In recent decades, Chicago has morphed into a metropolitan area that caters to bicyclists both in the downtown Loop and in many of the surrounding neighborhoods of the city. As cycling has increased in popularity, officials have taken affirmative steps to increase the safety of riders and to keep motorists safe as well. Implements like shared bicycle lanes, bicycle-only lanes, protected bike lanes, and bicycle-specific traffic signals are some of the changes that residents have seen recently and some changes that people can continue to anticipate in the coming years.
Despite these steps taken at the local and state level and despite the increased awareness and presence of bicyclists, bike accidents continue to happen in Chicago and across Illinois. Though there are countless reasons for these collisions, the predominate factor continues to be driver error or negligence. Those in automobiles or on bicycles who fail to notice cyclists or respect their rights to ride continue to create hazardous situations that lead to collisions and often, as a result, injuries or even death of the rider involved.
Victims of bicycle accidents in the Chicago area are entitled to seek relief for their losses through the use of a civil claim for damages, a type of legal action that is separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges that may be brought by local authorities. When in doubt as to the rights of relief that may exist, victims can consult with a personal injury attorney to further their understanding and to take the action needed to preserve their claims.
Unfortunately, police have confirmed a bicycle accident in Kane County that happened on Monday afternoon and that left a cyclist dead. Officials report that the incident occurred near the intersection of Walker Road and Allen Road in Hampshire Township just after 4:00 p.m. A 68-year-old male cyclist reportedly had the right of way and entered the intersection at the same time that a 64-year-old motorist proceeded. The motorist allegedly failed to yield to the cyclist as required and caused a collision that threw the biker to the ground and claimed his life. Police arrived on the scene and cited the driver for his role in the accident and they began an investigation into the crash which remains open at this time.
Nothing can erase the loss of life when an accident occurs and no amount of compensation can ever be considered adequate to provide for that loss but the laws in Illinois still provide options for relief. The surviving family members of a bicyclist who is killed in a traffic crash may possess the right to bring a claim for their loss and to enable them to move forward financially when a loved one is taken.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in fighting for the rights of victims and if you have been hurt, we want to fight for you. To prove it, we offer a free case consultation without obligation to all victims and their family members who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If a traffic accident involving a bicycle has affected your life or the life of someone you love, do not let your suffering continue without help. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us get to work for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
2 Killed in Calumet City Car Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 19, 2015.
Resource:
Police: Bicyclist killed in Kane County crash, by Sam Charles, Chicago Sun-Times, published May 18, 2015.