Paralysis in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident paralysis can alter the course of your life as a cyclist in Chicago. More commuters and travelers are relying on bicycles to get around, but proximity to motor vehicles can result in bad collisions. Road hazards, pedestrians, and other cyclists also present a danger.

If you get hurt in an accident, our Chicago bicycle accident law firm can provide legal guidance.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for the nervous system and skeletal structure. Therefore, damage to the spinal cord can be life-altering. Understanding the types of spinal cord injuries will ensure you are informed about the potential consequences of a bike accident.

There are two primary spinal cord injury categories. A complete spinal cord injury is when the person suffers a loss of sensation below the damaged area. An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when they still have feeling or movement below the injured area.

A cervical injury refers to damage that occurs to the upper part of the spine in the neck. As the highest point on the spine, a severe injury to this area could result in quadriplegia or tetraplegia, both of which refer to paralysis in all four limbs.

The thoracic region of the spine is in the upper back. If you become paralyzed from an injury to this area, it will likely be paraplegia, which is the loss of sensation in the legs. An injury to the lowest part of the spine, the lumbar area, could also result in paralysis in both legs, as well as other impairments.

The sacrum is a triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. A sacral injury can cause loss of bowel or bladder control, nerve damage, or chronic pain.

Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Accidents Resulting in Paralysis

A number of factors could cause a bike accident in Chicago. Road hazards are often cited in cyclist crashes, especially potholes, streetcar tracks, uneven surfaces, and debris.

Dooring accidents are also common. These collisions happen when someone opens a car door into the path of a biker. Sometimes, the bikers simply don’t leave enough room between themselves and a line of parked cars.

The primary cause of most serious crashes is driver negligence. A driver must follow the rules of the road and be aware of nearby cyclists. Bikers also must follow these rules per municipal code 9-52-010. If a driver hits a cyclist, the biker could be thrown violently from the bike and suffer from blunt force trauma.

In Chicago, some areas are more dangerous to bikers than others. Milwaukee Avenue is a popular route for cyclists, but 50 crashes and three deaths occurred there between 2020 and 2022.

Some dangerous intersections along Milwaukee Avenue include Ogden and Chicago.

High traffic volume has caused bike accidents at Wells Street and Chicago Avenue, Damen Avenue and Fullerton Avenue, and Clark Street and Fullerton Avenue, where a failure to yield to cyclists frequently causes collisions. Lake Shore Drive and Grand Avenue is another intersection where bike lanes and roads converge.

Establishing Liability in a Chicago Bicycle Accident Paralysis Case

If you are paralyzed in a bike accident because of someone else’s negligence, you could pursue compensation. You must prove negligence to secure a settlement, which includes the defendant’s duty of care, actions that breached that duty, a causal link between their actions and the accident, and legal damages.

Negligent drivers, employers, equipment manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, and local municipalities could be potential defendants in a bike accident paralysis case.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident Resulting in Paralysis

After experiencing a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident, you must know what steps to take to prioritize your health and prepare for a lawsuit. Here are the steps you should follow in the aftermath:

1. Prioritize medical care by seeking immediate treatment and stabilization.
2. Report the accident to the Chicago Police Department for an official report.
3. Document the accident scene, including photos, videos, and witness information.
4. Preserve physical evidence, such as your bike, helmet, and clothing.
5. Keep records of medical treatment, expenses, and all related losses.
6. Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone before speaking to a lawyer.
7. Consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

Filing a Lawsuit for Paralysis Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident

A lawsuit can be a complex process without the assistance of a lawyer. There will be an investigation of the claim, which will include gathering evidence. In the meantime, you may need to develop a life care plan if your injuries result in paralysis.

Next, you will file the lawsuit in court. This will be followed by the discovery process, a settlement negotiation, and potentially a civil trial.

All these steps will be far easier with an experienced lawyer guiding you.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Accident Causing Paralysis

A successful paralysis lawsuit could result in compensation for legal damages. In these cases, the effect on your lifestyle may be substantial, which means the economic and non-economic losses are high.

Economic damages could include lost income, medical expenses, therapy bills, future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include emotional distress, disability, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Paralysis Claims in Illinois

If you want a chance at winning a settlement, it is essential to act quickly to file your claim. In Illinois, per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, injury victims or their family members have two years from the date of the incident or discovery to file their claims. If you wait any longer, your case could be dismissed.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

The right law firm can make all the difference in your legal claim after a bicycle accident. Whether you are weighed down by lost wages, hospital bills, or the emotional trauma of your damaged body, our team will support you throughout the claims process.

Contact our Illinois bicycle accident law firm today to request a free consultation. During this time, you can learn more about the legal process and ask questions about your specific injury case.