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Sharing the road with motorists while riding your bike can be dangerous. Bikers are much more susceptible to harm than drivers in large cars and trucks. Individuals could sustain serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, road rash, and spinal cord injuries.
If you or a loved one were severely injured due to the negligent actions of another, an Evergreen Park bicycle accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for your damages. They could investigate the claim, collect evidence and prove negligence on your behalf. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you may be eligible to recover compensation that covers the full value of your injuries.
There are a few laws which protect bicycle riders from harm. For example, per 625 ILCS 5/11-703, motor vehicle drivers are prohibited from improperly passing an individual on a bike. Moreover, under 625 ILCS 5/11-703(e), a motorist may not drive too closely to a bike rider, as bicyclists are required to pedal with the flow of traffic and could be hit.
If a motorist disregards any of these mandates and harms a biker in the process, the infringement may be used as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit against them. A knowledgeable Evergreen Park bicycle accident lawyer could review the facts of the case, determine liability and prove that the defendant was negligent.
The Secretary of State has published the Bicycle Rules of the Road as a guide for cyclists in the State of Illinois. The publication lists several mandates and suggestions for bicyclists when they are on the streets of Evergreen Park. Some of the rules for bicyclists include:
Bicycle riders have a duty to exercise the due care that a reasonably prudent cyclist would under the circumstances. Therefore, as explained by 625 ILCS 5/11-1504, riders may not hang onto moving cars. Additionally, they may not carry objects that keep them from having at least one hand on the handlebars. Such imprudent actions could be used by the defendant to establish the fault of the rider in a bicycle accident case.
Often, the defendant may allege that the plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident or the exasperation of their injuries. The State of Illinois follows the rules of modified comparative negligence for claims of shared fault. As long as the plaintiff is 50 percent or less at fault for the accident, they could still recover compensation. The jury will reduce a claimant’s award by their percentage of fault for the accident.
An experienced attorney may talk with injured plaintiffs about modified comparative negligence and how it could affect their case.
If another party causes an accident, they could be held liable in court. If another’s negligent actions caused you to suffer injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages.
A skilled Evergreen Park bicycle accident lawyer could help you seek a monetary remedy for any injuries you have sustained. Call today to schedule a consultation.