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Aurora, IL Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Aurora, Illinois is the second-largest city in the state, sitting about 40 miles west of downtown Chicago along the Fox River. People ride bikes here every day, whether they’re commuting along the Illinois Prairie Path, exploring Phillips Park, or heading to work near the Route 59 corridor. But busy roads like Route 30, Eola Road, and New York Street put cyclists in close contact with heavy traffic, and the results can be devastating. If you or someone you love was hurt in a bike crash in Aurora, you need to understand your rights and take action quickly. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle Accidents in Aurora, IL: Why They Happen
Illinois Laws That Protect Aurora Cyclists
What Injuries Do Aurora Bicycle Accident Victims Suffer?
Deadlines and Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Illinois
How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Can Help Aurora Bicycle Accident Victims
FAQs About Aurora, IL Bicycle Accident Claims

Bicycle Accidents in Aurora, IL: Why They Happen

Cycling is a real part of daily life in Aurora. Residents use bikes to get to the Metra station, visit Westfield Fox Valley mall, and travel through neighborhoods like the West Side and downtown Aurora. But sharing the road with cars, trucks, and buses puts cyclists at serious risk. Understanding why crashes happen is the first step to protecting your legal rights.

Under Illinois law, 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. This means drivers owe cyclists real respect on the road. When they fail to deliver that, crashes happen.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes in Aurora include distracted driving, failure to yield, and “dooring.” Motor vehicle drivers are required to pass bicyclists with at least three feet of clearance, and they 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. Despite this, many drivers ignore the three-foot rule entirely.

Dooring is another major problem. Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can cause serious injury. Under Chicago’s dooring ordinance, drivers and passengers must check for approaching cyclists before opening a door into the roadway. This type of crash happens in seconds, and the cyclist has almost no time to react. Intersections along Lake Street and Galena Boulevard in Aurora are especially risky spots where these types of collisions occur.

Poor road conditions also play a role. Potholes, missing bike lane markings, and uneven pavement can send a rider flying without any driver involvement at all. When road conditions cause a crash, the city or county responsible for maintaining that road may share liability. A Chicago bike accident lawyer can help you figure out who is responsible and build a strong case based on the facts.

Illinois Laws That Protect Aurora Cyclists

Illinois has several laws in place that protect people riding bikes. Knowing these laws can make a real difference in your personal injury claim. Whether you were hit near the Hollywood Casino Aurora or crossing the Fox River on your way to work, the law gives you rights worth fighting for.

On most roadways, bicyclists, including those on electric bikes or low-speed vehicles such as scooters and mopeds, have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. That means a driver who hits you in Aurora has the same legal exposure as if they had hit another car.

Drivers are required to pass people on bicycles with at least three feet of space and at a slow speed. Bicyclists are required to use hand and arm signals when turning and stopping. Bicyclists are required to have a white front headlight and red rear reflector or red rear light when riding at night. These rules protect both cyclists and drivers, and violations of them can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case.

Illinois also uses a modified comparative fault system under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Under this rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the crash. Under Illinois comparative negligence laws, you are able to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit as long as you are less than 50% liable. The total compensation you receive will be less proportionately to your shared fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, you may only receive 70% of the total damages. Insurance companies love to argue that cyclists share blame. Having an experienced legal team in your corner helps counter those tactics.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, when multiple defendants are found liable in a personal injury case, each defendant whose fault is 25% or greater is jointly and severally liable for all damages. This matters in Aurora bicycle accident cases where both a driver and a government entity may share responsibility for a crash. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows how to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue every avenue of recovery for you.

What Injuries Do Aurora Bicycle Accident Victims Suffer?

When a car hits a cyclist, the human body absorbs the full force of the impact. There is no steel cage, no airbag, and no seatbelt to absorb the blow. The injuries that result can change your life in an instant. Many Aurora cyclists who get hit near busy roads like Farnsworth Avenue or the I-88 corridor face months, or even years, of recovery.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, road rash, and internal organ injuries. Broken bones are common injuries in bicycle accidents, since cyclists have very limited protection. Falling from a bike, especially one moving at high speed, can easily create enough force to cause broken bones. Hand and arm bone fractures are common, as it is a natural reaction to use your arms to try to support yourself in a fall.

