EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
DuPage County Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Top-Rated Legal Help for Injured Cyclists in DuPage County, Illinois
At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to standing up for bicyclists injured due to the negligence of motorists, municipalities, and other parties. With decades of experience representing personal injury victims throughout DuPage County—including in Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, and beyond—our attorneys understand the devastating impact that a bicycle accident can have on your health, your livelihood, and your future. We know how to investigate these cases, gather critical evidence, and hold negligent drivers and entities accountable.
Bicycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation, and DuPage County offers an array of trails and on-street bike routes. However, the growing interaction between cars and cyclists means more opportunities for serious collisions. Unfortunately, far too many drivers still fail to safely share the road with bicyclists, and when accidents happen, the cyclist nearly always suffers the most severe consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike crash in DuPage County, our experienced injury attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Trends in DuPage County
Despite the efforts of local and state agencies to improve bicycle infrastructure, DuPage County continues to see a concerning number of bicycle accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):
- In 2022, there were 2,257 bicycle crashes statewide, resulting in 27 cyclist fatalities and 2,160 injuries.
- DuPage County accounted for over 100 of those crashes, including several serious injury cases and at least one fatality, according to IDOT crash data.
- High-population areas like Naperville, Wheaton, and Downers Grove consistently see the highest number of bike-related incidents.
The most dangerous areas for bicyclists in DuPage County tend to be busy intersections, high-traffic roads without bike lanes, and areas near schools and parks. Many accidents involve distracted drivers or unsafe lane changes.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in DuPage County
While every case is unique, the most common causes of bicycle accidents in DuPage County include:
1. Driver Inattention
Many motorists fail to see cyclists—especially at intersections or when turning. Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention just long enough to cause a crash.
2. Failure to Yield to the Right-of-Way
Illinois law gives cyclists the same rights as drivers, but many motorists ignore yield rules, especially when turning left or right across bike lanes or crosswalks.
3. Dooring Incidents
Parked drivers opening doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist—known as “dooring”—are a frequent and dangerous hazard in urbanized areas of DuPage County.
4. Speeding and Reckless Driving
High-speed impacts are more likely to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Even at lower speeds, collisions can eject a rider from their bicycle and lead to serious trauma.
5. Unsafe Road Conditions
Potholes, cracked pavement, gravel, or debris in bike lanes can cause cyclists to fall or veer into traffic. Municipalities may be liable if they failed to maintain safe roadways.
Common Injuries Sustained in DuPage County Bicycle Accidents
Because cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame, injuries in bike crashes are often severe, even in so-called “minor” accidents. Common injuries in local bike accidents include:
1. Head and Brain Injuries
Even with helmets, cyclists are vulnerable to concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
A forceful impact can fracture the spine or damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or full paralysis.
3. Broken Bones
Fractures of the arms, wrists, ribs, collarbones, and legs are common. Some breaks may require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
4. Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma to the torso can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
5. Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma
Falls or collisions can lead to broken jaws, missing teeth, or disfiguring facial lacerations.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle tears, bruises, and road rash are painful and can result in long recovery times or permanent scarring.
In severe cases, bike accidents may also result in wrongful death. When tragedy strikes, our firm is here to support grieving families with compassionate legal representation.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Cyclist in DuPage County
Under Illinois law, bicyclists are considered vehicles and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. If a driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
You may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or disability
- Property damage (e.g., your bicycle or gear)
- Loss of normal life or emotional distress
Additionally, if your accident involved a municipal hazard, such as a poorly maintained road or missing signage, your attorney may pursue a claim against the city or county. These cases have shorter notice deadlines, so contacting a lawyer immediately is essential.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in DuPage County
If you’ve been involved in a bike crash:
- Call 911 and seek medical help—even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt.
- Document the scene—take pictures of your bike, the vehicle, injuries, road conditions, and any traffic signals.
- Get witness information—names and contact information can be critical later.
- File a police report—an official record will help your case.
- Do not speak to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with a DuPage County personal injury attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DuPage County Bicycle Accidents
What should I do if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run bike accidents are unfortunately common. If possible, try to get a license plate number or a description of the car. Report the incident immediately and consult an attorney—your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Do I have to wear a helmet to file a claim?
Illinois does not require adults to wear bike helmets. While wearing a helmet may help reduce injuries, not wearing one does not prevent you from filing a claim.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. If a municipality is involved (e.g., poor road design), you may need to file notice within one year, so don’t delay.
What if the driver says I was at fault?
Even if the driver claims you caused the accident, you may still recover damages under Illinois’ comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 50% at fault, your damages may be reduced but not barred.
How much is my bike accident case worth?
Case value depends on the extent of your injuries, liability, lost income, and insurance coverage. Severe injuries typically result in higher compensation, especially when future medical care is required.
Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your DuPage County Bike Accident Case?
At John J. Malm & Associates,we are proud to offer client-focused legal representation backed by experience, resources, and results. Our attorneys have handled bicycle injury cases involving:
- Distracted or drunk drivers
- Defective road conditions
- Hit-and-run drivers
- Bike trail and intersection collisions
- Municipal liability claims
We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators to build strong cases that maximize your recovery. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Contact the Acclaimed DuPage County Bicycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in DuPage County, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
At John J. Malm & Associates,we understand the challenges cyclists face—both on the road and in the legal system. Let our experienced team guide you through every step of the recovery process.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, and all across DuPage County. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.