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

Tinley Park Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike through Tinley Park should be a great experience. The area has plenty of parks, trails, and quiet residential streets that make cycling enjoyable. But when a negligent driver, a poorly maintained road, or a dangerous intersection causes a crash, the results can be devastating. If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident in or around Tinley Park, you need to understand your rights under Illinois law and know who to call for help.

Bicycle Accidents in the Tinley Park Area: What the Numbers Tell Us
Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Illinois Law
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Tinley Park
Illinois Law and Compensation After a Bicycle Crash
Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice for Tinley Park Cyclists
FAQs About Tinley Park Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle Accidents in the Tinley Park Area: What the Numbers Tell Us

Tinley Park sits in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, in Cook County, one of the busiest counties in Illinois. Cyclists share roads like Harlem Avenue, 167th Street, and Oak Park Avenue with heavy commuter traffic every day. Riders also use the Old Plank Road Trail, a popular multi-use path that runs through the area. While the trail itself offers some protection, cyclists who venture onto local roads face real risks.

According to data reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the number of fatal bicycle crashes in Illinois increased from 12 in 2019 to 41 in 2023, and preliminary data for 2024 shows that 35 bicyclists died on Illinois roads. These are not just statistics. Each number represents a real person, a real family, and a crash that could have been prevented.

In 2024, crashes involving pedalcyclists accounted for 1.1% of total crashes in Illinois, 3.4% of fatal crashes, and 4.7% of injury crashes statewide. That might sound small, but consider the fact that cyclists have no steel frame around them. A car weighs thousands of pounds. A bicycle weighs maybe 25. When they collide, the cyclist almost always suffers the worst of it.

Illinois’s car-centric infrastructure, developed over several decades, is often dangerous for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others traveling outside of a motor vehicle. Suburban roads like those in Tinley Park were largely designed around cars. Wide lanes, fast traffic, and limited bike infrastructure create conditions where crashes happen. If you were hurt on one of these roads, you may have a strong personal injury claim. Contact Chicago personal injury lawyer Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to talk about your options.

Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Illinois Law

A lot of people do not realize that cyclists in Illinois have the same legal rights as drivers. That matters a great deal when it comes to filing a claim after a crash.

Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. 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. That means if a driver runs a red light and hits you, or makes a left turn without checking for cyclists, they violated your right of way just as they would have with another car.

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, and from stopping or parking in a designated bike lane. When drivers break these rules and you get hurt, they can be held liable for your injuries.

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. Illinois takes reckless driving near cyclists seriously. If a driver buzzed past you too closely on Harlem Avenue or cut you off near the Tinley Park Metra station and caused a crash, that driver may face both criminal and civil consequences. A skilled Chicago bike accident lawyer can help you build a case using these laws.

You also need to know about Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Under this law, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the crash, as long as your share of the fault does not exceed 50%. If a jury finds you were 20% at fault, your damages are simply reduced by 20%. This is important because insurance companies often try to blame cyclists to reduce or deny claims. Do not accept that without speaking to an attorney first.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Tinley Park

Understanding what causes bicycle crashes helps you know what to look for when building your case. In Tinley Park and the surrounding southwest suburbs, several factors come up again and again.

Distracted driving is a major problem. A driver scrolling through their phone at the intersection of 175th Street and Harlem Avenue can fail to see a cyclist crossing legally. Dooring is another common cause. Many bicycle accidents result from “dooring,” which is when a driver opens their door into a bicycle or pedestrian lane without looking. This is illegal in Chicago under §9-80-035, but people do it anyway. This happens in commercial areas where parking is common, including along Oak Park Avenue near Tinley Park’s downtown district.

Left-turn and right-turn crashes are also frequent. A “left hook” is where a car turns left in front of someone riding their bike and hits them. A “right hook” is when a car turns right without properly checking for a person on a bike riding in a bike lane. Both of these scenarios happen at busy intersections throughout the area.

Road conditions also play a role. Potholes, cracked pavement, poor drainage, and missing signage can cause a cyclist to crash with no vehicle involved at all. In those cases, the municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be liable. Illinois law gives government entities a limited window to respond to notice of a dangerous condition. Acting quickly is critical.

The total estimated cost of crashes in Illinois for 2024 was $8.3 billion. That figure reflects medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and more. When you are the one hurt, those costs become very personal. A broken collarbone, a traumatic brain injury, or a fractured pelvis can mean months out of work and tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. You should not have to absorb those costs alone when someone else caused the crash.

Illinois Law and Compensation After a Bicycle Crash

Illinois law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation for a wide range of losses. These include medical expenses, future medical care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage to your bicycle and gear. In the most serious cases, where a loved one dies in a crash, the family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180).

One important legal concept to understand is joint and several liability under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117. 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 is found to be 25% or more at fault, they are jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters when multiple parties share responsibility for your crash, such as a driver and a municipality that failed to fix a dangerous road condition.

You also need to know the deadlines for filing. Illinois generally requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. For property damage to your bicycle, 735 ILCS 5/13-205 provides a five-year limitations period. Missing these deadlines can end your right to recover anything at all. Do not wait too long. If you were hurt near the Metra Electric District line, on the Old Plank Road Trail, or anywhere in the Tinley Park area, reach out to a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Insurance companies move fast after a crash. They may contact you quickly, asking for a recorded statement or offering a low settlement. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Having an attorney in your corner before you speak to any insurer is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice for Tinley Park Cyclists

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has been fighting for injured people throughout the Chicago area for decades. The firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. There is no risk in calling. There is only risk in waiting.

The firm knows the Cook County court system, including the Bridgeview Courthouse at the George W. Leighton Criminal Courthouse complex, where many southwest suburban cases are handled. The attorneys understand local roads, local traffic patterns, and the types of insurance defenses that come up in bicycle accident cases. That local knowledge matters when it comes to building a strong case on your behalf.

When you call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, you get a real attorney who listens to your story. The firm investigates crashes thoroughly, gathering police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. They work with accident reconstruction experts when needed. They fight to make sure you get full and fair compensation, not just a quick settlement that leaves you short.

Cyclists in Tinley Park deserve to ride safely. When a negligent driver or a dangerous road takes that safety away, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to stand up for you. Call the firm today for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting the legal help you deserve.

FAQs About Tinley Park Bicycle Accident Lawyers

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

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If your bicycle or other property was damaged, you have up to five years under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

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

Yes, in most situations. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You can recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $75,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce what they pay, which is one reason having an attorney matters.

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Tinley Park?

First, call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Stay at the scene, get the driver’s information, and take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a free consultation.

What types of compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident in Illinois?

Illinois law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation for many types of losses. These include current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damage to your bicycle and equipment. If a loved one was killed in a bicycle crash, surviving family members may also have a wrongful death claim under 740 ILCS 180, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act.

What if a poorly maintained road caused my bicycle accident in Tinley Park?

If a dangerous road condition such as a pothole, cracked pavement, or missing signage caused your crash, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining that road. These cases involve special notice requirements and shorter deadlines than standard personal injury cases. It is critical to act quickly and document the road condition with photos before it is repaired. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can evaluate your situation and help you determine who is responsible.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

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