Get a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Review by T.V.

"I highly recommend BB&G ... I would give 10 stars if I could!"

Review by G.V.

"I am so very pleased with the representation from BB&G!"

Review by M.S.

"The attorneys at BBG were exceptional. The outcome was better than we hoped."

Review by R.G.

"From the moment I contacted this firm I was treated like family."

Review by A.H.

"We couldn't be happier with the outcome or the excellent service."

Review by V.A.

"We felt very secure and confident with their representation."

Review by J.P.

"Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a legal force to be reckoned with."

Review by T.Z.

"I'm happy with how they handled my case and recommend giving them a call!"

Review by K.N.

"Very easy process with the help of these amazing people. Very happy outcome!"

FREE CONSULTATION

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Our Lawyers

Chicago Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents

A driver hits a cyclist on a Chicago street, then speeds away. No name, no license plate, no accountability. For the cyclist left behind, the injuries are real, the bills are real, and the fear of having no legal options is real. But those options exist, and understanding them can make all the difference in what comes next.

How Common Are Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?
What Illinois Law Says About Leaving the Scene
Your Insurance Options When the Driver Is Never Found
What to Do Right After a Hit and Run Bicycle Crash
Building a Legal Claim After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident
FAQs About Chicago Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents

How Common Are Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents in Chicago?

The numbers are alarming. According to a comprehensive analysis of City of Chicago crash records covering 2022 through 2025, drivers struck a Chicago cyclist and fled the scene 694 times in 2025 alone, nearly 1 in 3 of all bike crashes that year. That is not a rounding error. That is a pattern of deliberate behavior happening on the same streets where Chicago residents commute, run errands, and ride for recreation every day.

Across all four years studied, 2,393 cyclists were hit by a driver who did not stop. Hit-and-run bike crashes grew 39.6% from 2022 to 2025, faster than total bike crashes overall, meaning drivers are choosing to flee at an accelerating rate. Think about that. The rate of fleeing is outpacing the rate of crashing.

Certain corridors carry a disproportionate share of this problem. W. North Ave stands out at the corridor level, where 47 of 123 crashes (38.2%) were hit-and-runs, the highest hit-and-run rate among high-volume corridors in Chicago. If you regularly ride through Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, or along the North Side arterials, you are riding through some of the city’s most dangerous territory for exactly this type of crash.

The data also shows that “Improper Overtaking/Passing” is the most hit-and-run-prone crash cause in the dataset: 117 of 239 crashes in that category (49.0%) involved a driver who fled, the highest flee rate among all specific cause categories. Drivers who pass too close are also the drivers most likely to keep going. If you have questions about bike accidents in Chicago and what your rights are after a driver flees, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg offers free consultations.

What Illinois Law Says About Leaving the Scene

Illinois does not treat a hit and run as a minor traffic matter. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury is a Class 4 felony, while leaving the scene of a deadly accident is a Class 2 felony offense. These are serious criminal charges, not traffic tickets.

If a driver leaves the scene of a traffic accident where there is serious injury and fails to return within 30 minutes, that is a Class 2 Felony under 625 ILCS 5/11-401(d). A Class 2 felony in Illinois carries a prison sentence of three to seven years. That is the potential consequence a driver faces when they hit a cyclist on Milwaukee Ave or Clark St and drive away.

Beyond the criminal consequences, the driver who flees also carries full civil liability for the injuries they caused. Under the legal framework established by 625 ILCS 5/11-403, drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death are required to stop, provide necessary information, and assist in ensuring medical care if needed. A driver who violates this law has not just committed a crime. They have also abandoned their legal duty of care, which strengthens a civil negligence claim against them if they are later identified.

For the injured cyclist, the criminal statute matters because it creates a legal record of wrongdoing. If police later identify the driver through traffic cameras near Millennium Park, surveillance footage from a business on Damen Ave, or witness accounts, that criminal charge becomes powerful evidence in your civil personal injury case. A Chicago personal injury lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you connect the criminal record to your civil claim and pursue every dollar you are owed.

Your Insurance Options When the Driver Is Never Found

What happens when the driver is never identified? Many cyclists assume they have no options. That assumption is wrong. Illinois law builds a specific safety net for exactly this situation.

Illinois law requires automobile liability policies to provide a minimum level of uninsured motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is used to cover the costs associated with your injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no automobile liability insurance. In plain terms, your own auto insurance policy may pay your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages even when the driver who hit you is never caught.

Currently, Illinois law requires uninsured motorist limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. That is the legal floor. Many policies carry higher limits, and those higher limits can be critical when a cyclist suffers serious injuries like broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or spinal damage.

If the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified, they are treated as uninsured, and your UM coverage may provide compensation for your injuries. You do not need to own a car yourself to access this coverage. If you live with a family member who has an auto policy that includes UM coverage, you may qualify as a covered person under that policy. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can review your household’s policies and identify every source of coverage available to you.

One important warning: in order to receive compensation for the damages you suffered, you will have to assert a claim against your own insurance company under your UM coverage, which means you are, at least to some extent, at odds with your own insurance company, who will investigate your claim and evaluate the damage. Do not assume your own insurer is automatically on your side. They have financial incentives to minimize what they pay.

What to Do Right After a Hit and Run Bicycle Crash

The moments after a hit and run crash are chaotic. You may be in pain, disoriented, and in the middle of traffic. What you do in those first minutes, though, can directly affect your ability to recover compensation later.

Call 911 immediately. Getting a police report filed is essential, especially for a UM insurance claim. Most policies require you to report the crash to police promptly as a condition of coverage. The responding officer’s report also creates an official record that the crash happened and that the driver fled.

