Cycling in the Chicago area gives one cause to feel both free and vulnerable. On the one hand, outdoor exercise provides a sense of well-being and allows for enjoyment of breathtaking sights of area life. On the other, the frenetic whir of traffic and daily life presents a sense of ever-present danger. A safety helmet is an unquestionable must-have item for cyclists of all ages and skill levels, but it can only protect the head and brain, leaving other areas exposed.
When a bike accident occurs, whether with another cyclist or a motor vehicle, the injuries suffered can be severe. The trauma suffered in a bicycle collision can result in substantial medical bills, as well as adverse effects on work responsibilities, educational pursuits, domestic life, and the ability to enjoy recreation and exercise. Fortunately, Illinois state law allows for personal injury victims to recover monetary damages for the harms inflicted by a negligent individual, business, or institution.
The Nature of Injuries Suffered in a Bike Accident
In terms of size and weight, bicycles are greatly outmatched in comparison to cars and trucks. When a bicycle collides with a motor vehicle, riders are likely to sustain serious injuries, including:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage (including paralysis)
- Nervous system damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Severed limbs
- Amputations
- Post-traumatic stress
It may come as a surprise, but even a collision involving two cyclists can result in severe injuries, especially when a professional adult cyclist training at high speeds collides with a young or inexperienced bike rider traveling at a low speed and with no safety equipment.
Whatever the scenario which led to a bicycle accident, an injured person has every right to seek compensation for the harms they have suffered because of another person’s negligence. These harms, termed “damages” by the law, include not just medical bills, but pain and suffering, future healthcare needs, lost income due to missed work, bicycle repair or replacement, and consequences stemming from any short or long-term disabilities suffered.
Cyclists Have the Same Legal Rights as Other Drivers
Cyclists have to obey the rules and regulations of the road, just as the drivers of cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles do. When a cyclist has suffered injuries and other losses due to the negligent or intentionally wrongful conduct of another party, be they a fellow cyclist or motor vehicle operator, the legal recourse is the same as that available to any other wrongfully injured person. If you have been injured in a bike accident, you can count on Flaherty Law, LLC to help you assert your legal rights and obtain the compensation you are entitled to. Contact a Plainfield personal injury lawyer today at 815-860-5702 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1865&ChapterID=50