Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Chicago, IL
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, tens of thousands of people are injured in bicycle accidents each year. These unfortunately common mishaps can be devastating. Bicycle accidents involving cars or pedestrians can leave cyclists with painful and debilitating injuries, in addition to unexpected medical bills and other financial burdens.
If you have been hurt in a bicycle crash that another’s recklessness caused, you have options for seeking damages. To learn more, contact Driscoll Law Group to set up a free consultation. During this meeting, you can speak with one of our experienced accident attorneys about your situation, the compensation you could receive, and the steps for moving ahead with our firm.
We have recovered $250+ million in all kinds of accident injury cases in Chicago and across the U.S. Our efforts have allowed our lawyers to be selected to Illinois’s Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. With our record of success, you can feel confident turning to us.
Injured in a bicycle accident? Don't wait to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (312) 626-3008 for a free consultation!

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$310,000 Bicycle Accident
Bicyclist suffers a concussion, knee injury and meniscus tear.
Were You in an Accident While Riding Your Bike? Here Is What to Do.
To aid a possible injury claim, follow these five steps after a bicycle accident:
- Do not ride away, even if there are no immediate signs of injuries. Treat the accident like a car crash.
- Collect information from those involved in the accident. This can include a person’s name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Contact law enforcement and request a police report. This will provide an official account of the accident, which could be essential for making a claim.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible. A doctor can assess and treat injuries and create a detailed record. Remember, with head injuries sometimes it takes days for the symptoms to occur.
- Consult with a lawyer. They can offer information about making a claim. Plus, an attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and the at-fault party’s lawyers to reach a fair settlement.
Proving Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
Generally, if a driver, pedestrian, or property owner acts negligently and causes a bicyclist to crash and sustain injuries, they can be liable.
To make a case, the injured party must prove:
- The at-fault party owed the bicyclist a “duty of care”
- The at-fault party failed to fulfill this duty
- This failure directly caused the accident that injured the bicyclist
Illinois is a comparative negligence state. This means bicyclists can pursue damages, even if they share partial responsibility for the accident.
Know your rights after a bike crash! Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for you. Contact us now at (312) 626-3008 to get started.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often occur due to negligence, reckless behavior, or hazardous road conditions. Understanding the common causes can help cyclists stay vigilant and reduce the risk of accidents.
Some of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers using their phones, eating, or adjusting their radios may fail to see bicyclists in time to prevent an accident.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to avoid collisions with cyclists.
- Failure to Yield – Many accidents happen when drivers fail to yield at intersections or ignore bike lanes.
- Dooring Accidents – When a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, it can cause serious injuries.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers who change lanes without checking for bicyclists can sideswipe or force them off the road.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
- Driving Under the Influence – Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of hitting a cyclist.
Bicycle Laws in Illinois
Illinois has specific laws designed to protect bicyclists and ensure their safety on the road. Some key regulations include:

Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, a person could have to pay for medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and medical devices. Not only that, but they could miss work, potentially lowering their normal wages. These are two common examples of the economic damages parties can pursue via an injury claim. Others include the cost of replacing a bike or other damaged property and rehabilitation expenses.
In addition to economic damages, parties can pursue non-economic damages. These are harder to quantify because they are subjective. Examples include loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, pain, and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bicycle Accidents
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
- After an accident, prioritize your safety and health. Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses, take photos of the scene, and file a police report.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
- Yes. While wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety, Illinois law does not require adults to wear one. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation, but the insurance company may argue that it contributed to your injuries.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Should I speak to the driver’s insurance company?
- It’s best to avoid speaking directly to the driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, so anything you say could be used against you. Let an attorney handle negotiations on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?
- The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a government entity (such as poor road maintenance), the time frame may be shorter.
What if my accident was caused by a road hazard, like a pothole?
- If poor road conditions caused your accident, you may be able to file a claim against the city, state, or another government entity responsible for road maintenance. These cases are more complex and have shorter deadlines, so consulting a lawyer quickly is essential.
Can I still get compensation if the driver fled the scene?
- Yes. If the driver left the scene (a hit-and-run), you may still have options, such as filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have auto insurance. A lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Consult with a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bicycle accident, you might be wondering whether you can make an injury claim and where to even turn to start one. Let us help. At Driscoll Law Group, we offer free consultations where you can tell us your story and get the information you need about your injury claim options. Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys have helped numerous people injured in the city and elsewhere in the U.S. They have the experience and skill to do the same for you.
Your recovery matters. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact us at (312) 626-3008 for trusted legal guidance.
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My family and I were provided security for our future as a result of Sean’s hard work.
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Sean’s knowledge of the Law and procedure was extremely impressive. The way he handled our case throughout the process assured us at all times that he always cared for our wellbeing and best interests.
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I have no doubt that his skill as a trial lawyer during the two week trial allowed me and my family to be awarded fair compensation that will last for the rest of our lives.
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If I even need help again in his area of expertise I am 100% giving him a call.
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Sean Driscoll is a bull when it comes to getting the justice his clients deserve. He will fight tooth and nail for you and your family to get the compensation that you deserve.
- Tom S. -
As my lawsuit ended Mr. Driscoll was very helpful and informative in leading me in the right direction that was best for my future.
- David J. -
Sean fought for me. The case was on the eve of trial when the defense finally paid highest settlement in the county for any case.
- Randy R. -
Sean Driscoll is, hands down, a fantastic attorney. He is also a great human. Sean represented me in an auto-accident (I was middle car) and I was thrilled with the outcome.
- Jorie J.


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