Many people have experienced a car accident, which can be a difficult enough experience on its own. However, these kinds of incidents can be exponentially worse when a bicycle is involved. Injuries may be catastrophic, including paralysis and even death in some cases.
Fortunately, the Illinois court system has a way for injured bicyclists to receive the compensation they need to deal with the damages they have suffered. If you are injured from a bicycle accident, call a Cicero bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A dedicated personal injury attorney may be able to provide you with knowledgeable legal advice and could steer you on the right path toward achieving the highest possible compensation. En Español.
Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents
Roughly one in four bicycle accidents involve a driver who flees the scene of a crash. Called hit and run accidents, these can be particularly devastating because it may be difficult to find the responsible party. However, a skilled bicycle accident attorney in Cicero could attempt to find the at-fault driver by using statements from eyewitnesses, obtaining video footage from local businesses or cameras on the street, and running information on the license or vehicle description of the reported car.
Unfortunately, in hit and run or uninsured driver accidents, the insurance company of the bicyclist may end up paying for the damages instead of the responsible party. This often means that they use their legal resources to pay the lowest possible amount. With help from an experienced lawyer, though, it may be possible to increase that compensation and receive a fairer result.
“Dooring” Accidents
A lesser-known but still actionable type of bicycle accident is known as a “dooring” accident. This occurs when the driver of a vehicle parks their car and opens their door without seeing an approaching bicyclist. Typically, this kind of accident occurs in downtown areas that are often congested, since these locations make it difficult for drivers of cars to register the presence of bicyclists.
Though injuries caused by dooring accidents may be less severe than those from other types of vehicle-bike collisions, victims may still require compensation for damages. In fact, a Bicycle Crash Analysis conducted by the City of Chicago in 2012 reported that more than half of all dooring accidents resulted in an injury to the bicyclist. Regardless of the circumstances, an injured bicyclist should always contact a Cicero bicycle accident attorney to determine whether their case has legal merit.
Seeking Compensation After a Bike Wreck in Cicero
Following a bicycle accident that results in injury, the bicyclist may have grounds to seek compensation of various types if they can prove that someone else caused their accident. In the State of Illinois, plaintiffs in bike crash cases may seek financial recovery for both economic and non-economic damages—respectively, objective costs such as hospital bills and lost income, and intangible losses such as pain and suffering—as their circumstances demand
It should be noted, however, that Cicero—like the rest of the state—adheres to a modified comparative negligence system when determining the appropriate amount of compensation to grant a personal injury victim. If the plaintiff in a bicycle accident case is found partially at fault for their accident, their total damage award would be reduced by the percentage of fault they personally bore. Furthermore, anyone more than 50 percent at fault for their own accident may not recover compensation at all.
Work with a Cicero Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to contact a Cicero bicycle accident lawyer with experience in cases like yours. The sooner you retain seasoned legal counsel, the sooner they could begin working toward the best possible outcome on your behalf.
By preserving necessary evidence, arguing passionately in court, bringing in expert witnesses, and helping you navigate the often-complex legal system, a knowledgeable Cicero bicycle accident attorney could make sure that your interests are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Call today to get started on your case.