What if more than one driver is at-fault for Illinois bicycle accident claim or lawsuit?

Illinois law will hold more than one driver at fault for bicycle accident claims or lawsuits under the comparative negligence doctrine. This doctrine determines the percentage of fault for each party, as well as reduces the percentage of compensation a victim will receive if they are found in any way partially responsible for the bicycle accident.

Cyclists are often injured by one vehicle in an attempt to avoid being injured by another, such as swerving into traffic to avoid a dooring accident. Illinois has specific legislation regarding opening a car door into the side of moving traffic unless it is safe to do so. If a driver opens their door without ensuring that it is safe and a cyclist is forced to swerve away and is hit by another vehicle, both drivers could be found liable for the injuries to the cyclist.

Illinois law can be confusing when it comes to pursuing recovery, however. A plaintiff that is injured by multiple parties must file a claim or sue each defendant that may have caused their injuries and show the courts that each of the defendants contributed to the accident.

As a plaintiff, you then have the right to seek compensation from each defendant, who under the Illinois law theory of Joint and Several Liability, are each considered completely liable for your damages no matter what percentage they actually contributed to the accident. If the defendant feels that they are being unjustly forced to pay more than their fair share, they can seek compensation from the other defendants after they have paid for your damages.

The laws surrounding bicycle accidents can be difficult to understand but an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and discuss with you the options you have for a claim or lawsuit.

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 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.