How long do I have to file an Illinois bicycle accident lawsuit?

When you are involved in a bicycle accident in Illinois, it is important to begin the process of filing a lawsuit as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to receive compensation under Illinois’ statute of limitations. This statute varies by the specific circumstances of a bicycle accident, however, there are basic rules you can follow to determine how long you have to file an Illinois bicycle accident lawsuit, which includes:

• Bicycle accidents involving property damage only – According to Illinois law 715 ILCS 5/13-205, bicycle accidents that strictly involve property damage only are afforded a five-year statute of limitations in filing a claim. This timeframe may even be extended if you were unaware that you had a claim at the time of the accident.
• Bicycle accidents involving personal injury – If you were injured in a bicycle accident, Illinois law 735 ILCS 5/13-202 allows the injured party two years from the time their injuries became evident to file a claim. In most cases this will be at the time of the accident, however, it can be argued that an injury did not immediately present itself and in that case, an extension could theoretically be granted.
• Bicycle accidents due to a faulty product – A lawsuit involving a faulty product follows similar statutes as property damage accidents and injury accidents. If a faulty product caused property damage only, there would be a five-year statute of limitations. If the faulty product caused an accident that involved injuries, the statute of limitations is two years. 

However, Illinois repose law 735 ILCS 5/13-213(b) gets more specific and does not allow a lawsuit if it has been 12-years from when the product was first sold, 10-years since the product was purchased by the plaintiff, or 10-years since the product was first altered.

Illinois law can be confusing when it comes to bicycle accidents, but an experienced personal injury lawyer understands these laws and can advise you on your claim. At 844 See Mike, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.