Plainfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bicycle near Plainfield, Illinois, should be a great experience. The area has trails, parks, and quiet roads that make cycling appealing. But when a car or truck hits a cyclist, the results can be life-changing. Broken bones, head injuries, and long hospital stays are common. If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle crash in or around Plainfield, you have legal rights, and you should know them. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our team handles serious personal injury claims for injured cyclists across the Chicago area, including Will County and the southwest suburbs.

Table of Contents

• Bicycle Accidents in the Plainfield Area: A Real and Growing Problem
• Illinois Law Protects Cyclists on the Road
• What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Plainfield
• Illinois Law and Your Compensation Rights
• Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Plainfield Bicycle Accident Case
• FAQs About Plainfield Bicycle Accident Claims

Bicycle Accidents in the Plainfield Area: A Real and Growing Problem

Plainfield sits in Will County, just southwest of Chicago along the DuPage River. It’s a growing community with popular trails like the DuPage River Trail and busy roads like Route 30 and Route 59. Cyclists share those roads with fast-moving traffic every day. The danger is real, and the numbers back it up.

In 2024, there were 303,913 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois. Injury crashes accounted for 20.8% of these crashes, while fatal crashes accounted for less than 1% of the total. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Pedalcyclists accounted for 5% of serious A-injuries in 2024. That may seem like a small number, but it represents real people, many of them riding near places like Whalon Lake, the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, or along the busy commercial corridors of Route 59.

According to data reported by IDOT, the number of fatal bicycle crashes in Illinois increased from 12 in 2019 to 41 in 2023. Cyclist fatalities dropped from 41 in 2023 to 35 in 2024, a 14.6% decrease, though still above the seven-year average of 30. Even with that slight improvement, far too many families are dealing with the aftermath of a serious crash. If you were hurt riding near Plainfield, downtown Joliet, or anywhere along the I-55 corridor, you deserve a thorough review of your legal options. Our team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to listen to your story and help you understand your rights as an injured cyclist.

Illinois Law Protects Cyclists on the Road

Many people do not realize that Illinois law gives cyclists the same rights as drivers. Bicyclists riding on a highway are granted all of the rights, including right-of-way, and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, with certain exceptions. That means a driver who runs a red light, fails to yield, or cuts off a cyclist near the Plainfield Village Hall or along Renwick Road can be held legally responsible for the crash.

Illinois law also puts specific duties on drivers when they are near cyclists. Motor vehicle drivers are required to pass bicyclists with at least three feet of clearance. Motor vehicle drivers may not drive recklessly near or unnecessarily close to bicyclists. If doing so causes bodily harm or death to the bicyclist, the driver may be found guilty of a felony. Many crashes happen because a driver simply does not give enough space. On roads like Route 126 or Caton Farm Road, where bike lanes are limited, that three-foot rule matters a great deal.

Drivers are required to pass people on bicycles with at least 3 feet of space and at a slow speed. Drivers are also prohibited from crowding or threatening people who are biking on the roadway. Drivers are prohibited from stopping or parking in a designated bike lane. When a driver breaks any of these rules and injures a cyclist, Illinois personal injury law allows the injured person to seek compensation. As a Chicago abogado de accidentes de bicicleta team, we know how to build a strong case around these laws.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Plainfield

The moments right after a crash are confusing and frightening. But what you do in those first hours can have a big impact on your legal claim. Here is what you should know.

First, call 911. Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-401 requires the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in personal injury to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and fulfill certain duties. If the driver flees, that is a serious crime. Failing to stop after a crash that causes personal injury is a Class 4 felony in Illinois, and failing to report can rise to a Class 1 felony if someone dies. Make sure police come to the scene so there is an official record of what happened.

Second, get medical care right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury do not show symptoms immediately. The emergency room at Plainfield’s Ascension Saint Joseph hospital or Edward-Elmhurst Health facilities nearby can evaluate you. Your medical records will be key evidence in your case. Third, gather information at the scene if you can. Take photos, get the driver’s name and insurance information, and talk to witnesses. Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, so the driver should have coverage. Fourth, contact a bicycle accident attorney before you speak with any insurance company. Insurers often move fast to minimize payouts. Having legal guidance from the start protects you.

Illinois Law and Your Compensation Rights

Illinois personal injury law gives injured cyclists a clear path to seek compensation. The key legal concept is negligence. If a driver was careless and that carelessness caused your injuries, you can pursue a claim for damages. Those damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs.

One important Illinois law that affects multi-party cases is 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, which governs joint and several liability. Under this law, all defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses. If a defendant’s share of fault is 25% or greater, that defendant is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters in cases where, for example, both a driver and a municipality responsible for a dangerous road near Plainfield’s Renwick Road or 135th Street might share fault for your crash.

Illinois also has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. That means you generally have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss that window, you lose your right to sue. Property damage claims have a five-year limit under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Do not wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim. If a crash results in a death, Illinois’s Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1) allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death action, including for punitive damages in appropriate cases. Our team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles these difficult cases with care and dedication.

Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Plainfield Bicycle Accident Case

When you are dealing with serious injuries, the last thing you need is to figure out the legal system on your own. You need someone who knows Illinois personal injury law and who will fight for you every step of the way. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has represented injured people across the Chicago area, including clients from Will County, DuPage County, and the southwest suburbs for many years.

Our firm understands how these cases work. We know how insurance companies think, and we know how to counter their tactics. We gather the evidence that matters, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records. We work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. We handle cases involving crashes on busy roads near the Plainfield Township, along the I-55 corridor, and near community landmarks like the Plainfield Park District facilities and the DuPage River Trail.

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have made up an increasing proportion of total traffic deaths in Illinois since the pandemic, rising from 18.3% in 2019 to 21.2% in 2024. That trend tells us these crashes are not random. They are often the result of driver inattention, speeding, or failure to share the road safely. When a driver’s negligence puts you in the hospital, you deserve a legal team that takes your case seriously. As your Chicago abogado de lesiones personales, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.

FAQs About Plainfield Bicycle Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you miss that deadline, you generally lose your right to recover compensation. Property damage claims carry a five-year limit under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. It is always best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash so that evidence can be preserved and your claim can be prepared properly.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/7-601 requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If the driver who hit you was uninsured, you may still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your losses. You may also be able to pursue a claim directly against the driver. An attorney can review all available sources of recovery and help you understand your best path forward.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the crash?

Yes, in many cases you can. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as your share of fault is less than 51%, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case to minimize any fault assigned to you.

What types of compensation can I seek after a Plainfield bicycle accident?

You may be able to recover a wide range of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the cost of future care or rehabilitation. In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under 740 ILCS 180/1, which can include compensation for grief, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. Every case is different, and an attorney can help you understand what your specific claim may be worth.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?

You should speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often make early offers that are far below what an injured person actually deserves. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought. An attorney can review any offer, assess whether it fairly covers your losses, and negotiate on your behalf to get you a better result.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

• Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Plainfield
• Plainfield Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Truck Accident Attorney
• Plainfield Uber Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer