Wells Street Bike Accidents in Chicago

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

Wells Street runs through the heart of Chicago’s Near North Side, connecting neighborhoods like Old Town and Lincoln Park to the Loop. It’s a heavily traveled corridor for both vehicle traffic and cyclists, especially with portions featuring protected lanes.

Its popularity among commuters, tourists, and local riders makes it a high-use route, but also a dangerous one. Wells Street bike accidents often involve conflicts with motor vehicles, parked cars, and turning traffic.

If you’ve been hurt while riding on Wells, a Chicago bicycle accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Why Wells Street Is Risky for Cyclists

Wells Street is a high-traffic route for both commuters and recreational riders, but it poses significant dangers for Chicago bicyclists. While parts of Wells feature protected bike lanes, these are inconsistent, especially through the Near North Side and into Lincoln Park, where bike riders are frequently forced to share space with fast-moving motor vehicles and parked cars.

One of the most tragic and widely reported crashes occurred in 2012 when Neill Townsend, a 32-year-old cyclist, was killed after a parked car opened its door into his path on Wells near Oak Street. He was thrown into traffic and fatally struck by a semi truck.

Wells Street remains a top concern due to narrow lanes, blocked lanes, and high rideshare traffic. Despite improvements by the Chicago Department of Transportation, the street continues to be dangerous, especially at intersections with poor visibility or heavy traffic flow.

Common Injuries and Accidents Reported on Wells Street

Wells Street bike accidents often result in serious injuries.

Dooring incidents—where a parked vehicle’s door is opened into a cyclist’s path—are a leading cause of broken bones, shoulder injuries, and concussions.

Sideswipes by passing motor vehicles or semi trucks can lead to severe trauma, including spinal injuries and internal bleeding.

At busy intersections, right-hook turns—when a driver turns right across a cyclist’s path—are another common cause of impact injuries, often throwing the bike rider onto the pavement or into traffic.

Without consistent bike lanes, cyclists are frequently exposed to unpredictable conditions, leading to a wide range of injuries requiring medical care, long recovery periods, and legal support to pursue fair compensation.

Relevant Chicago Ordinances and Infrastructure on Wells Street

Wells Street is part of the Chicago Bike Network, and select portions, particularly near downtown, include protected bike lanes to improve rider safety. However, many stretches north of the Loop lack physical separation, increasing the risk of crashes.

Under Chicago Municipal Code § 9-36-010(c), drivers must allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Additionally, Code § 9-40-060 prohibits drivers from stopping, standing, or parking in marked bike lanes, a common problem on Wells where parked cars and delivery vehicles frequently block cycling paths.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has conducted spot improvements in high-traffic areas, but long-term safety plans for Wells remain limited. Advocacy groups like the Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans) continue to push for better protections, especially following high-profile crashes involving dooring and turning vehicles. Safer infrastructure remains an urgent need along this key corridor.

Fault in Wells Street Bicycle Accidents

Determining fault in Wells Street bike accidents can be complex due to the nature of urban traffic. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on how the accident occurred.

For example, in Lincoln Park, a cyclist may be hit by a car turning right across the bike lane—a common scenario known as a right hook. In other areas, drivers exiting alleys along Wells Street often fail to check for cyclists, causing sudden impact crashes.

Dooring incidents—where a parked vehicle opens its door into the rider’s path—can also place liability on the vehicle occupant for failing to check for approaching bikes. Pedestrians darting into the bike lane or drivers blocking lanes can further complicate matters.

An experienced attorney must often investigate video footage, witness testimony, and traffic laws to assign clear legal fault and hold the right parties accountable in a personal injury claim.

Steps to Take After a Bike Accident on Wells Street

If you’re injured in a bike crash on Wells Street, following a few critical steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 – Report the crash and request a police officer to document the scene. An official report is key for any legal claim.

Seek medical attention – Even if your injuries seem minor, go to a nearby hospital like Northwestern Memorial or Rush University Medical Center. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.

Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, your bicycle, street layout, parked cars, and any visible injuries.

Collect witness information – Names, phone numbers, and any statements may help your claim later.

Don’t speak to insurance companies alone – Let a qualified Chicago bike lawyer handle all communication to protect your interests and ensure fair compensation.

How a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a crash on Wells Street, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer can take on the heavy lifting while you focus on recovery.

Your attorney will investigate the scene, gather police reports, speak with witnesses, and secure critical evidence, such as video footage or vehicle data, before it disappears. They’ll also handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company, protecting you from tactics that downplay your injuries or shift blame.

An experienced lawyer understands the laws surrounding bike lanes, parked cars, opening car doors, and serious injuries and will fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term harm. Legal support ensures your voice is heard and your case is built to win.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel Following a Bike Accident on Wells Street

If you’ve been injured in a bike crash on Wells Street, don’t wait to get legal help. The risks the cycling community faces on this busy corridor—from dooring to turning vehicles—require an attorney who understands the unique dangers of riding in Chicago.

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we know Wells Street and the challenges cyclists encounter there. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options.

Let us help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Call (312) 646-3708 or fill out our contact form to get started