Photo of Bike Crash in ChicagoRiding your bike is a great way to exercise and see the sights in Chicago and its suburbs—but it can be dangerous. You have to share the streets and sidewalks with cars, trucks, and pedestrians.

Every time a bicyclist starts pedaling, they’re at risk of being hit by a vehicle, regardless of what measures they take to prevent an accident.

In 2018 alone, there were over 2,500 bicyclists injured in Illinois crashes.  These bike crashes are more likely to occur in urban areas during any time of the day. Bicyclists are often hit by drivers who don’t see them until it’s too late.

What’s more, bicyclists suffer more permanent and life-altering injuries on average when they’re in an accident. In fact, 13.7 percent of Illinois bicycle collisions in 2018 resulted in permanent injuries—compared to just 3.5 percent of the total crashes that year.

Helping you get back on your feet after a bike crash

If you were recently injured in a bicycle accident, we understand that the road ahead is difficult. Medical bills are piling up, and you don’t know when you’ll be able to return to work.

Our bicycle accident lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C., want you to know that you should never shoulder the financial and emotional burden of the crash alone. If the other party was at fault and has insurance, you may be owed specific damages for your losses from the accident.

At Shannon Law Group, P.C., our personal injury attorneys can help you navigate this difficult time. Our compassionate team will manage your case, so you can focus on recovering. We’ve assisted people injured in bicycle crashes before, including bike-on-bike cases.

If you’re ready to speak with an attorney, please call us at (312) 578-9501 or fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation. Your time may be limited to pursue a claim against the responsible parties. We’re available 24/7/365 to take your call. During the consultation, you will explore legal options and have the opportunity to ask our attorneys specific questions about your case.

But what if you’re not ready to contact an attorney? Keep reading to learn more about bicycle accident lawsuits in Illinois, including:

  • What should I do if I’m injured in a bike accident?
  • What is my bicycle accident case worth?
  • Can I sue another bicyclist if I was in a bike-on-bike accident?
  • How can a bicycle accident lawyer help me?
  • How much time do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
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Injured in a bike crash? Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help You

Our lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve after a bike accident—not what the insurance adjuster thinks you’re owed based on an algorithm.

Complete the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. During the consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask one of our personal injury attorneys how they can help you pursue damages, so you can move forward with your life.

We look forward to speaking with you!

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bICYCLE ACCIDENT FAQ: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What Should I Do if I'm Injured in a Bike Accident?

Let’s say a driver doesn’t see you riding your bike in the crosswalk while they’re turning left. You barely have a moment to react before the impact. You wake up on the pavement, your right leg hurts like never before, and you’re trying to remember what just happened.

The at-fault driver calls 9-1-1, and an ambulance takes you to the nearest hospital. The doctors discover that your femur is fractured, and you have to undergo surgery immediately. Now, your medical bills are piling up, and your doctor says you can’t go back to work for at least six months.

You may lie awake at night, tossing and turning, wondering, “Who should I contact? What should I do next? How do I keep the lights on, food on the table, and the mortgage paid?”

Here are 3 things to do after a bicycle crash that you can do right now:  

  1. Continue seeking medical treatment. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep going to your appointments. Your health is always a top priority.
  2. Take photos and gather evidence. As you continue treatment, start gathering evidence to support your case. First, take photos of the damaged bicycle and car. Snap photos of the license plate of the car. Hopefully, you or someone else took photos at the scene of the crash. If not, the responding police officers may have taken some. Also, photograph your injuries and film your process as you recover. Next, gather any and all documents related to the bicycle crash, including the Illinois Crash Report, medical bills, and medical records.
  3. Call a bicycle accident lawyer FIRST before talking to an insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are not your friends—no matter how nice they seem over the phone. Avoid talking with them about the accident and contact an experienced lawyer first. Why? Whatever you tell them may be used against you in the future. When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer like Shannon Law Group, the insurance adjuster has to speak to us. You don’t have to deal with the stress of answering their questions or sending them documents. Your attorney will handle those interactions while you focus on your family and getting better.

 

What is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

Your case is worth whatever the amount of your economic and non-economic damages is.

Economic damages are easy to calculate. Examples of economic damages include past and future medical bills and lost wages.

In Illinois, you’re entitled to recover all of the medical bills you’ve incurred as a result of the bicycle crash and any future medical bills that you will incur. You’re also entitled to any and all past and future lost wages.

Under Illinois law, you’re also entitled to compensation for non-economic damages. These damages are harder to calculate, but they’re most important to you and your family. They compensate you for things like pain and suffering, loss of society, loss of consortium, and emotional anguish.

They’re intended to compensate injured victims for the daily pain, suffering, and anguish they experience as a result of the accident.

Have more questions about what you may be owed after a bicycle crash? Call us today at Shannon Law Group at (312) 578-9501.

I was in a bike-on-bike accident. Can I sue the Cyclist that Hit Me?

Bicyclist in ChicagoThe short answer is yes. Bike-on-bike accidents happen when two bicyclists crash into one another. This type of collision may happen when bicyclists are riding next to each other. For example, a past client was seriously injured when another bicyclist fell on top of him.

If another cyclist crashes into you, you may be entitled to damages from them through their homeowner's or renter’s insurance policy. Contact us today for more details. Our attorneys can help you navigate the case and determine the best route forward.

 

Illinois Bike AccidentsHow many people in Illinois are injured in bicycle crashes every year?

The Illinois Department of Transportation gathers data from all bicycle crashes that occur in one year. In 2018 (the last year with recorded data), there were 2,532 Illinois accidents involving bicyclists. Overall, bicycle crashes account for less than 1 percent of all accidents—but they often result in more serious injuries and death.

In 2018, for example, there were 24 fatalities and 349 serious injuries due to bike crashes. These serious injuries prevent the injured party from walking, driving, or continuing to perform the activities that he or she was capable of performing before the crash. Out of the remaining crashes, 2,338 of them resulted in an injury.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

Woman researching after bicycle accidentIn Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the bicycle crash to file a lawsuit in Illinois. However, the deadline may shorter if you were hit by a government employee. There are exceptions for minors as well.

If you were seriously injured in a bike crash, don’t wait until the last minute to contact an experienced attorney. The more time that passes, the more time there is for evidence to disappear or for witnesses to fade away. The sooner you hire the right attorney, the better.

How can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

Bicycle accident lawyerBicycle accident lawsuits are complicated, and they shouldn’t be handled without a lawyer if you suffered a serious injury.

When you hire a law firm like Shannon Law Group, you’re delegating the stress of handling your case to us. That way, you can focus on getting better.

We’re personal injury attorneys. We handle cases like yours every day. Our lawyers know how to talk to insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. We’re skilled at investigating these types of cases, assessing damages, and negotiating with the other side.

At the end of the day, you’ll recover significantly more compensation if you hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer than if you didn’t.

Why Choose Shannon Law Group?

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Experience with Results

At Shannon Law Group, P.C., we only take cases worthy of being tried in front of a jury. Because of this, we have the time, knowledge, and experience to go above and beyond for you - unlike other personal injury attorneys who have hundreds or thousands of cases.

We also understand the insurance industry. Lead attorney Joe Shannon represented corporations and their insurers before he represented people injured by the negligence of others. He sat on the other side of the table, so he knows what the insurance company will offer and what they won't offer.

Since founding Shannon Law Group, Joe secured the largest verdict in Will County history and achieved other multi-figure settlements and verdicts in Illinois. 

As our satisfied clients can attest, we come through for them when they need it most. We take our responsibility to our clients seriously. We'll examine every angle of your case, and we promise to go the extra mile to get the compensation you deserve--not what the insurance company thinks your claim is worth.  

One-of-a-Kind Representation

Free Consultation Shannon Law GroupWhen you hire Shannon Law Group to represent you after bicycle accident in Illinois, you're helping yourself and your family. Why?

Our job is to bear the burden of dealing with insurance companies and their lawyers. Our bicycle accident lawyers take the stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on your recovery and family.

We also understand the case isn't about us--it's about you. At Shannon Law Group, our dedicated team will help you move forward toward a successful and secure future after your injury. 

You will never be treated like a transaction or a case at our law firm. When your case has resolved, our relationship doesn't end the moment we hand you a check. We'll stay in touch with you and help you and your family in whatever way we can. 

Keeping You in the Loop

We will always keep you updated on your bicycle accident lawsuit. 

We'll make sure to return your call within 24 hours if you leave a message - no questions asked. 

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, our attorneys may be able to assist you. To get started, schedule your free consultation.

Call us today at (312) 578-9501 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We look forward to speaking with you!

wHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SHANNON LAW GROUP
I had an excellent experience working with attorney Jonathan J. Svitak at Shannon Law Group who provided an outstanding legal support after I suffered a serious shoulder injury from a flu shot. From the very beginning, Jonathan demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, strong attention to detail and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome from my case . His professionalism, compassionate, and integrity made a stressful situation much more manageable. It was clear that he truly cared about my case and my well-being . He was always responsive to my questions and kept me informed throughout the entire legal process . I’m incredibly grateful for his help and highly recommend him and his entire team at Shannon Law Group. They all went above and beyond to provide exceptional legal representation.
Response from the owner:Hi Kala, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
I had a vaccine injury (Frozen shoulder) in September 2022. I was googling the web to see if a flu shot can cause frozen shoulder. A slew of websites showing vaccine attorneys that could help file a claim. At first, I thought it was a joke but figured, what the heck, all I have is time, so why not look into it? So, I contacted three attorneys. Two said they could not help me, and Jonathan Svitak told me I would be happy to take your case, I am not afraid of a fight. Jonathan set up realistic schedules (Said it was about a three-year process) and kept me in the loop the whole way. As negotiations were under away, Jonathan and I communicated, and I gave him a figure I would be happy with. Jonathan not only got me that figure, but he got me more than that figure. Jonathan is not only a great attorney, but a caring individual as well. Several times on our calls he got to know me not only as client, but as a person as well.

Jonathan's paralegal Heather was always quick to answer my emails and was proactive in making sure I knew how the case was proceeding. I never felt out of the loop with Heather on my team.

To make matters even sweeter, the owner of the firm Joe Shannon called me himself to welcome me and tell me I was in good hands with Jonathan. We talked at least a 1/2 hour and shared about our lives and when he found out I was a foster parent, he shared about his family. Then in the mail, I received a card, with encouraging words and shared that he and his family would be praying for my family. WOW!! How amazing is that?

Also, on my birthday I was surprised to get a gift card from the firm saying happy birthday. Talk about customer service.

You can feel safe and secure in Shannon Law Group's hands, not only as a client but as a family too.

Oh, and my case was settled in 2 1/2 years. Six months earlier than anticipated.

Thank you, Jonathan, Joe and Heather, I appreciate you all.

Mariann Mattia
Response from the owner:Hi Mariann, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. What amazing feedback! It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
Jonathan Svitak was so helpful and always professional and very knowledgeable. Kept me informed all along the way while working on my case. I am very happy with Shannon Law Groups and all associates I had correspondence with.
Response from the owner:Hi Sandra, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
My Mom had a reaction to her Vaccination shot and reached out to Shannon Law Group. Elizabeth Simek was the Lawyer that worked hard on my mom's case and made being a witness a seamless experience for me. Not only was she very Professional but she went above and beyond and made my Mom feel like a Celebrity. She listened to her every word and they became friends talking about life experiences.. Thanks Shannon Law Group and thanks again Elizabeth Simek for making this almost tragedy into a blessing in disguise. 5 Star above and beyond.
Response from the owner:Hi Chris, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team throughout your mom's claim. It was a pleasure to represent her throughout her vaccine injury case. All our best to you, your mom, and your family!
Shannon Law group is outstanding, I contacted them about my vaccine injury and I was very skeptical. They put my mind to rest with their explanation of the injury and possible settlement.. I had to do very little legwork, once I got all my information to them they took the ball and did an outstanding job, they got me a very pleasant settlement to which I am very thankful. I highly recommend them for any of your vaccine injuries as they are very professional and get the job done., thank you again. Chuck Mountain Lake Mn.
Response from the owner:Hi Chuck, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
I had a great experience with Shannon Law Firm handling my vaccine injury case. My attorney, Elizabeth Hess, was incredible- she stayed in regular contact with me, always kept me updated on the progress, and made sure I understood every step of the process. Her gentle tone, dedication, and professionalism truly stood out. I felt supported throughout the entire case. I highly recommend Shannon Law Firm to anyone in need of experienced and caring legal help.
Response from the owner:Hi Gail, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
I had an excellent experience working with Shannon Law group and attorney Elizabeth Hess. She was so easy to work with and explained everything so I could understand it. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!
Best lawyer I ever had!!! Even though I only had one attorney, I felt extremely confident with Patrick. He knew everything that he was doing, and I didn’t have to worry about anything with Patrick in my corner.
Response from the owner:Hi Danielle, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with Patrick. We're blessed to have him on our team helping stellar clients like you. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your case. All our best to you and your family!
Attorney Robert Hanrahan is a standout legal eagle! He brought valuable insights, professional skills and service quality to my pedestrian vs auto legal case. I was advised up front from the begining what to expect and Robert was open and honest with me on the case. His communication, responsiveness and legal knowledge skills were vital to my law case arriving at a very satisfied outcome.
Thank you Robert Hanrahan and Shannon Law Group for a job well done that exceeded my expectations!
Response from the owner:Hi Patrick, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team, especially Robert. We're blessed to have him on our team helping stellar clients like you. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your case. All our best to you and your family!
I am forever grateful to Shannon Law Group for the support and care they showed me as I dealt with my Sirva injury case. They were caring every step of the way. It was about my needs. Even when I was in pain I was happy to hear Joe Shannon’s voice as he always provided me with comforting words and hope. He worked diligently and got me a very good outcome for my injury. I never felt like a number and always felt like I was listened to. You will not find a better lawyer to handle your case. Joe Shannon and everyone working there are good people. Thank you to everyone. I’ll never forget it.
Response from the owner:Hi Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience working with our team. It was a pleasure to represent you throughout your vaccine injury case. All our best to you and your family!