Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Chicago Law Firm Helping Cyclists Hurt in Sideswipe Crashes

Our Chicago sideswipe bicycle accident attorneys recognize the devastating injuries cyclists can suffer when drivers fail to share the road properly. Our Chicago bike accident law firm is dedicated to helping injured bicyclists seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from sideswipe collisions.

Here are some of the successful bike accident settlements we have secured for our clients:

• $1,000,000 for a dooring bicycle accident
• $760,000 for a rear-end bike crash
• $605,000 for a bicycle accident involving a truck

What Is a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident?

Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of a motor vehicle collides with the side of a bicycle, typically when traveling in the same direction. A personal injury attorney can help evaluate such incidents, especially when determining liability and pursuing compensation. This sideswipe results in disastrous accidents that can cause severe injuries and death.

Why Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents Are Dangerous for Cyclists

A sideswipe collision is dangerous for cyclists due to their exposure. Limited visibility makes them harder for drivers to see. The impact can cause severe injuries or loss of control. A cyclist may be thrown into traffic or obstacles, increasing the risk of serious harm.

Common Scenarios for Sideswipe Bicycle Crashes in Chicago

Sideswipe accidents happen when a cyclist and a motor vehicle travel parallel, but some situations increase the risk, such as:

• Passing too closely, especially during left turns
• Lane drifting
• Merging without looking

Who Is Liable in a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident?

Sideswiping is often caused by driver negligence. According to the law, negligence occurs when an individual fails to provide reasonable care under certain circumstances. A driver who causes a sideswiping accident with a cyclist has breached their duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming that particular cyclist.

Driver Errors Leading to Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswiping itself is a form of negligence, but other negligent behaviors can contribute to or increase the risk of such collisions with bicycles.

• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Small bicycles can easily be obscured in a blind spot.
• Distracted Driving: Even though there are Illinois traffic laws against distracted driving, texting, phone calls, phone use, fiddling with the radio, are still common.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Speeding and road rage is the deadliest cause of car accidents.
• Passing Improperly: 625 ILCS 5/11-703 requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle.
• Misjudging the Cyclist: The Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road prohibit drivers from operating their motor vehicles unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist in a reckless manner.

Common Injuries in Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

Sideswiping a bicycle can often result in devastating injuries, including death. Some injuries are commonly found in accident victims.

• Road Rash and Abrasions
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Head Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Internal Injuries

Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident in Chicago

• Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
• Call law enforcement and request medical assistance.
• If the driver remains at the scene, exchange contact and insurance details.
• Take photos and videos of the accident site, including motor vehicle positions and road conditions.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Preserve evidence such as your damaged bike, helmet, and clothing.
• Keep records of medical bills, expenses, and lost wages.
• Avoid admitting fault and consult an attorney for legal guidance.

How to File a Claim or Lawsuit for a Sideswipe Bike Crash

Start by consulting an attorney to evaluate your case. Your legal team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a case against the negligent driver. They will help you file an insurance claim and handle any disputes or denials.

If the insurance settlement is insufficient, your attorney can file a lawsuit in Illinois courts. During settlement negotiations, they will present evidence to prove liability and seek fair compensation. If no agreement is reached, your attorney will represent you in court to fight for your damages.

How a Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

A Chicago bike crash lawyer provides legal support to injured cyclists dealing with complex accident claims involving traffic violations and reckless driving. They help victims who may be a cyclist hit by a passing car, ensuring the facts of the crash are properly reviewed and documented.

A bicycle injury attorney in Chicago assists in building a strong Illinois bicycle accident claim by gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports, and communicating with insurers. This is especially important in cases involving bike lane violation, where liability may not always be immediately clear.

A Chicago cycling accident lawyer also handles negotiations with insurance companies and works to secure fair bike accident compensation in Chicago. They ensure that all damages, including medical costs and lost wages, are properly evaluated and supported with evidence.

Compensation You Can Recover for a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident

When filing a bike accident lawsuit, you can recover economic or non-economic compensation to recover from emotional, financial, and physical distress.

Economic Compensation

• Lost wages from missed work
• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Legal expenses
• Funeral bills

Non-Economic Compensation:

• Pain and suffering
• Relationship loss
• Job loss
• Emotional trauma
• Injuries

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney

Attorneys are formally trained and experienced in handling the legal aftermath of bike accidents and recovering damages. They don’t just represent you in court during the trial but also offer support, negotiate with insurance, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and take steps to maximize your compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

If you’re considering a lawsuit for your bike accident, you’ll want to act fast. The state of Illinois has a statute of limitations for filing a bike accident lawsuit. In most cases, per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you will only have two years from the date of the accident to file, and time can pass quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a sideswipe bicycle accident?

A sideswipe bicycle accident occurs when a vehicle moves too close to a cyclist and makes contact or forces unsafe movement.

2. Who is at fault in a sideswipe bike accident in Chicago?

Fault depends on whether road sharing laws were followed and whether safe passing distance was maintained by the driver.

3. Can I file a claim if a car passed too close to my bicycle?

Yes, if unsafe passing leads to harm, it may support a claim similar to an unsafe passing bicycle accident under applicable traffic rules.

4. What compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident?

Compensation generally depends on injury severity, financial losses, and long-term impact on the victim’s life.

5. How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?

There is a limited filing period under state law, so timely action is important to preserve legal rights.

6. What evidence is needed to prove a sideswipe accident?

Useful evidence includes photos, witness statements, medical records, and scene documentation showing how the incident occurred.

7. Should I talk to the insurance company after a bike accident?

It is often advisable to be cautious, as an insurance adjuster may evaluate claims in ways that affect final compensation outcomes.

Consult a Chicago Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

Our Illinois bike accident law firm has an astounding track record of recovering compensation for injured bicyclists. We work on a contingency fee, so you won’t owe us any fees unless we help you recover compensation. Book a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

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.