Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Bicyclists

Chicago is a great city to explore on foot or bike – until a careless or aggressive driver gets in the way. Motor vehicle drivers pose a threat to vulnerable road users. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported 11 bicyclist deaths and 993 bicyclist injuries in Chicago motor vehicle collisions in a recent year. That same year, 56 pedestrian fatalities and 2,068 pedestrian injuries occurred in Chicago.

Have you or a loved one been hurt in a collision with a motor vehicle? If so, the Chicago pedestrian and bike accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our firm has recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for our clients, including the largest verdict for an individual plaintiff in Illinois history. We have the resources, experience, and skills you can trust. Call us at our personal injury law firm in Chicago today or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.

Working with an Experienced Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Why should you choose Salvi, Schostok, & Pritchard P.C. to serve as your pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer? It’s because we offer:

• Relevant experience – Our firm has been in business for more than 40 years, giving us a wealth of experience to draw on for your case. Furthermore, we have successfully handled many pedestrian and bicycle accident cases in that time. In one instance, we recovered $20 million for a Cook County couple in a case against a negligent driver and the Chicago Transit Authority. In another, we recovered $2 million for a mother and her child after a Chicago police officer struck them while they were crossing the street.
• Personalized service – We may have handled thousands of cases over the decades, but we never forget that each person who comes to us for help is a unique individual with their own needs and interests. We will tailor our approach to you and your specific case. We’ll keep you in the loop throughout your case and are available anytime you have questions or concerns.
• A proven history of success – You can judge a lawyer by the results they deliver for their clients, and we’re proud of the track record we’ve assembled. We have recovered over $2.5 billion in settlements and jury awards, including some of the largest individual awards in Illinois legal history.

Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Many motor vehicle crashes involving cyclists or pedestrians stem from drivers’ negligence. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian and cyclist accidents in Chicago include:

• Distracted driving – Motorists who divert their attention to texts, calls, apps, food or drinks neglect their responsibility on the road, potentially leading to dire consequences for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Failure to yield – Many accidents occur when drivers neglect or disregard traffic signals and signs, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. Others happen because motorists drift too close to cyclists in bike lanes or cut in front of them.
• Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react swiftly to obstacles or sudden changes, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Speeding often leads to the most serious injuries for pedestrians and bicyclists because a greater speed involves a greater force upon impact.
• Impaired driving – Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs have diminished judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which leads to them causing car accidents with the most vulnerable road users.
• Poor visibility – Drivers must adjust their behaviors in poor viability conditions like nighttime, fog, or heavy rain. If they don’t, they put pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
• Aggressive driving – Confrontational driving behaviors such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or hostile maneuvers jeopardize the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
• Failing to keep a proper lookout – Many pedestrian and bicyclist injuries occur because vehicle drivers fail to look for a pedestrian or cyclist approaching. Drivers in parked cars might open a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leading to severe injuries.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians and Cyclists in Chicago

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must all follow the law to keep everyone on Chicago’s busy city streets safe. That starts by knowing the rules of the road that apply to each.

Cyclists

The Illinois Secretary of State reminds cyclists that they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. That means they must obey traffic signals and signs, signal their turns, and remain alert at all times.

Here are some other key rights and responsibilities to know as a cyclist in Illinois:

• Cyclists should ride as close to the road’s right side or the curb’s edge as possible.
• Bicycle riders must ride in the same direction as other traffic.
• Two cyclists can ride side by side in the same bicycle lane as long as they do not impede traffic.
• Since cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers, they must follow the same right-of-way traffic laws regarding signalized intersections, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings.
• Cyclists must always pull over to the right side of the road to let emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens pass by.
• Like drivers, cyclists must always yield to blind or disabled pedestrians.

Pedestrians

Illinois law says pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or sidewalk in a way that would constitute a safety hazard. That said, drivers also have a legal obligation to watch out for pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. The Illinois Secretary of State says drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in the following situations:

• When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk
• On school days, whenever children are near a school zone crosswalk
• When a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side of the road and there are no traffic controls
• When turning at intersections
• When a pedestrian enters a crosswalk before the traffic signal changes
• Whenever a pedestrian is in a crosswalk with a “Walk” sign or green light
• Whenever a pedestrian enters a street from a building, alley, or driveway

Legal Options Following a Car Accident Involving a Pedestrian or Cyclist

Were you hit by a motorist in Chicago? If so, you may be able to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability policy. A Chicago car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement offer, helping you avoid the time, hassle, and expense of a trial. If the liable party won’t settle, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against them and take them to court, where a judge or jury will listen to their arguments and decide on your case.

Compensation in Chicago Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for the harm you suffered from a bicycle or pedestrian accident. This could include money for:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and reduced future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Damaged personal property

Speak With Our Dedicated Chicago Injury Attorneys Now

Were you hurt in a pedestrian or bike accident in Chicago? If someone else was to blame, they could owe you significant money for your losses. Call Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your options for pursuing justice.