What to Do If You’ve Been Injured In An Illinois Bike Lane Accident

Bicyclists across Illinois rely on designated bike lanes to provide a safer riding experience, but unfortunately, accidents still happen—even in areas meant to protect riders. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be. With decades of experience representing injured cyclists in Naperville, St. Charles, Chicago, and throughout Illinois, our team knows how to build strong cases, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve. Whether you suffered a serious injury after being struck by a car or were doored while lawfully riding in a bike lane, we’re here to help you navigate the road to recovery.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Lane Accident

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health

Your well-being is the top priority. If you can, move out of harm’s way and seek immediate medical attention. Injuries from bike accidents—like concussions, fractures, or internal injuries—may not show symptoms right away, and delaying treatment can affect both your health and your legal claim.

2. Call 911 and File a Police Report

In Illinois, any accident involving injuries must be reported to law enforcement. A police report creates an official record of the crash and can be critical for insurance claims or legal action.

3. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, the road, and any traffic signs. Write down the driver’s contact and insurance information, and ask any witnesses for their names and numbers. These details can play an essential role in proving liability later.

4. Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Let investigators and attorneys determine fault based on the evidence.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

You should promptly report the crash to your insurance provider—but keep your statement brief and factual. Don’t agree to a recorded statement or accept any settlement before speaking with a personal injury lawyer.

Illinois Bike Accident Statistics

Bicycle accidents remain a serious public safety issue in Illinois:

• According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 2,180 bicycle crashes in the state in 2022, with 23 bicyclist fatalities and over 1,700 injuries reported.
• Cook County saw the highest number of crashes, followed by DuPage, Lake, and Kane Counties—some of the busiest areas for bike commuters.
• Over 80% of all bicycle crashes occurred in urban areas, often where bike lanes are present but still poorly protected.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Bike Lane Crash

Who Is At Fault?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault—but your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you’ll receive $80,000.

Common At-Fault Parties in Bike Lane Accidents:

• Motorists who veer into the bike lane or make unsafe turns across it.
• Drivers who open their car doors into a cyclist’s path—known as “dooring.”
• Municipalities responsible for failing to maintain or properly mark bike lanes.
• Construction crews or businesses that block or obstruct bike lanes without notice.

Types of Compensation Available After a Bike Lane Crash

If you’ve been injured in a bike lane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, therapy)
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Loss of normal life
• Property damage, such as a destroyed bicycle or gear

Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents

Several types of insurance might come into play after a bicycle accident:

• Driver’s Auto Insurance: If a motorist caused your accident, their liability coverage typically applies.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Your own auto policy may cover you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured—even though you were on a bike.
• Health Insurance: This may help with medical costs initially but may not cover everything.
• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: In rare cases, these policies might apply to property damage or pedestrian-related incidents.

An experienced Naperville bicycle accident attorney can help you determine which policies are available and how to file claims under each.

When to Hire a Bike Accident Attorney

You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible—ideally within days of your crash. Here’s why:

• An attorney can preserve crucial evidence (e.g., traffic cam footage).
• Your lawyer will deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
• Legal representation levels the playing field and prevents you from being taken advantage of during the claims process.

Injured in a Bike Lane? Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you’ve been injured in a bike lane accident in Illinois, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery. At John J. Malm & Associates, we’re here to help. Our Illinois bike accident attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies, build strong cases, and fight for full and fair compensation—so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait. Call our office today at 630-527-4177 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get back on the road—and back to life.