,000 from the driver’s primary insurance coverage and the rest from excess coverage.

$600,000 Settlement – Disabled Woman Struck While Riding Bicycle Through Intersection 

Carmen Gonzalez, 49, was hit by an SUV while crossing an intersection with the green light. She suffered a comminuted tibial plateau fracture and underwent surgical fixation, followed by extended physical and aquatic therapy. She claimed ongoing mobility issues, loss of normal life, and pain.

Gonzalez sued for failing to yield, distracted driving, and violating traffic laws. The defense claimed she appeared suddenly and was unable to stop. The parties reached a $600,000 settlement to resolve the bicycle accident case.

$514,517 Default Judgment – Bicyclist Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver 

Kevin York, 50, was struck by a Mitsubishi Eclipse while exiting the Busse Woods Forest Preserve. The driver fled the scene, and York later claimed a torn rotator cuff, neck and back pain, and underwent two shoulder surgeries.

York filed suit against the driver and his wife, claiming she negligently entrusted the vehicle. Neither responded to the lawsuit, and the court issued a default judgment awarding $514,517 to York.

$338,028 Jury Award – Bicyclist Strikes Broken Post in Bike Lane 

Sebastian Ko, 41, hit the base of a broken plastic post while exiting the bike lane on Milwaukee Avenue, suffering a grade 5 kidney laceration requiring embolization, catheterization, and stent placement. He claimed permanent internal damage and risk of future complications.

Ko sued the city of Chicago and an engineering firm, claiming a defective bike lane design and a lack of maintenance. The city was found 85% liable, and the jury awarded $338,028.95, reduced to $287,324.61 due to comparative negligence (15% assigned to Ko).

$269,492 Jury Verdict – Bicyclist with Knee Injury in SUV Collision 

Eric Bettag, a voice-over artist in his 30s, collided with an SUV at the Euclid and Lake Avenue intersection. He sustained a fractured patella, required internal fixation, and experienced ongoing knee pain. He claimed he would need a future knee replacement.

Bettag alleged the driver ran a red light. The defense disputed liability and questioned the need for future treatment. The jury awarded $269,492, including damages for medical costs, wage loss, and pain and suffering.

$120,000 Settlement – Retired Cyclist Rear-Ended by Vehicle 

Eugene Heidkamp, 55, claimed he was rear-ended by a Chrysler while riding westbound on Bryn Mawr Avenue. He suffered a torn meniscus, a chin laceration, and rib injuries, requiring surgery and physical therapy.

The driver claimed Heidkamp veered into oncoming traffic. The parties settled for $100,000, which included a waiver of a $20,000 insurance lien.

$108,649 Jury Award – Cyclist Doored While Passing Parked Car 

Rolf Flechsig, 44, was injured when a car door opened into his path. He sustained tendon tears in his right foot, a shoulder contusion, and required surgery and physical therapy.

The defense disputed the cause of the foot injuries and claimed comparative negligence. The jury awarded $108,649.73, reduced to $86,919.78 due to 20% fault assigned to Flechsig.

$100,000 Jury Award – Bike Lane Collision Results in Facial Scarring

Cameron Esposito, 24, was hit by a vehicle exiting a car wash onto Milwaukee Avenue, allegedly while riding in a designated bike lane. She suffered a chin laceration, leg contusions, and sciatic pain, claiming it impacted her lifestyle and ability to ride long distances.

The defense admitted fault but disputed the sciatic injury. The jury awarded $100,000, including $62,767 for future pain and suffering.

$$74,899 Jury Award – Cyclist Hit Going Wrong Way on One-Way Street

Harry Vasiliadis, 43, was struck while riding the wrong way through an intersection. He suffered a cervical spine fracture and wore a neck brace for 12 weeks. He was unable to work during that time.

The defense argued the plaintiff was at fault for violating traffic laws. The jury awarded $74,899, reduced by half due to 50% comparative negligence, resulting in a $37,449.31 final award.

$50,000 Jury Award – Bicyclist Struck by SUV Turning at Red Light

Terrence Petties, 55, was hit by an SUV while crossing the street on his bicycle in a pedestrian lane. He suffered a rotator cuff tear, knee and back pain, and was limited to part-time work during recovery.

The defense denied that any contact occurred. The jury awarded $50,000, but Petties was found 45% at fault, reducing his final recovery to $27,500.

$30,761 Jury Award – Actor Injured in Bike and Car Collision

Michael Harvey, 26, was hit while riding northbound on Ashland Avenue by a car turning onto Foster Avenue. He suffered facial lacerations, nerve damage in his arm, and claimed career impact due to facial scarring.

The jury awarded $30,761, but due to 35% comparative fault, Harvey’s final compensation was $19,984.65.

