The bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. recently settled a case on behalf of one of their clients for the available insurance policy limits of $100,000.
The client, a young man, was riding his bicycle southbound on Kimball Avenue in Chicago and approaching its intersection with Peterson. He was riding on the right side of the far right lane as bicyclists are allowed to do in the area when a vehicle approached from behind. The driver of the vehicle veered into our client’s path of travel, striking his rear bicycle wheel and causing a collision between the car and our client. The force of the impact threw our client off of his bike and onto the pavement where he landed on his shoulder.
Our client experienced an immediate onset of shoulder pain and was taken by ambulance to Swedish Covenant Hospital for treatment. Through emergency treatment and follow up care with an orthopedic surgeon, our client was diagnosed with a soft tissue tear in his shoulder. The tear was repaired and our client underwent a course of rehabilitative therapy to regain full use of his shoulder. During the course of his treatment, our client incurred medical and other expenses that were directly caused by this crash.
The driver that caused the collision was cited by police for failing to stay within her own lane of traffic while driving, a charge to which she pleaded guilty, admitting she caused the crash. The driver’s insurance company offered the full available policy limits of $100,000 to settle the claim on behalf of our client.
Bicycle accidents occur year round in Chicago and often result in injuries. Whether a crash leaves a victim with a broken bone, soft tissue damage, or even a head injury, the results can range from the mildest of traumas to the most extreme. On average, several bicyclists are killed in accidents in Illinois every year.
When the negligent driving of a motorist causes an accident that leaves a victim hurt or injured, the laws in Chicago allow that victim to bring a claim for relief against the responsible driver. These claims are available regardless of whether the at-fault driver received a citation for a traffic violation in response to the crash. Speaking with an injury attorney is the best way to learn about the legal implications of your accident and what forms of relief may be available to you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe the rights of injury victims should always come first and that is why we focus our practice on the representation of those who have been harmed by the mistakes of another. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, call us today at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us provide you with a free case consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and with Abels & Annes, P.C., we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. Do not continue to wonder about your legal options after a crash; call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Nearly 50 Car Accidents in Cook County During Morning Rush Hour, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 7, 2014.