Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Joliet, Illinois
Bicycling means different things to different riders. For some, it is a simple mode of transportation to get around Chicago in an efficient way, and this is the preferred mode of transport for many messengers in and around Chicago. For others it is a leisurely activity used to slow down the hustle and bustle of day-to-day travel. Still to others bicycling is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout used mainly to burn calories and zip around the town. Whatever your bicycle means to you, it is not viewed the same way by the drivers you pass while pedaling around. To drivers, bicyclists can simply be another hazard on the road, an even smaller hazard than the smart cars zooming past them. And unfortunately, this may lead to serious accidents.
If you have been in a bicycle wreck, don’t hesitate to contact Willens & Baez for help. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you are compensated for any injuries you sustained.
The Story by the Numbers
When trying to determine if bicycling is hazardous or if drivers easily notice bicyclists, one need look no further than the statistics compiled each year by the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 2010 there were 1,625 bicycle crashes within the City of Chicago. Five of these resulted in an instant fatality but 150 left riders with incapacitating injuries. Hundreds of other riders were left with injuries that were considered “non-incapacitating.” This problem is certainly more prevalent within the City of Chicago but the suburbs are not immune to accidents. In that same year suburban Cook County saw 748 bicycle crashes, eight of which resulted in immediate fatalities. Even where no fatality resulted, each of these crashes led to a bicyclist being flung from the seat with nothing but the ground to catch them.
How An Attorney Can Help
Many bicyclists may feel powerless in the aftermath of a serious crash. In reality, however, those injured have the right to recover compensation from those at fault. A personal injury attorney can take a look at the specifics of your case, and help advise you on the best course of action.
If you find yourself involved in a bicycling accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the attorneys at Willens & Baez. We will provide you with a free consultation, and, using our years of experience, as well as the help of accident reconstructionists, doctors, and other expert witnesses, we will ensure you are justly compensated. Call us today for assistance.
