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Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike in Chicago should be an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re cruising along the Lakefront Trail near Navy Pier, commuting through Wicker Park, or riding along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square, cyclists share the road with thousands of drivers every day. Unfortunately, not all of those drivers pay attention. When a careless driver hits a cyclist, the results can be devastating. If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident in or around Chicago, you need a Chicago bike accident lawyer who knows Illinois personal injury law and who will fight hard for your recovery. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand what you’re going through, and we are here to help.

Bicycle Accidents in Chicago Are More Common Than You Think
Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Cyclists
What Damages Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago
Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
FAQs About Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Bicycle Accidents in Chicago Are More Common Than You Think

Chicago is a city of cyclists. From the protected lanes on Dearborn Street to the shared paths through Lincoln Park, riders are everywhere. But the numbers tell a sobering story. According to data reported by IDOT, the number of fatal crashes involving bicyclists increased from 12 in 2019 to 40 in 2023. Preliminary data from 2024 notes that 35 bicyclists died on Illinois roads. That’s still well above the historical average, and every one of those deaths represents a family that lost someone they loved.

The injury numbers are just as alarming. Crashes involving pedalcyclists accounted for 1.1% of total crashes in Illinois in 2024. When you factor in Chicago’s dense traffic, busy intersections like those along Halsted Street, and the constant flow of vehicles near the Museum Campus, it’s clear that cyclists face serious risks every time they ride.

What causes these crashes? Driver behavior is a major factor. Automobile drivers contributed to over 90% of bicycle crashes in Chicago in 2022. Common causes include failing to yield at intersections, distracted driving, speeding, and “dooring,” which is when a driver swings open a car door directly into a cyclist’s path. According to NHTSA data, over half (56%) of bicyclist fatalities occur in dawn, dusk, or nighttime conditions, and in Illinois, 87% of bicyclists were killed during those same low-light conditions. If you were hurt in any of these situations, Illinois law may entitle you to compensation. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation.

Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Cyclists

Illinois has several important laws that work in favor of injured cyclists. Understanding these laws can help you see why building a strong legal case matters. First, under Illinois law, all drivers must carry liability insurance. Under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, no person may operate a motor vehicle on a public highway in Illinois unless that vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements. This means that in most cases, the driver who hit you has insurance that can be used to compensate you for your injuries.

Illinois also uses a modified comparative fault system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. So if a driver ran a red light on Western Avenue and hit you, but you were found 10% at fault for not wearing a helmet, you can still recover 90% of your damages.

Joint and several liability is another key concept under Illinois law. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, 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 of the total fault is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters when multiple parties, such as a driver, a vehicle owner, or even a municipality with poorly maintained roads, share responsibility for your injuries.

Illinois law also requires drivers involved in crashes causing injury to stop and remain at the scene. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, any driver involved in a crash resulting in personal injury must immediately stop and remain at the scene until all legal requirements are fulfilled. Leaving the scene is a felony. If a driver hit you and fled, that fact alone strengthens your case. A Chicago personal injury lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you pursue all available legal options.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

After a serious bicycle accident, your life can change quickly. Medical bills pile up. You may miss weeks or months of work. You might face a long recovery, or deal with permanent injuries that affect everything from your ability to work to your ability to enjoy daily activities. Illinois law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation for all of these losses.

The types of damages you may be able to recover include medical expenses, both current and future. This covers emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you need. You can also recover lost wages if your injuries kept you off the job, and lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also compensable under Illinois law.

In cases where a cyclist is killed, the family may have a wrongful death claim. Under 740 ILCS 180/1, when a person’s death is caused by a wrongful act or neglect, the responsible party remains liable for damages even though the victim has died. Those damages can include punitive damages when applicable. This law gives families a path to justice even in the most tragic circumstances.

Property damage to your bicycle and gear is also recoverable. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-205, you have five years to bring a claim for property damage. For personal injury claims, the deadline is shorter. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline can cost you your right to recover anything. Don’t wait. Reach out to a bicycle accident attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after your accident.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago

What you do in the hours and days after a bicycle accident can have a big impact on your case. If you are physically able, there are several steps you should take right away. First, call 911. Getting a police report is important. It creates an official record of the crash, which is a key piece of evidence. Under Illinois law, crashes involving personal injury must be reported. The responding officer will document the scene, gather witness information, and note any traffic violations by the driver.

Second, get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, don’t show obvious symptoms right away. A medical record created close in time to the accident connects your injuries to the crash. This connection is critical when dealing with insurance companies who will look for any reason to deny or reduce your claim.

Third, document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, your damaged bike, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. If you were riding near a busy stretch of North Lake Shore Drive or through a construction zone on the Near North Side, conditions at the scene matter. Gather names and contact information from witnesses. The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your case will be.

Fourth, be careful about what you say to insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are not on your side. They may contact you quickly after the accident and try to get a recorded statement or offer a fast settlement. Don’t accept anything before speaking with an attorney. A quick settlement rarely covers the full cost of your injuries, especially if you need long-term care. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows how insurance companies operate, and we work to make sure our clients are not taken advantage of.

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

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have spent decades helping injured people across Chicago and Illinois pursue the compensation they deserve. We know the streets where accidents happen. We know the Cook County courts where cases are tried. We know the insurance tactics used to minimize payouts. And we know how to build cases that get results for our clients.

We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly fees. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your recovery. From the moment you contact us, we handle the investigation, the paperwork, the insurance negotiations, and if necessary, the litigation. You don’t have to face this alone.

Chicago is a city where cyclists deserve to ride safely, whether they’re heading to work in the Loop, enjoying Grant Park on a weekend, or exploring the neighborhoods along the 606 Trail. When a negligent driver takes that safety away from you, you have rights. Illinois law is on your side, and so are we. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward justice.

FAQs About Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit 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 will likely lose your right to seek compensation entirely. For property damage to your bicycle, the deadline is five years under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Because gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, but some drivers break that law. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to make a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. There may also be other liable parties, such as a vehicle owner, an employer, or a government entity responsible for road conditions. An attorney can review all potential sources of recovery in your specific case.

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

Yes, in many cases. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000. An attorney can help evaluate the facts of your case and work to minimize any fault attributed to you.

What types of injuries are most common in Chicago bicycle accidents?

Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries because cyclists have no physical protection from the impact of a collision. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, road rash, internal injuries, and facial lacerations. Even a crash at relatively low speed can cause serious harm. Some injuries, like herniated discs or concussions, may not be immediately apparent, which is why getting a medical evaluation right after any bicycle accident is so important.

What does it cost to hire Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a bicycle accident case?

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and no fees unless we recover compensation for you. You won’t be billed by the hour or asked to pay anything out of pocket to get started. This arrangement allows injured cyclists to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You can contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and your options.

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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