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Injured in a Bicycle Accident? We Can Help.
Chicago Bicycle Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Bicycle spinal injuries can be serious consequences of collisions involving cyclists. While infrastructure for cyclists is improving, there are still plenty of dangers to riders, especially when they are cycling close to traffic.
If you suffer a collision, you can consult our Chicago bicycle crash lawyer team for legal advice regarding your injury claim. A Chicago bicycle spinal cord injury lawyer can help evaluate your case and pursue compensation for serious spinal trauma caused by a bicycle accident.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Sustained by Cyclists
The spinal column is a primary route for the body’s nervous system. It also serves as a base for the skeletal system. A complete spinal cord injury means there is no sensory function below the injury point. An incomplete spine injury means there is still sensory function below the damaged area.
Vertebral bone fractures can be dangerous. A stable fracture occurs when a break occurs, but the vertebrae remain aligned. Unstable fractures mean the vertebrae have been knocked out of alignment and often require surgery. The soft discs between your vertebrae could burst or bulge. These are usually called herniated discs or bulging discs. A herniated disc bicycle accident injury may require extensive treatment, pain management, and long-term medical monitoring. Spinal injuries can also affect the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions of the spine. Doctors may distinguish compression fractures from burst fractures when evaluating the extent of vertebral damage.
Spinal compression and cervical spine damage are other effects you may suffer because of bicycle accidents. Victims may also suffer spinal fracture bicycle accident injuries that affect mobility and quality of life for years after the crash. If your injuries are primarily soft tissue rather than structural spinal injuries, see our soft tissue injuries page for more information.
Proving a Bicycle Crash Caused Your Spinal Injury
Yes, a bicycle accident can cause a herniated disc or other spinal injury, but proving that the crash caused or aggravated the condition can become a central issue in a claim. Insurers may argue that a herniated disc or other spinal condition was pre-existing or caused by ordinary degeneration rather than the collision.
Medical imaging can show degenerative changes even in people who did not experience significant symptoms before an accident. For that reason, the evidence should focus on the contrast between your condition before and after the crash. The timing of your symptoms, changes in your physical function, medical records, diagnostic imaging, and a treating physician’s opinion about causation can all be important.
Consistent medical treatment is also important. Gaps in treatment can give an insurer an opportunity to argue that the injury was unrelated to the bicycle crash or was not as serious as claimed. Keeping medical appointments and following recommended treatment can help create a clearer record of how the crash affected your spine. A bicycle accident back injury claim should be evaluated based on the complete medical and factual record, not an imaging finding alone.
If you are also dealing with paralysis or spinal cord damage, see our paralysis and spinal cord damage claims page for information focused on those injuries.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries involving your spine can have many symptoms. Some of the issues may be temporary and minor, such as back pain. However, more serious symptoms may include <mark>loss of motor function, chronic pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, respiratory problems, sexual dysfunction, and psychological issues.Severe spinal cord trauma can also cause paralysis and permanent changes to a person’s daily life.
Many victims of bicycle accidents with spine damage face emotional effects like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. There is also a risk of secondary health problems because of the initial injury, such as pressure sores, infections, or blood clots.If your bicycle crash caused nerve-related symptoms, our nerve damage from bicycle accidents page provides additional information about those claims. Most difficult of all may be the effect the injury could have on your family and close relationships.
Common Causes of Chicago Bicycle Accidents Resulting in Spinal Injuries
Whether you suffer from a spinal cord injury or another serious spinal injury because of the collision, the cause of your accident is important for legal reasons.
Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of injured cyclists. A driver may not be paying attention to the road due to distractions. They could also ignore the presence of bike lanes or fail to obey traffic laws regarding cyclists. A serious Traffic Collision between a bicycle and motor vehicle can result in devastating spinal injuries.
Bikers have as many rights as drivers per municipal code 9-52-010. Busy intersections along Milwaukee Avenue, Pulaski Road, and the Lakefront Trail are particularly dangerous for bikers.
Another primary cause of bike crashes is road hazards. These incidents often lead to catastrophic bicycle accident injuries that require extensive medical treatment and recovery. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris may not cause significant harm to larger vehicles, but they could cause a significant crash for a biker.
Liability for a Chicago Bicycle Accident Resulting in Spinal Cord Injury
When pursuing a spinal cord injury claim for a bike crash, you must establish liability for those involved in causing it. Some parties that could be held liable for your spinal cord or other spinal injury include employers, property owners, government entities, equipment manufacturers, or negligent drivers. To recover compensation, an injured cyclist must establish fault and demonstrate how another party’s actions contributed to the accident and resulting injuries.
One of the dangerous areas for cyclists in Chicago is along Ashland Avenue. Rather than relying on the existing crash count, which is difficult to reproduce from the linked data portal, readers can learn more about the corridor through our Ashland Avenue bicycle accidents page.Cicero Avenue, the Downtown Loop, and Near North Side are other zones to be wary of while cycling near traffic, especially at high speeds. Illinois follows a Comparative Negligence system, meaning compensation may be reduced if a cyclist is found partially responsible for the accident. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, a plaintiff who is more than 50% at fault is barred from recovery, while damages are reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s fault when the plaintiff is 50% or less at fault.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident Resulting in a Spinal Injury
Whether you are suffering from fractures, a major surgery, or damage to the brain after a bike accident, it is essential to follow these steps after the crash occurs to protect your health and support your Personal Injury Claim.
