Chicago Bicycle Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Bicycle spinal injuries are a common symptom 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.

Spine compression, whiplash, cervical spine damage, and soft tissue injuries are other effects you may suffer because of bicycle accidents. These injuries are also common in contact sports and vehicle accidents. Victims may also suffer spinal fracture bicycle accident injuries that affect mobility and quality of life for years after the crash.

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 paralysis, loss of motor function, chronic pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, respiratory problems, sexual dysfunction, and psychological issues. In severe cases, a paralysis bicycle accident injury can leave victims facing permanent lifestyle changes and lifelong medical needs.

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. Many spinal injuries also involve nerve damage, which can affect sensation, movement, and overall bodily function. 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, lacerations, or even a traumatic brain 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 head injury, brain damage, or spinal cord 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 most dangerous areas for bikers in Chicago is along Ashland Avenue. There have been eleven accidents involving bikes and vehicles along this road since 2015, making it a rather unsafe environment for bikers. 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.

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 an expert law team before pursuing your claim.

Find a legal team that specializes in head injury or 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 strong cyclist spinal injury claim often includes future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs.

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 one of the most common 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 and increase your chances of fair 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 strengthen your claim.

Content reviewed by Chicago bicycle accident lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, who holds negligent drivers, municipalities, and corporate defendants accountable to protect injured cyclists and their families, and is a trial lawyer recognized by National Trial Lawyers, Best Attorneys of America, and the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys for high-severity injury claims.

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