Personal Injury Blog

Once the cold weather and snow clears from our Chicago streets, more and more of our city’s residents take to the streets on their bikes. As a form of transportation and recreation, bike riding is one of the many ways to get out and see the city, get some exercise, and get to where you need to go. Unfortunately, with the increase in bike riders is an increase in the number of accidents that occur between bicyclists and cars. Without the metal protections that are afforded to cars, bike riders affected in these accidents oftentimes find themselves suffering from serious and life-changing personal injuries.

Preventing a Bicycle Accident

Drivers on the road have the responsibility to pay close attention to their actions and how they may affect others, both other drivers, bike riders, and even pedestrians. All of these have the legal right to be on the roads. When a driver does not take the time to operate their vehicle correctly and someone is seriously injured as a result, the driver of that car can and should be held accountable in an accident lawsuit.

Of course, avoiding an accident is the first step to preventing injury:

1. Never ride your bike after consuming alcohol. Not only is this a criminal charge, but your senses may be impaired, preventing you from reacting in the ways that you should be.
2. Observe the rules of the road. Many bike riders may run through red lights or blow through stop signs, but these are there for a reason. It allows drivers to anticipate your moves and gives you a strong legal standpoint in the event of an accident.
3. Keep an appropriate lookout and be sure to exercise the proper care when on your bike- it takes two, and you have a responsibility to be aware of cars as well.
4. Use lights, reflectors, and brightly colored clothing when riding. These can help you be seen by drivers that may not usually be on the lookout for these substances.
5. Pay special attention to the actions of other vehicles at intersections. Intersections are where a majority of bike accidents occur!

If you or a loved one have been involved in a bike crash, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected. First, call law enforcement to report the accident and get the medical attention you need. Once you are all set, get the information of any witnesses to the accident. Take the time to document what occurred by writing your version of events down, getting a medical and police report, and taking as many photographs as possible. By preserving evidence, it can be shown that you are not at fault for your accident and the car’s driver should be held responsible for your injuries.

When you have been hurt, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer at Duncan Law Group is here to help. Our team has won numerous awards based on our dedication to clients across Illinois. Call today!