If you were recently involved in an accident while riding your bicycle, you likely have many questions and concerns. What should you do next? What are your rights after a driver hits you? Who can you turn to for guidance and support? An Illinois bicycle accident lawyer won’t just help you understand your legal rights and options – they’ll also fight to protect them.
The Responsibilities of Illinois Drivers
Motor vehicle operators have grave responsibilities under Illinois law. All drivers must exercise a duty of care toward those with whom they share the road, including cyclists. This means they must operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner and follow traffic laws designed to prevent accidents and avoid harm. Some of the key responsibilities of Illinois drivers include:
- Avoiding Distraction – Drivers must keep their attention on the road. Texting, using a handheld device to make a phone call, adjusting a GPS, or any other distraction can cause a driver to miss a cyclist in their path.
- Following the Speed Limit – Driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a crash. Speed limits help protect both drivers and vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
- Yielding the Right-of-Way – Illinois traffic laws require drivers to yield when a cyclist has the right-of-way, such as at intersections or crosswalks. Failure to do so can result in dangerous collisions.
- Passing Safely – State law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Crowding a cyclist can lead to sideswipe accidents or force them off the road.
- Staying in Their Lane – Motorists should not drift into bike lanes or road shoulders where cyclists ride. Lane discipline is critical to preventing avoidable crashes.
- Signaling – Proper use of turn signals alerts cyclists to a driver’s intentions and reduces the risk of sudden, unexpected movements that could cause an accident.
Drivers who fail to abide by their duty of care and cause a collision with a bicyclist may face criminal as well as civil accountability, especially if the accident resulted from a violation of Illinois traffic laws.
How Cyclists Can Protect Themselves on Illinois Roads
While drivers have a duty to watch out for cyclists, riders can also take steps to reduce their risk of being injured. Following safe riding practices not only protects your health but also strengthens your position if an accident claim arises:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Use lights and reflectors, especially at night
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Obey traffic signals and stop signs
- Stay visible by avoiding blind spots
- Use hand signals to indicate turns and lane changes
Your Rights After a Bike Accident
If a driver hits and injures you during a ride, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and other responsible parties. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses arising from the accident.
Even if you were partially at fault, you still have the right to recover compensation as long as you were not over 50 percent responsible for the crash. Protect your claim by documenting the accident with photos, medical records, and witness statements, and seek the support of a skilled bike accident lawyer.
Injured in a Bicycle Crash? Contact an Attorney Right Away
When a bicycle accident leaves you hurt and struggling, you deserve the time and space to focus on your physical recovery. You shouldn’t have to stress over calls with insurance companies. Contact an experienced Illinois bicycle accident attorney at Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, for a free consultation and pay no fees unless we win your case.