$11,050 Jury Award – Bicyclist Suffers Skull Fracture After Alleged Unsafe Turn

Derek Drzewiecki, 21, struck the rear of a turning car while riding on West 115th Street. He alleged the driver made a right turn without signaling, causing his bike to get caught under the vehicle. He suffered a skull fracture, concussion, and bruised brain.

The defense argued he was tailgating and already had a history of learning disabilities. The jury found Drzewiecki 50% at fault and awarded $11,050, reduced to $5,525 for comparative negligence.

$7,824 Jury Award – Facial Laceration from Intersection Collision

Joshua Negron, 23, collided with a turning vehicle at the intersection of Milwaukee, Halsted, and Grand in Chicago. He claimed the driver failed to yield, while the defense argued Negron ran a red light.

Negron suffered a facial laceration, resulting in a permanent scar. The jury found both parties equally at fault, awarding $7,824, reduced to $3,912.

$5,000 Settlement – Soft-Tissue Injuries in Six-Way Intersection Crash

Sergio Venturo, 24, was riding on Milwaukee Avenue when a car turning left from Damen Avenue allegedly struck his bicycle. He suffered soft-tissue injuries to his lower back, right shoulder, and right knee.

MRIs showed disc bulging at L5-S1, and he underwent chiropractic treatment for several months. The defense disputed the severity of the injuries and their connection to the bicycle crash. The case settled for $5,000 during discovery, well below the policy limit of $25,000.

What Factors Impact the Average Settlement Range for Bike Accidents in Illinois?

While the average figure gives a general idea of potential compensation, every case depends on specific details that shape its value. Some bicycle accident claims may settle for a few thousand dollars, while others result in six- or seven-figure payouts. To better understand what drives those differences, it helps to look at the key factors that influence bicycle accident settlements.

Major vs Minor Injuries

The most obvious driver of a bike accident settlement is the severity of the injuries. A case involving minor injuries—such as bruises, abrasions, or a soft-tissue sprain—will typically fall at the lower end of the settlement value range. These claims may be resolved for less than $20,000, sometimes even under $10,000, especially when medical expenses are low and recovery is quick.

On the other hand, serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, TBIs, pelvic fractures, limb loss, or permanent disability will significantly raise the average settlement amount. These bike crash victims often require surgery, long-term medical treatment, and ongoing care, leading to higher medical bills, lost income, and future medical costs. 

In these cases, personal injury lawyers may seek compensation well into the six- or seven-figure range.

Non-Economic Damages

Often, a large portion of a bicycle accident settlement comes not from direct medical expenses, but from non-economic damages. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

Because these losses don’t come with a receipt or invoice, they’re more difficult to calculate–but they carry significant weight in severe bicycle accident cases. Illinois courts and insurance companies typically rely on two common methods to estimate non-economic damages:

• Multiplier method: The total economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) are multiplied by a number (usually 1.5 to 5) based on injury severity. A higher multiplier is used when injuries are long-term, painful, or well-documented.
• Per diem method: A daily dollar amount is assigned to the victim’s suffering and multiplied by the number of days they are reasonably expected to experience pain or reduced quality of life.

In both approaches, medical treatment records, photographs, expert testimony, and detailed accounts of daily limitations can significantly boost the value of a claim. This is where an experienced attorney makes a difference–by building the evidence needed to support a higher multiplier or longer recovery timeline.

Car Accident Liability

Establishing liability is key in any bicycle crash involving motor vehicles. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), an injured bicycle rider can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. 

If the cyclist is found partially responsible for the crash—for example, for riding against traffic, failing to signal, or not obeying traffic laws—their personal injury claim will still move forward, but the final settlement will be reduced by their percentage of fault. A cyclist who is awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault would only recover $70,000.

Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Policy Limits

In many bicycle accident claims, the insurance coverage available under the at-fault driver’s policy becomes a ceiling for the settlement amount. For example, if the other party’s insurance company provides only $100,000 in liability coverage, even a strong case involving severe injuries might be limited to that amount–unless other avenues are available.

If the at-fault party carries an umbrella policy, it may provide extra coverage above the standard auto policy limits.

If the cyclist has underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, their own policy may supplement the difference when the at-fault driver is underinsured.

If multiple defendants are involved—such as an employer or a truck driver operating a company vehicle—each policy may contribute to the final bicycle accident settlement, potentially pushing the recovery above standard limits.

What Damages Can Illinois Victims Recover in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Victims of a bicycle accident in Illinois may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the extent of their injuries. A properly handled bicycle accident claim can seek compensation for both financial losses and the personal impact of the crash.