Cyclists should always prioritize their health after an accident, seeking emergency medical attention and ongoing treatment options if necessary. Report your accident to the Chicago Police.
Document the accident scene by collecting photos, videos, and witness information. Preserve the condition of your helmet, bike, and clothing for evidence. Keep records of all medical expenses, procedures, and lost income. Never admit fault to anyone before speaking to an experienced lawyer.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Spinal Cord Injury Sustained in a Chicago Bicycle Accident
The legal process for an injury claim is complex, so you should always work with a qualified law team before pursuing your claim.
Find a legal team with experience handling spinal cord injury cases. Your attorney will investigate the case, gather evidence, and file the lawsuit in Illinois courts. This will be followed by the discovery process, settlement negotiations, and potentially a civil trial. Your attorney will also work toward securing a fair insurance settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Another factor to consider is life care planning for a victim with catastrophic injuries that have caused permanent changes to their lifestyle. A life care plan is a detailed projection of the lifetime costs associated with a serious injury. It can account for future medical treatment, rehabilitation, medical equipment, home modifications, and attendant or other support services. In a serious spinal injury claim, these projected costs can represent a significant part of the damages being sought. A properly supported life care plan can help show why future care should be considered when evaluating a settlement or lawsuit. Learn more about bicycle accident settlements when assessing the potential value of a claim.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Accident Spinal Injury
If you have severe injuries, you may be entitled to more compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. Suffering from a severe head injury or spinal cord damage is likely to result in more long-term damage. Many victims require ongoing Physical Rehabilitation to regain function and adapt to lasting physical limitations.
Economic damages for injured bicyclists could include lost income, medical expenses, future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic losses may include emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Illinois
Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for bicycle accident injury cases. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to seek compensation for your legal damages.
There may be some exceptions, but it is best to pursue justice as soon as possible to take advantage of fresh evidence and avoid the statute of limitations.
Why Hire a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Spinal Injury Claims?
An experienced cyclist back injury lawyer will help you build a much stronger case. They will help you deal with insurance companies and defense lawyers. An attorney can assess all damages to maximize your compensation after the bicycle crash.
While you may not have access to medical experts and life care planners, an experienced law firm will. Lawyers who have years in the field also know the importance of compassionate support and guidance.
Speak With a Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
While a spinal cord injury is among the most devastating bicycle accident injuries, it is also one of the most devastating. Even the best safety gear and bicycle helmets cannot protect riders entirely. A Chicago bicycle spinal cord injury lawyer can help pursue compensation for injuries resulting from a spinal trauma bicycle crash and other serious accidents.
Our Illinois bicycle crash lawyer team will guide you through the legal process <mark>and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Thus, you can focus more on the healing process. Contact our team today to request your free consultation. Speaking with a Chicago bicycle spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible can help preserve evidence and document the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What spinal injuries are common in bicycle accidents?
Common spinal injuries include herniated discs, spinal fractures, nerve compression, whiplash, soft tissue damage, and spinal cord trauma. Injury severity varies depending on the force of impact.
2. Can a bicycle accident cause paralysis?
Yes. Severe spinal cord trauma can interrupt communication between the brain and body, causing partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and support.
3. What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury after a bicycle accident?
Symptoms may include back pain, numbness, weakness, loss of sensation, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, paralysis, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
4. Can cyclists recover compensation for spinal cord injuries?
Yes. Injured cyclists may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, future care expenses, and reduced earning capacity.
5. How much is a spinal cord injury bicycle accident claim worth?
Claim value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, disability, and the overall impact on daily life.
6. Who is liable for spinal injuries caused by a bicycle accident?
Liability may fall on negligent drivers, property owners, manufacturers, government entities, or other parties whose actions contributed to the accident and resulting injuries.
7. What medical treatment is needed for spinal cord injuries?
Treatment may include emergency care, surgery, medication, hospitalization, physical therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing specialized medical treatment, depending on the severity of the injury.
8. What if I had back problems before the bicycle crash?
A pre-existing back condition does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim. The important issue is often what changed after the crash and whether the accident caused a new injury or aggravated an existing condition. Medical records from before and after the collision, diagnostic imaging, treatment history, and a physician’s opinion can help establish the nature and extent of the change. The specific legal treatment of a pre-existing condition should be reviewed with counsel based on the facts of the case.
9. How soon after a bike crash do spinal symptoms appear?
Spinal symptoms may not always be apparent immediately after a bicycle crash. Pain, stiffness, or other symptoms can become noticeable after the initial shock of the collision wears off. A delayed presentation does not by itself establish that an injury is unrelated to the crash, but prompt medical evaluation and documentation can make it easier to connect symptoms to the accident and track how the condition develops.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.
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