Northbrook Bike And Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Chicago is crowded with pedestrian traffic, but we tend to think the city is too busy for bikes. That is not the case. There are thousands of people riding bikes in the Chicago metro area every day. Every year, hundreds of bikers suffer serious injuries, and a few die from bike accidents.
Bikers and pedestrians can seek financial compensation for their injuries from the insurance company of the driver. But what if it was a hit-and-run accident? What if the driver does not have car insurance or does not carry enough coverage to cover their medical bills? At Orzoff Law Offices in Northbrook, Illinois, we work with injured pedestrians and injured bikers, as well as with the family members of those who died in fatal bike or pedestrian accidents. Since 1966, we have been helping clients achieve financial recovery with personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims.
Getting The Compensation You Need
With bikers, pedestrians, trucks and passenger vehicles sharing the same roads, accidents commonly occur in the Chicago area. Whether you were injured as a pedestrian or while riding your bicycle, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses.
- A bike messenger is hit by a car while on the job
- A child is run over on his big wheel trike by a truck backing out of a driveway
- A university student is knocked off her bike by a truck passing too close
- A biker falls because of debris on the road outside a construction site
Our injury lawyers look into every potential source of compensation. If the car or truck driver was uninsured or underinsured, we look to see if the biker or pedestrian is covered by a family auto insurance policy, which would provide uninsured or underinsured benefits.
Proving Fault In A Personal Injury Case
It’s unfortunate, but police and drivers often assume that the bicyclist was at fault in bicycle-car collisions. The police may or may not have done a very thorough investigation, and usually, the walker or biker is so injured they do not have a clear memory of the accident. That is when the investigative skills of an experienced lawyer become critical.
If you are unsure who was at fault, talk to an attorney so we can try to reconstruct the accident to see if there is a responsibility on the part of the driver. We have experience reconstructing these types of accidents. We will not let our clients get less than they deserve: see our client success stories.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Northbrook Pedestrian And Bike Accidents
Understanding your legal rights following a street collision helps you navigate recovery with confidence. Our lawyers answer some commonly asked questions regarding Illinois traffic laws and compensation options below.
Who is at fault if a pedestrian or bicyclist is struck outside of a marked crosswalk in Illinois?
Fault depends on whether the driver or pedestrian exercised reasonable care under the circumstances. While walkers and riders yield the right of way outside crosswalks, Illinois motorists maintain a continuous duty to avoid collisions. Liability can be determined by evaluating speed, visibility and traffic conditions.
What options do I have if I was injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian or bicycle accident?
You can seek financial recovery through your personal uninsured motorist coverage even when hit outside a vehicle. Law enforcement investigations and local surveillance footage can also identify fleeing motorists. Once found, the negligent driver and their insurance provider become liable for damages.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my bicycle crash in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule that permits recovery as long as you are 50% or less responsible. If your fault exceeds 50%, you cannot recover any compensation. Otherwise, your award is reduced by your fault percentage, meaning 20% fault still allows you to collect 80% of your total damages.
How do I pay my medical bills after a bicycle or pedestrian accident if the driver has no insurance?
Your medical payments coverage or private health insurance can cover immediate treatment costs. Uninsured motorist benefits from your auto policy step in to handle remaining balances and lost wages. In addition, healthcare providers could place a lien on your eventual case settlement.
Does my own auto insurance policy cover me if I am hit by a car while walking or riding a bike?
Yes, standard Illinois auto insurance policies extend coverage to policyholders who are injured as pedestrians or bicyclists. These benefits step in to pay for your medical bills and losses if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. This same protection also covers resident family members in your household if they are struck while walking or biking.
Get Started On Your Pedestrian Or Bicycle Accident Claim
We are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured people and to maximizing their financial recovery. Our lawyers and staff return phone calls promptly, and legal services in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish are available. Contact Orzoff Law Offices today to schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at 847-780-2356 or filling out our online contact form.