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Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you ride a bicycle in the Bloomington area or anywhere around the Chicago metro, you already know how vulnerable cyclists are on the road. One distracted driver, one car door swung open without warning, or one driver who fails to give you enough space can change your life in an instant. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we help injured cyclists and their families understand their rights and pursue the full compensation they deserve under Illinois law. Whether your accident happened near the Illinois Route 9 corridor, on Veterans Parkway, or anywhere else in McLean County or the Chicago region, we are here to help.
Table of Contents
- Bicycle Accidents in the Bloomington Area and Illinois: What the Numbers Show
- Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Illinois Law
- What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in the Bloomington Area
- Illinois Personal Injury Law and How It Applies to Your Bike Accident Claim
- Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice for Your Case
- FAQs About Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycle Accidents in the Bloomington Area and Illinois: What the Numbers Show
Bicycle accidents are a serious and growing problem across Illinois. According to data reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the number of fatal crashes involving bicyclists increased from 12 in 2019 to 41 in 2023, and preliminary data from 2024 notes that 35 bicyclists died on Illinois roads. That is a troubling trend for anyone who rides a bike in this state.
The Bloomington area has seen its own share of serious crashes. In August 2025, Illinois State Police investigated a crash involving two bicyclists and a pickup truck in McLean County, near County Road 1750 East. The bicyclists were taken to area hospitals with injuries. Just days before that crash, a Massachusetts man was hit and killed while bicycling in McLean County. These are not isolated events. They reflect a pattern of danger that cyclists face every time they ride.
Statewide, pedalcyclists account for 5% of serious (A-level) injuries in Illinois crash data for 2024. That number is significant when you consider how few cyclists share the road compared to motor vehicle drivers. The total estimated cost of crashes in Illinois for 2024 was $8.3 billion, and bicycle accident victims carry a disproportionate share of the physical and financial burden. Roads like U.S. Route 51, the Rivian Motorway near Bloomington-Normal, and busy intersections near Illinois State University can be especially dangerous for cyclists. If you were hurt on any of these roads, you have legal options worth exploring.
Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Illinois Law
Many cyclists do not realize how strong their legal protections are in Illinois. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them after an accident.
Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Bicyclists riding on a highway are granted all of the rights, including right-of-way protections, and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, with certain exceptions. In plain terms, you have the same right to use the road as any car or truck driver. Drivers must respect that.
Illinois law also puts specific duties on drivers when they share the road with cyclists. Drivers are required to pass people on bicycles with at least 3 feet of space and at a slow speed. A motorist shall not, in a reckless manner, drive unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist. Depending on whether great bodily harm results, this is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 3 Felony. That means a driver who crowds you off the road or clips you with their vehicle may face criminal charges, in addition to civil liability.
Drivers are prohibited from crowding or threatening people who are biking on the roadway. Drivers are also prohibited from stopping or parking in a designated bike lane. If a driver violated any of these rules and you were hurt as a result, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence in your personal injury claim. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows how to build that case for you. Contact a Chicago abogado de accidentes de bicicleta at our firm today to talk through what happened.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in the Bloomington Area
What you do in the hours and days after a bicycle accident can make or break your personal injury claim. The steps you take right away matter a great deal.
First, Illinois law requires drivers involved in a crash to stay at the scene. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in personal injury must immediately stop and remain at the scene. A driver who leaves can face felony charges. If the driver who hit you fled, that is a serious criminal act, and you should report it to law enforcement immediately.
Second, get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, do not show obvious symptoms at first. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. That record is key evidence in your case. Hospitals near Bloomington, such as OSF HealthCare Saint Joseph Medical Center and Carle BroMenn Medical Center, can provide the immediate care you need.
Third, document the scene if you are able. Take photos of your bike, the vehicle involved, the road, any skid marks, and your injuries. Get the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number. Ask any witnesses for their contact information. If the crash happened near a business or intersection with a camera, note that location so your attorney can request the footage.
Fourth, do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. A bicycle accident attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can handle those communications for you.
Illinois Personal Injury Law and How It Applies to Your Bike Accident Claim
Illinois law gives injured cyclists a clear path to compensation, but you need to act within the legal deadlines and understand how fault is determined.
En 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to sue, no matter how serious your injuries are. Two years may sound like a long time, but investigations take time, medical treatment continues, and building a strong case requires careful preparation. Do not wait.
Illinois also uses a modified comparative fault system. If you were partly at fault for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. As long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards you $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
When multiple parties share fault, Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 is important to understand. All defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses. Any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters in bicycle accident cases where a driver, a municipality (for poor road conditions), or even a vehicle manufacturer may share responsibility for your injuries.
Compensation in a bicycle accident case can include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage to your bike. If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, Illinois law also allows for a wrongful death claim. The Chicago abogado de lesiones personales team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you identify every source of compensation available in your case.
Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice for Your Case
Choosing the right legal team after a serious bicycle accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need attorneys who know Illinois personal injury law inside and out, who understand how insurance companies operate, and who will fight for you every step of the way.
At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we handle bicycle accident cases throughout the Chicago area and across Illinois, including cases that originate in the Bloomington-Normal region. We know the roads, the courts, and the laws that apply to your situation. Whether your case is heard in the McLean County Courthouse in downtown Bloomington or in a Cook County court closer to Chicago, we are prepared to represent you effectively.
We take bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront cost and no financial risk to you. We handle the legal heavy lifting while you focus on healing.
Our team investigates every aspect of your crash. We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions when needed. We know how to prove that a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, and we know how to push back when insurance companies try to blame you or minimize what you went through. Cyclists who ride the Constitution Trail in Bloomington, the Lakefront Trail in Chicago, or anywhere in between deserve full protection under the law. We are here to make sure they get it.
Do not try to handle a serious bicycle accident claim on your own. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
FAQs About Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyers
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors or government entities, but those come with their own strict rules. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-401 requires drivers involved in crashes causing injury to stop and remain at the scene. A driver who leaves can face serious felony charges. If you were hit by a driver who fled, you should report the crash to police immediately. You may also have options under your own uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you explore all available sources of compensation, even when the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for my bicycle accident?
Yes, in most cases. Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the crash, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 15% at fault and your damages total $200,000, you would recover $170,000. An attorney can help you minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
What types of damages can I recover in a bicycle accident case?
Illinois law allows injured cyclists to recover a wide range of damages. These include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage to your bicycle and gear. In cases where a loved one was killed, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case, which is why a consultation with an attorney is so valuable.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company has already offered me a settlement?
You should speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often make early, low offers before you know the full extent of your injuries or losses. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your medical bills turn out to be much higher than expected. An attorney can review the offer, assess whether it fully covers your damages, and negotiate for a better result if needed.
More Resources About Vehicle Injuries
- Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Bloomington
- Bloomington Car Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Truck Accident Attorney
- Bloomington Uber Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
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