Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Bicycle accidents happen in Chicago in numerous ways and involve many types of motorists, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and others. The typical view of a bicycle crash may trigger an image of two bicyclists colliding but when it comes to riding in Chicago, that is not the most common type of crash that occurs. Often, cyclists and drivers of cars, trucks, or vans collide at intersections when one fails to yield the right-of-way to another. In other cases, a car passing a cyclist on the left may fail to leave enough room to pass safely, resulting in a side-swipe bicycle accident that can leave a rider seriously injured. Another common type of collision involves a stopped vehicle and an oncoming bicyclist. Failing to make sure no oncoming traffic is present may lead a driver or a passenger to open a car door and possibly to force a cyclist to strike the door, an accident appropriately referred to as “dooring.”
These are merely three common examples of why bicycles and vehicles collide on Chicago streets but they are far from inclusive. Other actions by those involved in collision cause accidents every year and may leave victims behind with injuries. While nothing can erase the damage from these collisions once they take place, but the victims of these crashes may be entitled to seek financial compensation to help cover their monetary and other losses and return them to their pre-injury state. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand Illinois laws as they apply to your collision, including whether you have a valid claim, and may also help you understand who may be held at-fault. In some cases, an at-fault driver may not receive a traffic ticket or a citation but may still be found responsible for the damages caused to a victim if a civil case is initiated.
According to Chicago police, a 47-year-old was riding a bicycle in the area of the 3600 block of South Ashland Avenue on Tuesday afternoon when a semi-tractor approached and struck the cyclist, causing a crash. The bicyclist was left with critical injuries and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where the victim’s current condition remains unclear.
Police are looking for help from the public as the driver, operating a tractor that hauls a trailer but without a trailer attached, allegedly fled the scene after striking the cyclist without speaking to authorities or checking on the condition of the victim. The driver is believed to be a white male with blonde hair and a beard, possibly in his 30s. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident while riding in Chicago or in the surrounding suburbs and you sustained injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. These claims must be brought within a time period specified by the law so it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all victims deserve the right to seek the relief entitled to them and we try to help by providing a free case consultation without any obligation to those victims and their family members who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and we will keep everything discussed confidential.
If an accident has affected your life, do not continue to suffer alone. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Police Pursuit of Teens Ends in Fatal Car Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 8, 2014.
Resource:
Police searching for semi driver in hit-and-run with cyclist, by Rachel Cromidas, Chicago Tribune, published October 9, 2014.