Bike Lane Accidents

Cycling is as popular as ever and because more people are using bicycles as a main mode of transportation, a way to get fit, and a way to decrease their carbon footprint, many cities, including Chicago are installing more bike lanes to increase safety for the cyclists. While these bike lanes are meant to increase safety, this isn’t always the case. Bike lane accidents are becoming more common and the injuries to cyclists can be serious, even fatal.

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.

Types of Bike Lane Accidents

Bike lanes are often found on roadways, in parks, and around lakes and rivers. While they are created to reduce the number of bicycle accidents, unfortunately, they still have risks. Bike lanes are often poorly maintained and often used by those who are not riding a bike, putting cyclists at risk for accidents and injuries.

The types of bike lane accidents commonly seen include:

• Vehicle turns – Motorists do not always check the bike lanes before attempting to make a turn, often turning into the path of the cyclist. 
• Dooring accidents – Often, vehicles will park adjacent to the bike lanes and when a driver opens their door without checking for cyclists, it can cause a rider to slam into their door or swerve into traffic. 
• Intersection accidents – 55% of bicycle accidents in Chicago occur in intersections when turning vehicles do not watch for cyclists or do not permit them the right of way. 
• Defective bike lanes – Once bike lanes are created, they often receive very little maintenance, especially in places like parks. If the bike lane is improperly maintained, a cyclist may need to swerve to avoid imperfections in the lane surface, colliding with other cyclists, pedestrians, or motor vehicles. 
• Bicycle vs. Bicycle accidents – Many bike lanes do not clearly define the direction that cyclists should be going, or the rules are not adhered to. When a bicycle collides with another bicycle, the cyclists are often thrown from their bikes and suffer serious injuries. 
• Bicycle vs. Pedestrian – Bike lanes are often used by pedestrians, putting both parties at risk for serious and sometimes deadly injuries when they collide.

If you or a loved one was involved in a bike lane accident while cycling, you deserve compensation for the injuries you have sustained.

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 what 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.