The types of damages typically available in a personal injury claim include:

• Medical bills – including ambulance transport, emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up visits. In severe cases, damages may also include future medical expenses such as long-term care or additional procedures.
• Lost wages – compensation for income missed due to the bicycle accident, including recovery time, hospital stays, and medical appointments. Victims who are unable to return to their previous job or suffer reduced earning capacity can also seek damages for future lost wages.
• Property damage – reimbursement for damage to the bicycle and other personal items affected in the crash.
• Pain and suffering – one of the most significant parts of many bicycle accident settlements, this refers to the physical pain and emotional hardship resulting from the crash and the recovery process.
• Loss of normal life – compensation for changes to a person’s ability to enjoy day-to-day activities, hobbies, and independence. This often applies when the injury leads to long-term limitations or permanent lifestyle changes.
• Emotional distress – many bicycle accident victims experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression, especially after traumatic crashes or severe injuries. These damages reflect the psychological impact of the incident.
• Disfigurement or permanent disability – in cases involving spinal cord injuries, amputations, or visible scarring, victims may be entitled to additional compensation reflecting the lifelong nature of the harm.
• Wrongful death damages – in fatal bicycle crash cases, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral costs.

Calculating a fair settlement amount involves compiling detailed medical records, employment documentation, and, in some cases, expert testimony to project future losses. Bicycle accident attorneys also focus on documenting the personal toll of the injuries to ensure non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment are fully addressed in the bike crash settlement.

How Long Do Bicycle Accident Victims Have to File for a Settlement in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the general statute of limitations for personal injury in Illinois is two years from the date the bicycle accident occurred. 

This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Failing to take legal action within this deadline can permanently block your ability to recover a fair settlement–no matter how strong your case is.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, if the injured person is a child at the time of the bike crash, the statute of limitations is extended. In those cases, the child typically has two years from their 18th birthday to file a bicycle accident claim. 

This extension gives minors and their families additional time to seek a fair settlement amount, especially in cases involving serious injuries like spinal cord injuries, TBIs, or other long-term complications.

Waiting too long to consult a bicycle accident attorney can also make it harder to collect evidence, locate witnesses, or secure key documents like police reports and medical records. The sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case and preserving your right to recover compensation.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Hiring a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, especially when non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress are involved. 

At our firm, we focus on building strong, evidence-backed cases that give injured bicycle riders every advantage, both during settlement talks and, if necessary, at trial. Here’s how we help our clients pursue the full settlement value of their bicycle accident cases:

Building Strong Demand Packages

We carefully assemble detailed demand packages that clearly outline our client’s losses. This includes gathering:

• Complete medical records and billing statements
• Statements from treating physicians
• Pain journals documenting daily impact
• Expert reports for future medical treatment or suffering permanent disability
• Proof of lost income and future earning capacity

These packages show the full scope of what our clients have endured and support claims for both economic and non-economic damages.

Investigating Liability and Collecting Evidence

Establishing fault in a bike accident is often one of the most contested parts of the legal process. We conduct thorough investigations by:

• Obtaining police reports, 911 logs, and crash scene photos
• Securing traffic and surveillance video
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Analyzing bicycle laws and traffic patterns in the area
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts when needed

Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident, a truck driver failing to yield, or a car accident involving a door opening into a bike lane, we build liability cases that hold up under scrutiny.

Negotiating Strategically with Insurers

We don’t accept the first offer from the other party’s insurance company. Insurers often start with lowball settlements, especially in cases involving serious injuries. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers:

• Push back using strong evidence and case law
• Demonstrate long-term losses, including future medical expenses and future lost wages
• Present a clear argument for the full impact of pain and suffering damages

When insurers know we’re prepared, they take negotiations more seriously.

Preparing Thoroughly for Trial

While many bicycle accident insurance claims are settled before trial, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation increases our leverage during negotiations and ensures that, if a trial becomes necessary, we’re ready to present a compelling case. Our trial strategy includes:

• Full review of expert testimony
• Trial-ready exhibits and demonstratives
• Compelling evidence of non-economic damages, like loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, or emotional trauma

Advocating for Full Non-economic Damages

We know how much clients lose when their life is interrupted by a bicycle crash. Whether it’s daily pain, the inability to return to biking, or ongoing psychological impacts, we make sure these losses aren’t minimized. We fight to recover compensation that reflects not just the cost of recovery, but the human impact of the injuries sustained.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers

$2,250,000 – Commuter Suffers Head Injury in Early Morning Collision

Sara, 32, was biking to her downtown office when a vehicle struck her at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Desplaines Street. She suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused persistent cognitive symptoms. 

Despite wearing a helmet, she experienced memory loss and difficulty concentrating, which disrupted both her career and daily life. With strong medical documentation, neuropsych evaluations, and evidence of long-term impact, the case resolved for $2.25 million.

$1,000,000 – Dooring Crash Injures Cyclist on Milwaukee Avenue

Lena, a 26-year-old marketing coordinator, was riding in the marked bike lane on Milwaukee Avenue when a parked driver opened his car door into her path. She flew off her bike and tore her rotator cuff upon landing. 

