Edwardsville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Getting injured while on a bicycle is nearly as dangerous as getting injured on foot. Bicyclists risk getting badly wounded when hit by a motor vehicle. They can be thrown off their bikes and hit the ground hard enough to sustain severe injuries. These injuries could become a financial issue for the accident victim, mainly because they have to stay home to recover from their injuries. On top of that, they must pay extensive medical bills.

These are just some of the losses a bicycle accident victim may suffer. If you are not at fault for your bicycle accident, an Illinois bicycle accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for the damages. They can obtain a fair settlement for the injuries that you suffered. For more information, reach out to Hipskind & McAninch LLC for a free consultation. 

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Your bicycle accident lawyer can find proof that shows how the accident could have been avoided had the driver not been negligent. It’s important for riders to stay calm and explain what happened to their attorney after the accident. With an attorney’s help, the liability can be assigned correctly to the at-fault driver after all evidence has been gathered. 

Left Turn Accidents

This is the most common type of collision between cars and bicycles, and it may be one of the easiest to prevent as well. That’s because a left-turning driver who fails to yield or misjudges the path of an oncoming bicycle has violated two traffic laws. The cyclist may be entitled to not just damages for their injuries but also punitive damages under Illinois law 745 ILCS 10/2-102.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

The at-fault driver could have ignored traffic signals like red lights. If the other party continued to drive when they are required to stop, you wouldn’t be at fault. You had the right of way and were hit because the other driver was reckless. 

Speeding

When a driver is speeding, they are more likely to cause a crash. Speeding cars also take longer to slow down, so they might be unable to avoid an accident. 

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is a common occurrence in many car accidents. This occurs when a driver is texting, making phone calls, talking to other passengers, eating, and even putting on makeup. These types of activities take their eyes or mind off the road and increase the risk of an accident. 

Driving While Intoxicated

It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. If you were hit because the other driver was intoxicated, your attorney could help you get compensation. 

Blind Spot Accident

Drivers may not notice a bicyclist in the blind spot of their car. They can change lanes and accidentally strike a bicyclist. A motorist’s vision might also become limited in bad weather conditions. For example, rain, snow, or fog can make it difficult to see bicyclists.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive drivers are extremely dangerous on the road. They can cut other people off, brake check, tailgate, and drive in bike lanes. 

Running Into A Door

Drivers sometimes open their doors without checking if a cyclist is approaching, creating a life-threatening obstacle for bike riders. This is usually if they are parallel parked and open their door without checking. Dooring can cause a bicyclist to hit the door and get flung off their bike. Car drivers are only allowed to open a door if it does not obstruct the flow of traffic and when it is considered safe. It should also only happen momentarily to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle quickly. To prove you weren’t at fault, your attorney can help you find evidence supporting your claim.

Bicycle Laws In Illinois 

The state of Illinois has specific requirements for how bicycles should operate on the road. Here are common bicycle laws that may influence your settlement amount:

• You must use hand signals when turning or stopping.

• Bicycles are considered equal to motor vehicles.

• The bicyclist doesn’t have to ride as far right as possible, but they must not obstruct traffic.

• When riding in the dark, it is required that a bike be equipped with a white front reflector and red rear reflector if there are no lights on the bike.

How Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Attorneys will support your compensation claim using evidence proving the liability of the driver.

Investigation 

Your attorney will perform an initial investigation. They will review the police report, speak to eyewitnesses, analyze traffic camera footage, and more. Attorneys work with other professionals, such as accident reconstruction specialists to build a stronger case. 

Calculation Of Damages

Your attorney makes sure they correctly calculate all of your damages, including lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. 

Negotiations

The at-fault party’s insurance company will have to negotiate with your attorney to achieve settlement demands. 

Representation 

When your attorney is unable to reach a fair settlement, you can sue the at-fault party and your lawyer will represent you in court. They’ll file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the defendant to court. 

How An Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

When you suffer a bicycle accident, it’s always best to talk to a legal professional who knows what steps you need to take next. If you live in Edwardsville, Illinois, then you can reach out to our law firm. We have years of experience helping those who have been injured while riding their bicycles to get the compensation they need to move on. Call Hipskind & McAninch LLC today and schedule your consultation with our law office so we can get you on the path to recovery after your bicycle accident.