Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you want to save money on gas and be more active, riding a bicycle is a great transportation option. In many ways, riding a bike when you can is more beneficial than driving a vehicle. While riding a bike is a great alternative to cars and a healthy hobby, there can be some risks if riding in traffic. Whenever you’re on the road, there’s always a chance you’ll be involved in an accident. All drivers on the road, including bicyclists, have to be attentive and keep themselves and others safe. However, accidents caused by issues like reckless driving of motor vehicle drivers are often more serious for bicyclists. Besides helmets and other basic safety gear, bicyclists have very little to protect them and can face serious injuries in an accident.

Don’t think that you have to recover from a bike accident on your own. The Cagle Law Firm is here to provide expert legal advice. With the assistance of a bicycle accident lawyer in Chicago, IL, you can win compensation to help you while you recover from your injuries.

What Causes Most Chicago Bike Accidents?

Bike-auto accidents can be caused in the same way other motor vehicle accidents happen, like texting and driving accidents. Although they may have similar causes, a bicyclist being involved changes the situation greatly as the injuries may be more severe due to their vulnerability. Because of this, a personal injury lawyer who has experience with these unique cases is essential.

Here are some of the most common causes of bike-auto accidents.

Distracted Driving

Like regular car accidents, distracted driving on behalf of motor vehicle drivers results in many bicycle accidents. Distracted driving can happen for many reasons, and it only takes seconds of being distracted to cause an accident. Clearly, a bicyclist is less likely to engage in distracted riding as they usually need both arms to operate a bike. If a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, they might never realize there’s a bicyclist near them. Distracted drivers often do not see bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and signs.

Driving Too Close to Bike Lanes

Many cities have designated lanes for bicyclists to keep them safe. While this space can help prevent bicyclists from getting in an accident, they’re only effective if drivers observe them. If drivers ignore bike lanes and veer into them, bicyclists are at risk.

Speeding

Speeding of a vehicle resulting in a crash is a common reason for bicyclists to need a Chicago bicycle accident attorney. If a car is speeding, they won’t have the time to stop for a nearby bicyclist or can quickly and unexpectedly get close to a bicyclist and cause an accident. Even slightly hitting a bicyclist can lead to severe, even life-threatening injuries.

Lane Merging

Merging lanes is always a risk if passenger vehicle drivers aren’t fully aware of their surroundings. If another vehicle or bicyclist is in a driver’s blind spot, they might try to change lanes without seeing someone in the way. Since bicyclists take up much less space than a vehicle, it can be even easier for drivers who aren’t paying attention when merging lanes to miss the bicycle rider.

Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Bike accidents can happen in seconds but can affect bicyclists for years or even a lifetime. Bicyclists and their loved ones shouldn’t have to worry about finances after being in a serious accident. A bicycle accident attorney in Chicago, IL, can help you and your loved ones get the compensation you need for your recovery. The Cagle Law Firm can work with you during this time to provide expert legal advice and guidance.

It can be hard to know what to do after getting injured in a bike accident. Contact The Cagle Law Firm for a free consultation with a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer.