Causes of Accidents Involving Bikes
Most Chicago bicycle accidents are due to the negligence of motorists. According to Chicago city crash data compiled by the People Powered Movement, bicyclists were to blame for only about 140 of one recent year’s 1,717 bicycle accidents. Some reasons for accidents blamed on bicycle riders included:
- Crossing against a traffic signal
- Crossing a road outside a crosswalk
- Failing to yield at an intersection
- Intoxicated riding
The same data review found that motorists’ negligent and reckless actions are a far bigger cause of auto-vs.-cycling collisions. The study revealed that automobile drivers contributed to over 90 percent of bicycle crashes in one recent year.
Many bicyclists are injured or killed because motorists fail to pay attention to bicyclists or simply fail to respect their right to share the road. For instance, motorists can cause crashes and severe injuries by:
- Turning right in front of a bicyclist traveling in the same direction (“right-hook” collisions)
- Turning left into the path of an approaching bicyclist (“left-hook” collisions)
- Following a bicyclist too closely (“tailgating”)
- Pulling out of a driveway or parking spot without looking
- Racing through a red light or stop sign at an intersection in a bicyclist’s path
- Failing to give a bicyclist adequate space when passing
- Intentionally “buzzing” a bicyclist while passing (a type of “road rage”)
- Opening the door of a parked car as a bicyclist passes (“dooring”).
In many of these situations, the underlying cause of the crash may be the driver’s distraction, such as talking or texting on a phone while driving or the driver’s impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
In addition to bicyclist and motorist actions, bike accidents can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, including potholes, deteriorating shoulders, or obstructed views. In these situations, a government entity may be to blame.
How to Prove Someone Else Is Responsible for Your Bike Accident
Bicycle laws in Chicago are in place to keep you safe and our law firm is dedicated to protecting your rights. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. serves clients in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We know how to investigate and litigate the unique issues in these personal injury cases, including determining:
- Why the accident occurred – Photos, surveillance camera footage, witness accounts, the police report, and other evidence, along with input from highly qualified experts, can establish why a crash happened.
- Who should be held accountable – In many cases, a motorist is not the only party at fault in a bicycle crash. The motorist’s employer, for instance, may be held liable, or a bar or restaurant that served an intoxicated driver. A government agency may be held responsible in many cases, including those involving defective road conditions. The negligence of a bike rental company or bike share program such as Divvy may also lead to liability.
- What injuries have been suffered – A review of medical records and consultation with medical and life-care planning experts can identify past and future medical expenses, past and future income losses, pain and suffering, and other non-economic and economic damages that may be sought in a bicycle accident lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts surrounding your bicycle accident case and help you seek compensation from the negligent driver and other parties responsible for your bike injuries.
Most Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in Chicago
A CDOT study analyzed Chicago crash data over a five-year period and found that around 55 percent of the city’s fatal and injury-causing bicycle accidents happen at intersections. By reviewing this data, we’ve identified the following to be the most dangerous intersections in the city for bicyclists:
| Area | Intersecting Streets |
| Lincoln Park | Fullerton Ave., Halsted St. and Lincoln Ave. |
| Bucktown | Damen Ave., Fullerton Ave. and Elston Ave. |
| Wicker Park | Damen Ave., North Ave. and Milwaukee Ave. |
| Logan Square | Milwaukee Ave. and Fullerton Ave. |
| River West | Chicago Ave., Halsted St. and Ogden Ave. |
| Uptown | Montrose Ave. and Lakefront trail entrance |
The Book Club Chicago cited a survey that reached a similar result, finding that the most dangerous stretch of Chicago for cyclists was Milwaukee Ave. from North Ave. to Division St. In a recent four-year period, there have been 50 reported crashes and three deaths on Milwaukee Avenue.
Despite these dangerous areas, there are still plenty of safe places to ride in Chicago, including many streets with dedicated bike lanes. Check out this Chicago Bike Map from Chicago Complete Streets to find safe cycling areas near you. However, be aware there are still accidents that happen in bike lanes and you should always proceed with caution.
Protecting the Rights of Victims in Illinois
Under Illinois law, bike riders are granted the same rights as motor vehicle drivers as well as other rights that are unique to them. Bicyclists have the right to:
- Share the road – A bicyclist may use the road by staying as close as safety allows to the far right side. This means bicyclists do not have to ride through gravel, broken glass, or dangerously close to a curb to share the road.
- Ride side-by-side – Two bicyclists can ride side-by-side as long as it does not impede the normal, reasonable flow of traffic.
- Turn as vehicles or pedestrians – When turning at an intersection, a bicyclist has the right to use a crosswalk as a pedestrian. Motorists must yield to the bicyclist. A bicycle rider may also enter into a turn lane as a vehicle driver would. If turning as a vehicle, the bicyclist must use proper hand signals.
- Use sidewalks or crosswalks – A bicyclist may use a sidewalk unless prohibited by a local ordinance. When doing so, the bicycle rider must yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Enjoy a safe distance from vehicles – When a vehicle driver passes a bicyclist, the driver must leave at least three feet of space.
- Be free of harassment – In Illinois, a motorist who intentionally or recklessly drives close to a cyclist can face a misdemeanor or felony charge.
These rights must be protected. If a motorist violates a bicyclist’s rights and causes injury or death, the bicyclist and/or family members have the right to seek just compensation for all physical, emotional, and financial harm the motorist has caused.