The driver admitted he didn’t check his mirror before opening the door, violating a city ordinance. Lena underwent surgery and months of rehab, and missed a major professional opportunity as a result. The case settled for $1,000,000.

$805,500 – Chicago Cyclist Injured in Truck Collision Requiring Shoulder Surgery

After being sideswiped by a commercial truck while biking near a warehouse district on the Southwest Side, Mark, a 48-year-old architect, suffered a torn rotator cuff and needed shoulder surgery followed by months of physical therapy. 

The truck driver initially claimed the cyclist “came out of nowhere,” but surveillance footage from a nearby loading dock showed Mark was clearly visible in the bike lane. His injury prevented him from returning to work for several weeks, contributing to the final settlement of $805,500.

$760,000 – Cyclist Rear-Ended While Stopped at Red Light

James, a 41-year-old teacher, was stopped at a traffic signal in the South Loop when a car hit him from behind. The driver blamed poor lighting, but nearby traffic cameras and streetlamp records proved visibility wasn’t the issue. 

James suffered lumbar disc injuries and nerve damage, requiring ongoing chiropractic care. His $760,000 settlement reflected both the impact on his mobility and the defense’s weak liability argument.

$605,000 – Senior Struck by Truck in Crosswalk

Edith, 72, was crossing in a marked crosswalk in Jefferson Park when a delivery truck failed to yield and struck her. She sustained hip and knee injuries and required assistive walking devices afterward. The trucking company argued she crossed too slowly, but traffic footage and Chicago bicycle laws clearly supported her claim. 

The case resolved for $605,000, taking into account her age, permanent mobility loss, and strong witness statements.

$510,000 – Cyclist Suffers Facial Injuries and Brain Trauma in Left-Turn Collision

Dante, a 29-year-old creative director, was biking home along Clark Street when a car suddenly turned left across his lane, striking him head-on. He was thrown over the hood and suffered facial fractures and a mild traumatic brain injury. 

Diagnostic imaging and neurocognitive assessments showed lingering symptoms. The Chicago bicycle accident settlement of $510,000 reflected not only the physical injuries but also the emotional toll of disfigurement and post-concussive symptoms.

$499,000 – Bike Messenger Hit by Driver Exiting Parking Garage

Julio, a 33-year-old bike messenger, was struck by a driver exiting a Loop parking garage who didn’t realize the street had two-way bike traffic. The defense initially claimed confusion due to local construction, but emails obtained in discovery showed the driver was unfamiliar with Chicago’s signage and had previously complained about that intersection. 

Julio’s knee and wrist injuries kept him off the job for months. The case settled for $499,000, just four months into litigation.

$350,000 – Hit-and-Run Driver Injures North Side Cyclist

Tracy, 37, was riding near Ravenswood when a car sideswiped her and fled the scene. She suffered a fractured collarbone and deep bruising. Unable to identify the driver, our personal injury lawyers recovered $350,000 through her own insurance after proving the severity of her injuries and long-term physical therapy needs.

$250,000 – Rush Hour Crash Results in Knee Surgery for Business Executive

Leo, a 45-year-old retail manager, was hit by a vehicle that failed to yield during evening traffic on LaSalle Street. He suffered a torn meniscus and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. The case resolved for $250,000 within 60 days of our involvement, supported by prompt documentation of his injury and proof that the driver ignored visible signage.

$250,000 – Business Owner Injured in Downtown Hit-and-Run

Tom, a 50-year-old bicycle shop owner, was clipped by a vehicle that didn’t stop while he was biking to a supplier meeting near River North. He sustained deep tissue damage to his leg and shoulder. Despite no identification of the vehicle, our personal injury attorneys recovered $250,000 through his own coverage based on treatment records and photos of the accident scene.

$199,000 – Child Bicyclist Struck by Vehicle Backing Out of Driveway

Eight-year-old Jordan was hit by a neighbor backing out without checking the sidewalk in a residential neighborhood near Logan Square. He suffered a fractured arm and emotional trauma. The case resolved for $199,000, based mainly on the young age of the victim and the clear liability supported by witness statements.

$105,000 – Triathlete Injured During Training Ride on Lakefront Trail

Emily, a 38-year-old amateur triathlete, was struck by a passing car while training early in the morning along the Lakefront Trail access road. She suffered injuries to her knee that required arthroscopic repair. 

Despite the driver disputing fault, GPS and ride-tracking data supported her account. Her insurance paid out $105,000, including medical payment coverage and her own uninsured motorist coverage.

Secure Expert Legal Representation

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Our firm represents injured cyclists across the Chicago area and fights for the maximum compensation available, whether through settlement or trial.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront costs.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Chicago.