Head injuries are especially serious. Even a relatively low-speed crash can cause a traumatic brain injury that affects memory, speech, and the ability to work. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or full paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care. These are not minor inconveniences. They are life-altering events that deserve full and fair compensation.

Beyond the physical injuries, bicycle accident victims often face crushing financial stress. Medical bills pile up fast. If you cannot return to work, the lost income adds another layer of pressure. You may also experience pain and suffering, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. Illinois law allows you to recover compensation for all of these losses, both economic and non-economic. A bicycle accident attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim so you do not settle for less than you deserve.

If a loved one was killed in a bicycle crash in Aurora, Illinois law provides additional protections. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), when a person’s death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default, the responsible party is liable for damages, including punitive damages when applicable. Surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their loss.

Deadlines and Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Illinois

Time matters in an Illinois bicycle accident case. If you wait too long to take action, you could lose your right to recover compensation entirely. Illinois law sets firm deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and those deadlines apply whether your crash happened on a quiet Aurora side street or on a major road like Ogden Avenue.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date the cause of action accrued. That means you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case.

There are important exceptions to know. If your crash involved a government vehicle or a poorly maintained public road, you may need to file a notice of claim against the city or county within a much shorter window. Claims against government entities in Illinois often carry a one-year deadline, and failing to file a proper notice can bar your claim completely. Waiting even a few weeks to consult an attorney can put your case at serious risk.

Property damage claims follow a different timeline. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-205, actions to recover damages for injury to personal property must be commenced within five years after the cause of action accrued. So if your bicycle was destroyed in the crash, you have five years to pursue a claim for that loss, but your personal injury claim still carries the two-year limit.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. The sooner you reach out to Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, the sooner we can start gathering the proof you need to support your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your options before time runs out.

How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Can Help Aurora Bicycle Accident Victims

Dealing with a bicycle accident claim on your own is tough. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to pay you as little as possible. They may try to shift blame onto you, downplay your injuries, or pressure you to accept a quick, low settlement. You deserve someone in your corner who knows how to push back.

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we handle bicycle accident cases for clients throughout the Aurora area and the greater Chicago region. We know the roads in Kane County, the courts at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva, and the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue claims. As your Chicago personal injury lawyer, we work to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

We investigate the crash scene, gather police reports, review medical records, and work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. We identify all liable parties, including drivers, employers of commercial vehicle drivers, government entities responsible for road maintenance, and others. We handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk to contacting us, and the consultation is free. Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, we are prepared to fight for you every step of the way.

According to data reported by IDOT, the number of fatal bicycle crashes in Illinois increased from 12 in 2019 to 41 in 2023. Preliminary data from 2024 notes that 35 bicyclists died on Illinois roads. These numbers represent real people with real families. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a bicycle crash in Aurora, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today and let us put our experience to work for you.

FAQs About Aurora, IL Bicycle Accident Claims

What should I do right after a bicycle accident in Aurora, IL?

Call 911 immediately and get medical attention, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms right away. Try to get the driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information. Take photos of the scene, your bike, and your injuries if you can. Get contact information from any witnesses. Then contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence before it disappears.

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 under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. As long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate the cyclist’s share of fault to reduce what they pay, so having legal representation is important.

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

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/7-601), all motor vehicles operated on public roads must be covered by a liability insurance policy. But some drivers break the law and drive without coverage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. You may also have other options depending on the facts of your case, including claims against third parties. An attorney can review all available sources of recovery and help you pursue the best path forward.

How long does a bicycle accident lawsuit take to resolve in Illinois?

The timeline varies depending on the facts of your case. Many bicycle accident claims settle within several months to a year through negotiations with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, which can take longer. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate all affect how long the process takes. The important thing is not to rush into a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses.

Does Illinois law require cyclists to wear a helmet in Aurora?

Illinois does not have a statewide helmet law for adult cyclists. There is no statewide requirement for helmet use, though some municipalities in Illinois require helmet use by children. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation if you are hit by a driver. However, the defense may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries. An attorney can help you address these arguments and fight to maximize your recovery regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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

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