Chicago Bike Share Accident Lawyer

Helping Cyclists Injured in Bicycle Share Accidents Recover Compensation

Our Chicago bike share accident lawyer team helps riders injured in Divvy bike injuries in Chicago seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

For example, we secured a $2,250,000 policy limit bike share crash claim for a commuter who suffered a head injury after being struck while riding to work. The settlement was fully covered by her uninsured motorist policy, ensuring compensation for her medical expenses and recovery.

Common Causes of Bicycle Share Accidents in Chicago 

The following are some common causes of bicycle crashes:

• Rider inexperience
• Distracted motorists
• Traffic collisions
• Defective bikes
• Road hazards

What Is Chicago’s Divvy Bike Share Program?

Chicago bicycle share accidents have become more common as these services expand their operations. The Divvy bike share system has over 6,000 bikes available in the area, and the City of Chicago saw over 10,000 rides taken through the service in 2024.

Divvy is owned by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and operated by Lyft. It is the largest system of its kind in North America, covering over 234 square miles.

Bike share users must agree to the terms and conditions of membership, which include helmet use, maintaining a proper speed, and following all Illinois Vehicle Code laws for bicyclists. It also states that bicyclists assume all risks and that Divvy cannot be held responsible for injuries.

However, this does not always prevent lawsuits. In 2016, Ginny Murray was the first bike share fatality when she was struck by a truck at Belmont and Sacramento. Her family was awarded $5.25 million in a wrongful death suit.

Common Causes of Divvy and Other Bike Share Accidents

Issues that may lead to Divvy crashes include:

• Drivers failing to keep a proper lookout for bicycles, as required by municipal code §9-4-025
• Collisions with parked or moving vehicles
• Defective bike liability (brakes, steering)
• Road hazards like potholes or uneven pavement
• Bike share user inexperience or negligence
• Docking station accidents
• Bike dock accident issues

Liability in Chicago Bike Share Accidents

Bicycle crashes often have complicated liability, especially those through the Divvy Bikes program. Some of the potentially liable parties include the following:

• Divvy Rider: If bicyclists fail to obey traffic laws, such as §9-52-110, that prohibits texting while riding, they may be held liable. Understanding rider negligence vs driver negligence is critical in these claims.
• Lyft: Lyft operates Divvy and can be held liable if there are issues with the bicycle or in a Lyft-operated bike accident.
• Department of Transportation: If the city does not ensure that streets are safe for those riding a Divvy bike, they can be held liable. However, this can be harder to prove due to the Tort Immunity Law.
• City Officials: In Garber v. City of Chicago, a cyclist was awarded $2.25 million after being hit by a police officer.
• Other Motorists: Car or truck drivers can be held accountable if they hit cyclists, which is a common factor in Chicago cycling injury claims.
• Manufacturers: Defective bike parts can mean that a manufacturer is liable, creating defective bike liability cases.

What to Do if You Got Injured Riding a Divvy Bike

Cyclists need to protect themselves and their legal rights by following these key steps.

• Assess your injuries and move to a safe location
• Call 911 to report the crash and ask for medical assistance
• Gather contact details, witness information, and photos or videos
• Document the Divvy number and condition
• Seek medical attention even if your injuries appear minor
• Do not admit fault to anyone, including drivers and insurance companies

Investigating Your Chicago Bike Accident Claim

Our Chicago bike share accident lawyer team can assist you and your family with all tasks associated with your case, which includes:

• Analyzing the police report
• Interviewing witnesses
• Examining the scene and the bicycle condition
• Working with crash reconstructionists if necessary
• Obtaining Divvy maintenance records

Compensation in Chicago Bicycle Share or Divvy Accident Cases

Victims and their family members may receive both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case. These can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care
• Future loss of income
• Property damage
• Funeral expenses for wrongful death
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Grief for wrongful death
• Inconvenience

Why You Need a Chicago Bike Share Accident Lawyer

An attorney can orchestrate the negotiation process, which can be challenging when multiple liable parties are involved. They will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence to support your bike share crash claim and prove liability in cases involving Divvy Bikes.

Our firm will negotiate with the insurance company and Lyft itself, maximizing your compensation using Personal Injury Law principles, whether through negotiation or a lawsuit.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we successfully secure your compensation. Consulting a Chicago bike share accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected in micromobility accidents in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible in a Divvy bike accident in Chicago?

Responsibility depends on factors like rider conduct, driver actions, street safety, and bike maintenance. Liability is determined under Chicago Municipal Code and Personal Injury Law.

2. Can I sue Lyft after a bike share accident?

Lyft may be liable if operational issues or defective bikes contributed. A bicycle rental injury lawyer can evaluate your bike share crash claim.

3. What if the Divvy bike was defective?

Defective bike parts can lead to defective bike liability claims. Documentation and legal guidance ensure proper compensation.

4. Do I need a lawyer for a bike share accident claim?

A Chicago bike share accident lawyer helps navigate complex liability, insurance, and settlement issues in micromobility accidents in Chicago.

5. How much compensation can I get for a bike accident?

Recovery depends on injuries, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Lawyers calculate potential compensation under Personal Injury Law.

6. What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Helmet use may affect some liability considerations under Bicycle Safety Laws, but it does not prevent filing a claim.

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Share Accident Attorney Near You!

If you’ve been harmed while riding a Divvy vehicle or involved in a Lyft-operated bike accident, you deserve compensation. We have a 98% success rate and have worked with over 5,000 clients, including Divvy riders. Our Illinois bike accident law firm is known for handling Chicago cycling injury claims and is respected by insurance agencies for our aggressive negotiation.

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.