Bike Crash Lawyers Fighting for Chicago Cyclists
Bicycle accidents in Chicago can change your life in seconds. From broken bones to brain injuries, the harm can be severe and long-lasting. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured cyclists.
Our top-rated Chicago bicycle accident attorneys know the city streets, bike lanes, and laws that protect cyclists. We’ve helped many injured riders get fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
For a free consultation, call Willens & Baez at (312) 957-4166 today.
Chicago Cycling Dangers: The Facts
Chicago’s busy streets pose serious risks to cyclists. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, bicycle crashes remain a significant safety concern throughout Illinois, with Chicago accounting for many of these incidents.
While the Windy City has experienced some reductions in cycling injuries, riders here still face significant accident risks compared to other areas in the state.
The reality is stark: cyclists face a much higher risk of injury than car drivers. Numbers from the US Department of Transportation show that nationwide, bicyclist deaths have increased approximately 75 percent since 2010, with 1,084 cyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022.
Why Chicago’s Risk Is Higher:
- Enormous population density with over two million residents
- Thousands of tourists navigating unfamiliar streets
- Severe weather conditions including snow, thunderstorms, and damaging winds
- Heavy rainfall reducing visibility and creating slippery surfaces.
Where Chicago Bicycle Accidents Commonly Occur
Bicycle crashes in Chicago don’t happen randomly. Data shows they concentrate in specific areas:
High-Risk Locations
- Arterial roads – Busy urban streets that connect to expressways
- Intersections – Particularly dangerous when drivers run red lights or fail to yield
- Non-road areas – Including parking lots and sidewalks where cars unexpectedly enter pedestrian spaces
Most Dangerous Areas for Chicago Cyclists
- Downtown intersections
- Milwaukee Avenue corridor
- Western Avenue
- Lake Shore Drive crossings.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Chicago
| Common Causes | Description |
| Speeding | Drivers need more stopping distance and have less reaction time. |
| Impaired driving | Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time. |
| Distracted driving | Cell phone use and other distractions. |
| Failure to yield | Not respecting cyclists’ right-of-way at intersections. |
| Dooring | Drivers opening car doors without checking for cyclists. |
| Poor road conditions | Potholes, debris, and unmarked hazards. |
| Construction zones | Inadequate detours for cyclists. |
| Rideshare stops | Sudden stops by Uber or Lyft vehicles. |
Weather Factors in Chicago Bicycle Accidents
Chicago’s unpredictable weather creates additional hazards for cyclists year-round:
- Winter conditions – Snow accumulation reduces visibility and creates slippery surfaces.
- Summer storms – Sudden thunderstorms produce heavy rain, reducing traction and visibility.
- Hail events – Create unpredictable road conditions and can directly injure cyclists.
- Strong winds – Particularly dangerous along Lake Michigan, can destabilize riders.
These environmental factors often combine with driver negligence to create high-risk situations for cyclists. Our attorneys understand how weather conditions can contribute to accident liability.
The Psychology of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that distracted driving is a factor in many traffic crashes, including those involving bicyclists.
When a driver glances at their phone for just a few seconds:
- Their awareness of surroundings dramatically decreases
- They require additional processing time when returning attention to the road
- Critical reaction time is lost, often making the difference between stopping safely or causing a collision.
Even hands-free phone conversations significantly divert cognitive resources away from driving tasks. The driver’s focus splits between their conversation and road awareness, often delaying crucial brake responses when cyclists are present.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle crashes often cause serious harm because riders have minimal protection.
We commonly see:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Road rash and skin abrasions
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage.
Head injuries are a leading type of bicycle injuries, harming about a third of all bicyclists in non-fatal accidents, according to the National Safety Council.
Chicago Bicycle Laws You Should Know
Chicago has specific ordinances protecting cyclists:
- Motorists must give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
- Drivers must yield to cyclists at intersections.
- Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist is illegal.
- Motorists cannot drive, park, or idle in bike lanes.
- Cyclists have the same rights as drivers on Chicago roads.
Understanding these laws helps us establish liability in your case and prove negligence.
Why Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers Stands Out
Head attorney Matthew Willens brings over 25 years of personal injury experience to bicycle accident cases. Before founding the firm, he represented insurance companies, giving him insider knowledge on how they minimize claims.
Our advantages include:
✓ Specialized knowledge of Chicago bicycle ordinances and Illinois traffic laws
✓ A track record of successful bicycle accident settlements and verdicts
✓ Direct attorney communication – your case isn’t passed to junior associates
✓ No fees unless we win your case
✓ Resources to hire top accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
Our Proven Results
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has secured numerous high-value settlements for truck and bicycle accident victims, including:
- $15.8 million verdict in traffic accident wrongful death case
- $2.25 million truck accident wrongful death settlement
- $625,000 motorcycle accident settlement
- $250,000 bicycle accident settlement.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Taking these steps helps protect your health and legal rights:
- Call the police and get a report.
- Get medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Document the scene with photos if possible.
- Get contact info from the driver and witnesses.
- Don’t fix or throw away your damaged bicycle.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies.
- Contact our bicycle accident attorneys.
Compensation for Injured Cyclists
We help cyclists recover damages for:
Medical Expenses
- Current and future treatment costs
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Prescription medications.
Financial Losses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Bicycle and equipment damage
- Transportation costs
Personal Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
The value of your claim depends on injury severity, liability evidence, insurance limits, and how the injury affects your life.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
After a bicycle accident, the driver’s insurance company may likely try to:
- Blame you for the accident
- Claim your injuries aren’t serious
- Offer quick, low settlements
- Use your statements against you
- Delay your claim hoping you’ll give up.
Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys handle all insurance communications, preventing these tactics from reducing your compensation.
Our Process for Bicycle Accident Claims
When you work with us at Willens & Baez, we:
- Offer a free, no-obligation case review
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Gather evidence including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports
- Work with medical experts to document your injuries
- Handle all paperwork and deadlines
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Prepare for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Chicago Bicycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Chicago?
In Illinois, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit over a bicycle crash. However, certain factors may change this timeline. For instance, claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Contact us quickly to protect your rights.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Illinois has no law requiring adult cyclists to wear helmets. While helmets reduce injury risk, not wearing one doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation. However, defense lawyers may try to reduce your damages by claiming you contributed to your injuries.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Illinois follows “comparative negligence” rules, meaning you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much will hiring a bicycle accident attorney cost?
We at Willens & Baez work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you receive compensation. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no upfront cost to you.
Contact Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt while cycling in Chicago, don’t face the system alone. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. will fight for your rights and fair compensation.
Call us at (312) 957-4166 for a free case review.
TOP-RATED TRUCK & BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS: With proven results including a $2.25 million truck accident settlement and multiple six-figure bicycle accident settlements, Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has established itself as a leading firm for vehicle accident cases in Chicago. Our record of success includes a $1.5 million settlement in a highly contested truck accident case where we overcame aggressive defense tactics through diligent investigation and expert testimony.
We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. No fee until we win your case.
