One driver or motorist can affect the safety of all those in the same area, whether they are in the same vehicle, a different vehicle, on a bicycle, or even walking as a pedestrian. Unlike some activities of daily life, driving or riding in a car is one where the safest individual can become a victim simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While the best driver in the world cannot be guaranteed to be accident-free on the road, others face the same reality. Pedestrians and cyclists cannot be promised to be free from incident even if they do everything right.
When a traffic accident occurs, the people involved might be injured and may need medical assistance. Often, these victims are bystanders or people other than an at-fault driver, meaning that the negligent person in an accident is not the only one who may be harmed. Illinois laws act to protect these innocent victims by allowing them to seek relief for their damages in a court of law, regardless of whether an at-fault driver was cited in an accident. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options, including whether you have a valid claim, if a collision, including a bicycle accident, left you hurt or harmed your loved one.
Shortly before 5:30 a.m. yesterday morning, a collision occurred in the Chicago loop near City Hall that left two people injured. Police responded to the scene of the crash near Washington and LaSalle and determined that a motorcyclist may have run a red light, causing the motorcycle to collide with a taxi cab in the area. As the impact occurred, one of the vehicles swerved and/or veered as a result and collided with a bicyclist.
Emergency crews assessed those involved in the crash and determined that both the rider of the motorcycle and the bicyclist were injured. Both were taken to area hospitals where their injuries are not clear but both are expected to survive. At this time, it does not appear that the driver of the taxi cab was hurt in the accident.
Police reported that the motorcyclist was cited for running a red light and causing the accident but they have also stated that their investigation is ongoing into this crash at this time.
Bicyclists have become an increasingly large presence in the downtown Chicago area and their numbers are expected to grow in the coming years. In response, the city has taken multiple steps to increase the safety for these riders, including designated shared biking lanes, protected bike-only lanes, and bicycle-only traffic signals. While these efforts are believed to have increased safety for drivers and bicyclists alike, collisions continue to happen and continue to injure those involved.
Bicyclists are at a disadvantage when a collision occurs because they likely are traveling at slower speeds than another vehicle and riders have little to protect them from an impact with a vehicle or the pavement. It is easy to see why so many injuries stem from Chicago-area bicycle accidents and why many of these injuries are severe.
If a bicycle crash has left you hurt or has claimed the life of your loved one, you have rights that may entitle you to financial compensation. In many cases, multiple claims may be available to help you get the best possible outcome in your particular case.
The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing numerous bike accident victims and we want to help you as well. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If an accident has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
At Least 2 Hurt in Car Accident at Intersection, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 23, 2014.
Resource:
Bicyclist and motorcyclist hurt in crash outside City Hall, by Jordan Owen, Chicago Sun-Times, published October 23, 2014.