According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.3% of workers commute by bike in Chicago. That may not seem like many cyclists, but the national average is less than half of that, at 0.6%. According to the city, it has a reputation for being one of the best large cities in the country for biking. While there are some protected and buffered bike lanes, much of the city’s shared bike lanes have bicyclists riding inches from fast-moving cars.
When a cyclist is involved in an accident with a vehicle, the cyclist almost always ends up on the losing side. If you suffered a serious accident on your bike in Chicago or Aurora, contact an experienced, local personal injury lawyer to help get you compensation for your injuries.
Fatal Bike Accidents in Illinois
Recently, a bicyclist was hit by a car and later died. The 61-year-old man was biking off West Lake Street in Chicago when he was hit by a White Chrysler 300. According to a news report, the driver fled the scene. The cyclist was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
In November, a bicyclist was hit by a dump truck in the Irving Park neighborhood. The accident occurred in the morning when both were driving down Milwaukee. The 21-year-old dump truck driver turned right, hitting the 37-year-old cyclist, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Less than two weeks later, a 40-year-old was hit and killed along a stretch of Stony Island Avenue. The driver was cited for speeding, driving on a suspended license and operating a vehicle while uninsured, causing bodily harm. Stony Island is reportedly a “high-crash corridor.” The area was selected for a protected bike lane, but later stalled and was never put in.
Serious Cyclist Injury Even at Low Speeds
According to Jim Merrell, of the Active Transportation Alliance, “When a car is traveling 20 mph, nine times out of 10, someone is going to survive that crash. Going 40 mph, those numbers flip and nine times out of 10, we’re going to see a fatality.”
In 2018, there were 857 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. Helmets can make a big difference for bike-rider accidents, reducing the chance of serious brain injury or death in bike accidents. However, helmets are not required for most cyclists in Illinois. Even with the use of a helmet, bike accidents can still result in serious injury.
If you were riding a bike and were injured in an accident with a driver, talk to your personal injury lawyer about your rights and options to get compensation after the accident.
Cyclist Injury Accident Attorney in Chicago and Aurora
A bike accident in the Aurora or Chicago area can cause serious injuries. Your damages may include medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The driver responsible for causing the accident may be liable for your damages. Contact the Cullotta Bravo Law Group today at 630-898-7800 to schedule your free consultation.