Randolph Street Bike Accidents in Chicago

Chicago Law Firm Helping Recover Compensation for Bicycle Injuries on Randolph Street

Randolph Street is one of Chicago’s busiest east-west corridors, stretching through downtown and the West Loop with direct access to major transit lines, office buildings, and entertainment venues.

The mix of heavy traffic, buses, rideshares, and tight intersections makes this a standard route for cyclists commuting to work or navigating the city, but also one of the more hazardous. Accidents on Randolph Street often occur where vehicles turn suddenly, doors swing open, or bike lanes disappear.

If you’ve been injured while riding here, Chicago bicycle accident attorneys at our firm can help you recover compensation and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Why Randolph Street Is Risky for Cyclists

Randolph Street poses several risks for cyclists due to its design and constant traffic. In many sections—especially through the West Loop and downtown—bike lanes are narrow, unprotected, or missing altogether, forcing riders to share lanes with fast-moving vehicles. Intersections are busy and chaotic, with cars, buses, and trucks frequently turning across bike paths without warning.

Delivery vans and rideshare vehicles often stop in bike lanes or double park, creating sudden obstacles that force cyclists into traffic. Near key stretches like Clinton and Des Plaines, multiple Randolph Street bike accidents have been reported, often involving drivers failing to yield or cyclists being struck by turning vehicles.

Common Injuries and Accidents Reported on Randolph Street

Cyclists on Randolph Street are often injured in collisions caused by sideswipes, dooring, and right-hook turns at busy intersections. These types of crashes can result in fractures, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and severe road rash. In more serious cases, cyclists have suffered head injuries or been killed on impact by turning trucks or fast-moving vehicles in areas with no protected lanes.

The absence of consistent bike infrastructure along this corridor increases the risk of contact with parked cars, buses, and delivery trucks. Victims of Randolph Street bike accidents often require hospitalization, physical therapy, and long-term medical care, making legal support essential for securing compensation.

Relevant Chicago Ordinances and Infrastructure on Randolph Street

Randolph Street falls within Chicago’s official bike network, yet its infrastructure often fails to meet safety expectations for cyclists.

While parts of Randolph include painted bike lanes, much of the street, especially through the Loop and West Loop, lacks protected bike lanes, exposing riders to traffic hazards. According to Chicago Municipal Code § 9-36-010(c), drivers must maintain at least three feet of space when passing cyclists, yet this law is frequently violated on narrow stretches of Randolph.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has acknowledged safety issues along Randolph and included portions in its Streets for Cycling Plan 2020, which aims to improve east-west bike routes. However, implementation has been inconsistent. CDOT has placed a few bike symbols and shared-lane markings in some areas, but Randolph Street bike accidents remain common.

Cyclists and advocacy groups continue pushing for barrier-protected bike lanes and better enforcement of bike lane obstruction violations, especially in high-traffic delivery zones.

Fault in Randolph Street Bicycle Accidents

Determining fault in Randolph Street bicycle accidents can be complicated due to the dense traffic environment and multiple potential contributors. Cyclists often share the road with turning vehicles, rideshare drivers, and delivery trucks, all of which increase the risk of collision.

For example, a driver exiting a parking garage without yielding to a cyclist or opening a car door into the bike lane can be held liable. In intersections with limited visibility or blocked bike lanes, drivers may strike cyclists while turning right, commonly known as a right-hook crash.

Pedestrian traffic and double-parked vehicles can also create sudden obstacles. A thorough investigation by an attorney is often needed to establish fault and identify liable parties.

Steps to Take After a Bike Accident on Randolph Street

If you’re involved in a bike accident on Randolph Street, taking the proper steps immediately afterward can protect your health and legal rights.

Call 911 – Report the crash to the police, even if injuries seem minor. A crash report helps document what happened.

Seek medical attention – Visit the nearest ER, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital or Rush University Medical Center. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not be apparent right away.

Document the scene – Take photos of your bike, the vehicle, injuries, street signs, and any damage or debris. This visual evidence can support your claim.

Collect witness information – Get names and contact info of anyone who saw the crash. Their testimony can strengthen your case.

Don’t speak to the insurance company alone – Always consult with a lawyer before giving a statement or accepting any offer.

How a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Chicago bicycle accident lawyer is critical in helping injured cyclists recover after a serious crash. First, your attorney will investigate the accident, gathering details from the scene, reviewing police reports, and obtaining video footage if available. They will also handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers or tactics that shift blame.

Your lawyer will work to secure key evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, to build a strong case. Most importantly, they will pursue full compensation for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you aren’t left to deal with the aftermath alone.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel Following a Bike Accident on Randolph Street

If you were injured in a bike crash on Randolph Street, don’t try to handle the aftermath on your own. The team at Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers understands the unique hazards cyclists face on this busy corridor. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery needs.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at (312) 646-3708 or fill out our contact form to schedule your case review.