Bicycles are a common form of transportation in Naperville, and many people rely on bikes for their daily transportation needs. Unfortunately, accidents involving bicycle riders are not uncommon events and can often lead to devastating injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 840 bicyclists died in traffic accidents in 2016. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that in 2015, 3,201 bicyclists were injured in traffic collisions.
If you or someone you know was injured in a bicycle accident, you may able to recover compensation with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. A Naperville bicycle accident lawyer could help you with the difficult process of filing a personal injury claim.
What a Bicycle Accident Can Mean
In comparison to other vehicles on the road, bicycles are much smaller and provide little protection in the event of a crash. When an accident occurs, the bicyclist is often at a severe disadvantage.
Many different events could cause bicycle accidents to occur, including:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
Injured bicyclists may face serious pain, disfigurement, loss of limbs, broken bones, internal bleeding, and other long-lasting conditions. Bike wrecks can lead to lifelong consequences that can drastically affect a victim’s quality of life.
Additionally, accidents often leave cyclists in a difficult financial position. In addition to medical bills, injury victims may be unable to work, which can result in a loss of income.
The physical, financial, and emotional trauma of a bicycle collision can last a lifetime and greatly diminish a victim’s quality of life. Fortunately, compensation may be available. By working with an experienced Naperville bicycle accident attorney, victims could hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The first step in a Naperville bicycle accident case is to determine if there are grounds to file a personal injury claim. If someone else’s negligent or reckless actions played a role in causing the crash, then litigation may be able to move forward. Consulting with a trusted attorney could be the best way to determine if there is a basis to file a personal injury claim.
Under Illinois Compiled Statutes, 735 5/13-202, victims and their Naperville bicycle accident lawyers have a limited time to file a personal injury claim. However, there may be exceptions if the injury is not immediately recognized. Those considering litigation after a bike crash should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure the claim is filed on time and protect their eligibility for compensation.
A Naperville Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help
Bicycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries. Cyclists may face mounting medical bills, physical pain and suffering, or even permanent disability or disfigurement. Fortunately, a Naperville bicycle accident lawyer could help victims pursue compensation for their losses and hold the at-fault party accountable.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, you should consider speaking with an experienced attorney. Call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.