Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Cyclists Recover Compensation

If you were injured in a bike crash, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer at Chicago Injury Center can help you pursue full compensation for your losses. Our legal team has decades of experience handling cycling accident claims throughout the city, including serious crashes on busy streets like Milwaukee Avenue, Clark Street, and near the Lakefront Trail.

Bicycle Accident Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Chicago Injury Center, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers have helped injured cyclists across the city recover meaningful compensation.

• $805,500 Settlement – James, a 39-year-old teacher, was hit by a turning truck that cut across his designated bike lane. He suffered a compound clavicle fracture and a torn rotator cuff, requiring multiple surgeries. James missed a year of work. We secured $805,500 to cover his lost wages, medical costs, and long-term recovery needs.
• $499,000 Settlement – Dante, a bike courier, was struck by a driver exiting a downtown Chicago parking garage. The motorist failed to notice two-way bike traffic. Dante suffered a fractured wrist and extensive abrasions. We uncovered evidence of poor driver training and secured a $499,000 settlement reflecting the driver’s liability and the cyclist’s work limitations.
• $105,000 Settlement – Rachel, a triathlete, was hit by a passing vehicle while cycling on a quiet residential road. The crash threw her from the bike, injuring her knee. She underwent arthroscopic surgery and recovered the $105,000 policy limits through her uninsured motorist and med-pay coverage. The case resolved without litigation.

What Makes Us the Best Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys

What makes us the best Chicago bike accident lawyers is our proven track record of securing strong results for injured cyclists across Illinois. At Chicago Injury Center, we bring decades of experience in personal injury law and a deep understanding of Chicago bicycle laws. We’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for our success and our commitment to clients’ recovery and justice.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

At Chicago Injury Center, our Chicago personal injury lawyer team represents injured bicyclists in a wide range of cases across Illinois.

Vehicle-Related Bicycle Collisions

• Cyclists struck by motor vehicles while crossing intersections or riding through marked areas.
• Accidents involving rideshare or delivery vehicles.
• Incidents involving large trucks or construction vehicles that fail to yield.
• School zone or residential area accidents.

Infrastructure-Related Bicycle Injury Cases

• Accidents caused by lack of proper cycling infrastructure.
• Construction zone bicycle crashes.
• Crashes near buses, rail lines, or unsafe transit-related areas.

Non-Vehicle Bicycle Injury Cases

• Defective bicycle equipment.
• Accidents involving Divvy, Lime, or similar systems with maintenance issues.
• Pedestrian-cyclist collisions.

Special Circumstance Bicycle Accidents

• Hit-and-run bicycle accidents.
• Group ride or organized event injuries.
• Police or emergency vehicle involvement.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Chicago?

Bike accidents in Chicago often occur due to driver negligence, poor infrastructure, or visibility issues. Common causes include motorists failing to yield at intersections, opening car doors into cyclists’ path (“dooring”), speeding, distracted driving, and making unsafe turns.

Cyclists are also at risk in areas lacking designated lanes or where road maintenance is poor. Delivery trucks and rideshare vehicles frequently contribute to collisions in high-traffic neighborhoods. Many of these incidents occur in well-traveled areas like Milwaukee Avenue, downtown, or near schools and parks.

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Bicycle accident injuries can range from minor to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include fractures, especially to the collarbone, wrist, or leg, as well as head trauma, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Cyclists often suffer road rash, dental injuries, and deep lacerations.

More severe cases may involve spinal cord damage or internal organ injuries. Because bicycles offer little protection, even low-speed crashes can result in serious injuries requiring surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care. Prompt medical attention is critical after any bike crash.

What Damages Can Bicycle Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Bicycle accident victims in Chicago may be entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, and rehabilitation costs. Victims can also seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In cases of permanent disability or disfigurement, the settlement may reflect long-term needs.

What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in Chicago?

According to data from Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average bicycle accident settlement in Chicago is $668,909, with reported case values ranging from $5,000 to $8 million.

Factors that affect bicycle accident settlement amounts include:

• Severity of injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury vs. soft tissue damage)
• Liability and fault (e.g., driver vs. cyclist negligence)
• Long-term impact on health or income
• Available insurance coverage
• Quality of legal representation

Example Bicycle Accident Cases in Chicago

Cyclist Dragged by Semi-Truck in Downtown Chicago

Terri Cenar, a 49-year-old saleswoman, was riding her bicycle on LaSalle Street when a tractor-trailer made a sudden right turn, dragging her under its wheels. She suffered a crushed pelvis and required 14 surgeries, leaving her with permanent disfigurement, urinary issues, and mobility challenges. Her legal team cited video evidence and traffic violations to prove fault. The case settled for $9.75 million after mediation with Doka USA Ltd.‘s insurance carriers.

Teen Killed in Police Pursuit

Sixteen-year-old Kenyatta Brack Jr. was struck and killed by a vehicle fleeing police in Dolton, Illinois. His parents sued the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the village of Dolton, arguing the high-speed chase was reckless and violated proper procedures. Experts testified that the pursuit endangered residential streets unnecessarily. Despite denials of wrongdoing, the case resolved for $6 million from Cook County and $2 million from Dolton, totaling an $8 million settlement.

