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Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

Cycling has exploded in recent years and as more and more people are taking to Illinois’ roadways for an alternative method of transportation, for recreation, or to just live a little more “green”, the risk of bicycle accidents continues to increase. With this increase in bicycle accidents comes the unfortunate result of wrongful deaths. Cyclists are at a distinct disadvantage when they ride because of their lack of protection and statistically, a cyclist is more likely to be killed in an accident than a motor vehicle driver.

If you have lost a loved one due to a wrongful death following a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss.

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 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.

What is Wrongful Death?

Illinois statute 740 ILCS 180 defines wrongful death as a death “caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default”, both intentionally and unintentionally. The Wrongful Death Act also states that the damages in a wrongful death lawsuit are to be used for the exclusive benefit of the deceased’s next of kin, which may be their spouse, children, or court-appointed representative.

Wrongful death cases have a statute of limitations of two years unless the death was the result of a violent, intentional act, which then extends the statute of limitations to five years. Damages in wrongful death cases will be distributed to the next of kin depending on the relationship and dependency the two parties had.

Types of Damages Available

In a wrongful death suit, the deceased’s next of kin can seek damages for the following:

  • Expenses – Damages can include medical expenses prior to their passing and expenses to pay for the funeral and burial.

  • Loss of Support – This includes the loss of income that would have been provided by the deceased, including wages, pensions, and Social Security benefits.

  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the deceased’s pain and suffering prior to their passing.

  • Loss of Consortium – Also known as “Loss of Society”, this includes the value of the deceased and their relationship with their next of kin including love, companionship, support, and protection.

  • Emotional Damages – The next of kin can receive compensation for their grief and mental suffering.

  • Punitive Damages – If the negligent party is found to be reckless in their behavior, punitive damages may be awarded to make an example of this type of behavior.

Each wrongful death bicycle accident case will be different and unique, making it hard to give an exact figure on compensation. However, 844 See Mike can help determine what you may be entitled to due to your loved one’s loss.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at 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. 

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