Can You Sue Someone for Hitting You on a Bike in Illinois?

Every week, we hear from Chicago cyclists asking, “Can you sue someone for hitting you on a bike in Illinois?” Whether you were struck in heavy traffic downtown, sideswiped in a bike lane, or injured when a parked driver opened a door into your path, Illinois law allows injured riders to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our bicycle accident attorneys work with police reports, video footage, and witness statements to build a strong legal case for compensation, because every cyclist deserves safety and respect on the road.

What Bicycle Accident Injuries Can You Sue for in Illinois?

When a motor vehicle driver’s negligence causes a crash, bicycle riders often suffer serious, life-altering injuries. Under Illinois law, injured cyclists can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

At our firm, we help clients gather evidence to prove how a driver’s distracted driving and disrespect of traffic laws led to harm. Below are some of the most common bike accident injuries you can sue for in Illinois:

Head and Brain Trauma

Head and brain trauma are among the most serious bike accident injuries. Even when a bicycle rider wears a helmet, the force of a collision with a motor vehicle can cause a concussion, skull fracture, or traumatic brain injury. 

These injuries often lead to dizziness, memory problems, or long-term cognitive and emotional challenges. Our experienced personal injury attorneys work with medical experts to document the full impact of brain trauma and seek damages for your recovery.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are common when a car hits a cyclist, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These crashes often happen when a driver fails to yield the right of way at a stop sign or at traffic signals, leaving the rider no time to react. 

Fractures may require surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work, all of which increase medical care costs and lost income. Our lawyers use medical reports and witness accounts to show how these injuries disrupt daily life and justify a proper settlement offer.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal or back injuries can result from a driver striking a cyclist in the same or opposite direction. Herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis can cause permanent mobility loss and chronic pain. 

These injuries often require extensive treatment and ongoing care. Our attorneys pursue compensation for medical bills, long-term therapy, and reduced earning potential caused by spinal trauma.

Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue damage, including sprains, torn ligaments, and deep bruising, is one of the most underestimated types of bicycle crash injuries. These injuries can lead to lasting stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion. 

Even when they seem minor, soft tissue injuries can significantly impact your ability to work or enjoy everyday activities. Our firm gathers evidence such as therapy notes, medical imaging, and surveillance footage of distracted driving to strengthen your injury claim.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Facial and dental injuries often occur when a cyclist is thrown forward after impact with a motor vehicle or opening car doors. Broken teeth, jaw fractures, and scarring can cause lasting emotional trauma and require reconstructive or cosmetic treatment. We work closely with medical specialists to ensure these visible injuries are fully included in your lawsuit and that your recovery costs are accurately represented.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, can be life-threatening and may not appear immediately after a crash. Prompt medical attention is essential to diagnose and document these conditions. 

In many bicycle accident cases, this documentation becomes key evidence when proving liability against a negligent driver. Our personal injury lawyers help victims get compensation for the medical care and emotional impact of internal trauma.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash injuries are extremely common when bike riders are thrown or dragged across the pavement after an accident while moving in the same direction. The friction can remove layers of skin, cause deep lacerations, and lead to infections or permanent scarring. 

Severe cases may require skin grafts and extensive wound care. Our personal injury lawyers document these injuries carefully, ensuring that pain, treatment, and long-term disfigurement are factored into your bicycle accident lawsuit.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bicycle Accident Case?

After a serious crash, many injured cyclists ask us what types of compensation they can recover through a bike accident lawsuit. Under Illinois law, victims have the right to seek damages for both the financial and emotional impact of a collision with a motor vehicle.

At our firm, we handle every bike accident case with care, collecting evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to show the full scope of your harm. The damages available in a lawsuit generally fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered because of the crash. These typically include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: Income you’ve missed while recovering, including reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your previous job.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your damaged bike, helmet, phone, or other personal items.
• Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing physical therapy or adaptive equipment needed to restore mobility or function.

We work closely with medical providers and financial experts to calculate every cost associated with your recovery, ensuring that nothing is overlooked when negotiating a just settlement offer or presenting your lawsuit in court.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional effects of the accident that can’t be measured in dollars, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering from severe injuries and prolonged recovery.
• Emotional distress and trauma caused by the collision or its aftermath.
• Loss of enjoyment of life when you can no longer participate in activities you once loved.
• Disfigurement or scarring, especially common in cases involving road rash injuries or facial trauma.

While these damages are more subjective, they are equally important. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to present clear, persuasive evidence to show the lasting effects of your injuries, not only on your body but on your everyday life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, such as a driver speeding through a red light, driving drunk, or intentionally forcing a cyclist off the road, courts may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish extreme negligence and deter similar behavior in the future.

Every bike accident case is different, but our firm’s mission remains the same: to help injured cyclists get compensation that truly reflects their pain, loss, and resilience. We handle each injury claim with compassion and determination, ensuring our clients have the financial support they need to move forward.

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney

After a serious crash, an experienced bike accident attorney can protect your rights and handle the complex details of your bike accident case while you focus on recovery. Our firm combines in-depth knowledge of Illinois personal injury law with compassion for injured cyclists throughout Chicago. We stand with you every step of the way.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help

• Investigate the crash: Collect police reports, video footage, and witness statements to prove fault.
• Document your injuries: Work with medical experts to show the full extent of bike accident injuries.
• Negotiate for fair compensation: Handle insurers and other parties involved to pursue a fair settlement offer or verdict.
• Recover financial losses: Seek maximum compensation for medical care costs, lost income, and property damage.
• Guide you through the process: Keep you informed, supported, and protected under Illinois law.
• Contingency fee: No upfront costs, we’re only paid if you recover money.

Real Bicycle Accident Settlements and Client Recoveries

Over the years, our bicycle accident lawyers have helped riders across Chicago and Illinois recover significant compensation for their injuries:

$805,500 – Truck vs. Bicycle Collision

James, a Chicago teacher, was struck by a truck turning into his bike lane, suffering a compound clavicle fracture and rotator cuff damage. After multiple surgeries and nearly a year of physical therapy, we recovered $805,500 for his treatment costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

$350,000 – Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Renee was hit by a fleeing driver near Logan Square. Our firm obtained surveillance footage and worked through her uninsured motorist coverage to secure $350,000 for her injuries, emotional trauma, and bike damage.

$199,000 – Child Injured by Backing Vehicle

Ethan, age 10, was hit by a car backing out of a driveway in Evanston, breaking his leg and requiring extensive therapy. We guided his family through the personal injury claim process and recovered $199,000 for his treatment and recovery.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Illinois law sets strict time limits for filing a bike accident lawsuit, and missing these deadlines can bar your right to compensation.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most injured cyclists have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the injured person is a minor, 735 ILCS 5/13-211 pauses the deadline until their 18th birthday, after which they have two additional years to bring a claim.

For fatal bicycle crashes, families may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit under 740 ILCS 180/ within two years of the death. If the accident resulted from a criminal act such as reckless driving or DUI, the filing period may extend to five years or one year after the criminal case ends.

Because time limits vary by case, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney right away to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our bicycle accident attorneys offer a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you seek damages for your injuries and losses.

We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so you’ll never pay upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who stands with injured cyclists across Chicago and throughout Illinois.