Document everything you can. If you saw the vehicle, note the make, color, and any part of the license plate. Note the direction the driver traveled. Take photos of your bike, your injuries, the road surface, any skid marks, and the surrounding area. If you are near a commercial stretch like Halsted St or Milwaukee Ave, there may be business security cameras that captured the vehicle. That footage can disappear within days if no one requests it.

Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain. Injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue damage often worsen over the first 24 to 48 hours. A gap in medical treatment gives insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the crash.

Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that reduce the value of your claim. What you say in those early conversations can be used against you. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg first. Our team can handle those conversations on your behalf from the start.

Building a Legal Claim After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident

A hit and run crash is harder to litigate than a standard bicycle accident, but it is far from impossible. The legal tools available to injured cyclists are broader than most people realize, and a well-built case can still result in full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Evidence gathering is the foundation. Traffic camera footage from Chicago’s extensive camera network, business surveillance video, witness accounts, and physical evidence at the scene can all help identify the driver. The Chicago Police Department’s investigation, combined with independent investigation by your legal team, sometimes surfaces the driver weeks or months after the crash.

When the driver is identified, a direct negligence claim becomes available. Driver negligence in these cases is straightforward: the driver hit a cyclist, violated 625 ILCS 5/11-401 by fleeing, and caused documented injuries. That is a strong foundation for a personal injury lawsuit. Damages in these cases can include emergency and ongoing medical costs, future treatment expenses, income lost during recovery, and compensation for the physical pain and emotional impact of the crash.

When the driver is never found, the UM claim against your own insurer becomes the primary path. If you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who has an insurance policy but it is insufficient to compensate you for the injuries you sustained, underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference between your UIM limits and the liability limits of the at-fault driver if those limits are lower than your UIM limits. In some cases, both UM and UIM claims are relevant, particularly if a second vehicle was involved in the crash.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has spent decades fighting for injured Chicagoans. Our attorneys can investigate your crash, identify all liable parties, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love was injured in a hit and run bicycle accident anywhere in the Chicago area, contact us today for a free consultation. You can also reach a bicycle accident lawyer at our firm if you are located outside the city. We are here to help.

FAQs About Chicago Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents

Can I still recover compensation if the driver who hit me was never identified?

Yes. Your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply even when the driver is unknown. Illinois law requires all auto policies to include UM coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If you do not own a car, you may be covered under a household family member’s policy. An attorney can review all available policies to identify every source of potential compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim after a hit and run bicycle accident in Illinois?

Illinois generally gives personal injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. However, UM insurance claims often have shorter deadlines set by your policy, sometimes as little as two years from the crash date for arbitration demands. Acting quickly protects your rights. Waiting can cost you coverage.

What criminal charges can a hit and run driver face in Illinois?

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury and does not return within 30 minutes faces a Class 2 felony charge. If the accident resulted in death, the offense becomes a Class 1 felony. Even a crash involving only property damage and no injury can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge under 625 ILCS 5/11-402.

What evidence should I try to collect at the scene of a hit and run bicycle crash?

Note the fleeing vehicle’s color, make, model, and any portion of the license plate. Document the direction of travel. Photograph your injuries, your bike, the road, and any debris. Get names and contact information from any witnesses. Ask nearby businesses if they have security cameras. Call 911 and get a police report filed. All of this information can help identify the driver and support your insurance or legal claim.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run bicycle accident claim, or can I handle it myself?

You can file a UM claim on your own, but it is rarely in your best interest to do so. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster whose job is to minimize the payout. Without legal representation, most injured cyclists accept far less than their claim is worth. An attorney can investigate the crash, handle all communications with insurers, and fight for the full value of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

More Resources About Types of Bicycle Accidents

The overall experience I had with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg was the kind that everyone should receive from any firm.

The staff stayed in contact with me via phone and email, they were very knowledgeable, they made sure I understood what was going on at all times, they answered all of my questions, were transparent, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.

- Brandon Spivey

The level of care, attentiveness, empathy and concern relating to my case when dealing with Briskman Briskman and Greenberg surpassed my expectations.

They were extremely knowledgeable and fair in all matters related. They exemplified excellent customer service and care. They kept me inform and updated every step of the way and any questions I had they answered. I highly recommend using them as I would again.

- Joshua Payton

I was put to ease with the professionalism at Briskman and Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especially put my mind to rest and within a years time I have settled my case and I am very satisfied with the outcome. My injury was devastating but working with this law firm has put a lot of stressful nights to rest.

- Nakia Childs

I needed a personal injury lawyer and Gavin and his team went above and beyond.

They made the process simple and helped me in every step of the way. What I really appreciate is that they are straightforward and are quick to respond to my questions and any issues from a text or phone call. They as well continuously checked up on me. I'm happy with how they handled my case and would recommend giving them a call!

- Ted Zakrzewski

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

They handled my case in a professional, sensitive and very competent manner. The staff exhibits expertise in the legal realm and provided excellent customer support and care. Thanks BBG for your help with navigating a very sensitive and challenging case for my family.

- Robin Albritton

If you were in an accident and need an excellent lawyer, talk to Paul!!

Very nice and professional lawyer that extremely cares about their clients. Fingers crossed I'm never in an accident ever again but if so, I' would definitely, 10/10 use Paul again!

- Danny S.

I am so very pleased with the representation from BB&G!

Robert Briskman handled my injury case very well. Funny and understanding personality and he took the time to explain everything in detail of the entire case. It was wonderful working with him. I would recommend BB&G to anyone and for myself again in the future.

- Geneva Vanderbilt

From the moment I contacted this law firm I was treated like family.

Gavin Pearlman was honest and upfront with me throughout the process. No surprises and never kept me hanging. I strongly recommend These attorneys for your needs.

- Ron Gaber

I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

They were extremely responsive, professional, and compassionate throughout the entire process.Their negotiations skills were exceptional, and they were able to secure a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.I am grateful to have had such a dedicated team