Student Run Over by CTA Bus in Hyde Park

Ki Shih, an 18-year-old University of Chicago student, was cycling when she was struck and run over by a CTA bus. She suffered a crushed pelvis, ankle fractures, and a severe heel injury requiring complex flap surgery. Doctors warned of eventual amputation. The CTA argued Shih attempted to pass the bus illegally, but her attorneys highlighted physical evidence and lasting disabilities. On the fifth day of trial, the case settled for $5 million.

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accident cases in Chicago often involve serious injuries, unclear liability, and aggressive insurance companies trying to shift blame. Proving fault can be difficult, especially when drivers claim not to have seen the cyclist or when police reports lack detail.

An experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney understands how to collect key evidence—like traffic camera footage, medical records, and witness statements—and present it effectively in Cook County courts. Legal representation is critical to protect bicyclists’ rights and pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

The latest IDOT report reveals 1,410 bicycle-related crashes. Of these, seven were fatal, 1,246 resulted in injuries, and 157 involved property damage only.

Where Do Bicycle Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Bicycle accidents in Chicago tend to occur in high-traffic areas and at intersections with poor visibility or heavy turning activity. Some of the most dangerous spots for cyclists include Milwaukee Avenue, particularly near Wicker Park and Logan Square, and the intersections of Damen and Fullerton, and Clark and Belmont.

Lake Shore Drive access points, downtown corridors near the Loop, and busy areas around the University of Chicago also see frequent incidents. Crashes often happen when drivers open car doors into cyclists’ paths, fail to yield when turning, or block designated cycling routes. Delivery vehicles and rideshare drivers further increase risks near commercial areas, schools, and CTA stations.

What Laws Govern Bicycle Accident Claims in Chicago?

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1502), bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Chicago’s Municipal Code § 9-52 outlines local rules for cyclists, including safe passing distances and bike lane regulations.

A notable case, Cenar v. Doka USA, involved a cyclist who was severely injured when a truck turned into her lane without yielding. The case settled for $9.75 million, emphasizing the duty of commercial drivers to safely share the road with cyclists.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

In Chicago, the deadline to file a bicycle accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the crash, as outlined in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to compensation.

Who Is Legally Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

Legal liability for bicycle accidents in Chicago can fall on several parties depending on how the crash occurred:

• Negligent drivers: Most commonly, motorists who fail to abide by traffic laws, drive distracted, speed, or open car doors into a cyclist’s path are held liable.
• Rideshare or delivery companies: Uber, Lyft, or commercial delivery drivers acting within the scope of employment may shift liability to their employer.
• City or municipal agencies: If poor road conditions, missing signage, or faulty traffic signals contributed to the accident, the City of Chicago may share responsibility.
• Bicycle manufacturers: Defective bikes or components may result in a product liability claim.
• Construction companies: Unsafe work zones not implementing safety measures and forcing cyclists into traffic may trigger claims for negligence.

Common Defenses in Chicago Bicycle Accident Cases

In Chicago bicycle accident personal injury cases, defendants and insurance companies often raise common defenses to limit liability.

One frequent argument is that the cyclist was at fault or partially at fault, for example, by ignoring traffic signals or not using a designated lane. We counter this by collecting traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and accident reports to clarify the actual sequence of events.

Another defense is the “open and obvious” hazard claim, suggesting the cyclist should have avoided a known risk. We argue that visibility, speed, or obstructions made the hazard unavoidable.

Defendants also question the severity or cause of injuries. We work with medical experts to link the injuries directly to the crash and support the claim for full compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Bicycle Accident Case in Chicago

To strengthen your bicycle accident insurance claim in Chicago, it’s essential to act quickly and preserve key evidence.

First, seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor. Emergency medical services create a medical record that documents your condition and ties it directly to the accident. Next, file a police report and ensure it includes accurate details about the crash, including the names of witnesses and the driver involved.

Take photos or video at the scene, capturing your bike, the vehicle, traffic signs, and road conditions. Preserve your damaged bicycle and clothing—they can serve as evidence. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without first consulting a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or twist your words to shift blame.

Keep a record of all medical appointments, missed workdays, and how the injuries affect your daily life. The more documentation you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be. An experienced attorney can help build your case and push for fair compensation.

How a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help

A Chicago bicycle accident attorney plays a vital role in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation after a crash.

From the start, we will investigate the scene, gather police officer reports, interview witnesses, and collect medical records to build a strong case. We’ll work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to understand the circumstances surrounding your case and evaluate insurance coverage options, including underinsured motorist coverage.

Throughout your recovery, we will handle all communication with insurance companies to prevent lowball offers or bad-faith tactics. If a fair settlement offer isn’t reached, we can file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in Cook County civil court.

With experience handling bike accident claims under Illinois law, we will fight to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering.

Chicago Bicycle Accident Resources & FAQs

Consult a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, Chicago Injury Center is here to help. We offer a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. There are no upfront legal fees—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation.