Illinois Bicycle Lane Accident Lawyers

Experienced Accident Attorneys for Cyclists Struck By Cars or Doors in Bike Lanes Throughout Illinois

Bicycling is increasingly popular across Illinois, especially in urban areas like Chicago, thanks to health benefits, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, bicycle lane accidents remain a serious concern. Despite designated infrastructure, cyclists continue to face risks from negligent drivers, poor road design, and distracted behavior.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights of cyclists who have been injured while using designated bike lanes. We understand the frustration and trauma that follow when a driver carelessly invades a space meant to keep bicyclists safe. Whether you were struck by a car turning across a bike lane, hit by an opening door, or injured due to a driver illegally blocking the lane, our legal team is here to help. We thoroughly investigate each case, gather critical evidence, work with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact on your health or mobility.

National and Illinois Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 130,000 bicyclists are injured and nearly 1,000 are killed in crashes in the U.S. annually. Bicycles make up just 1% of trips yet account for over 2% of all traffic deaths.

In Illinois, bicycle safety is a growing issue:

• In 2022, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 2,180 bicycle crashes, resulting in 24 fatalities and 2,009 injuries.
• Cook County, including Chicago, accounted for more than half of all bike crashes in the state.
• Chicago alone has over 300 miles of bike lanes, yet the city saw more than 1,400 crashes involving cyclists in 2022.

Despite efforts like protected lanes and public safety campaigns, these numbers underscore how vulnerable cyclists remain to serious accidents, even in bike-designated areas.

Who Is Most at Risk of Bicycle Lane Accidents?

Demographic Trends

• Men represent the overwhelming majority of fatalities — 87% nationwide, and a similar trend is observed in Illinois.
• The most at-risk age groups are adults between 55–69 for fatalities and 10–24 for nonfatal injuries.
• Most bicycle lane incidents occur in urban areas (82%), where traffic is heavier and road sharing is more complex.

Common Factors in Illinois Bike Lane Accidents

• Urban congestion in Chicago contributes to high crash rates, especially in neighborhoods with heavy car, bike, and pedestrian traffic.
• Weather hazards, such as snow and ice, create unique dangers for cyclists in Illinois’ cold winters.
• Inadequate snow removal from bike lanes has been repeatedly cited by advocacy groups as a recurring safety concern for cyclists.

Common Causes of Bicycle Lane Accidents

1. Dooring Incidents

Dooring happens when someone opens a car door into the path of a cyclist. It’s particularly common in cities like Chicago where bike lanes run alongside street parking. A 2019 Chicago study found that dooring was involved in approximately 15–20% of all bike-related crashes in the city.

2. Driver Inattention or Aggression

Drivers may fail to check blind spots, speed through intersections, or turn across bike lanes without yielding. In many cases, motorists treat bike lanes as shoulders or temporary parking spaces — creating obstacles and hazards.

3. Poor Road Design and Maintenance

Bike lanes often lack proper signage, barriers, or visibility. In Illinois, winter road maintenance may neglect bike lanes, leaving them obstructed by snowbanks, ice, or debris. Potholes and uneven pavement also contribute to crashes.

4. Intersection Conflicts

Intersections are particularly dangerous, especially when cars turn right across bike lanes or fail to yield to cyclists with the right-of-way. Protected lanes often disappear at intersections, forcing cyclists to merge into traffic.

Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Lane Accidents

Even at low speeds, bicycle lane crashes can result in serious or life-threatening injuries due to the lack of external protection for cyclists. Common injuries include:

1. Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  Helmets significantly reduce the severity of head injuries, but in Illinois, there is no statewide helmet law, although some municipalities encourage or require them for minors.

2. Fractures

• Wrist, arm, and collarbone fractures from falls
• Leg fractures in T-bone crashes or when trapped beneath vehicles
  Rib fractures are also common, especially when cyclists are thrown against the handlebars or ground.

3. Internal Injuries

• Organ damage (e.g., spleen, liver) from blunt force trauma
• Internal bleeding, often not immediately apparent
  These injuries may require emergency surgery and long-term monitoring.

4. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

• Herniated discs
• Vertebrae fractures
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
  These injuries can permanently impact mobility and quality of life.

5. Lacerations and Road Rash

Skin abrasions can lead to infection, scarring, and, in some cases, disfigurement — a significant component of damages in a personal injury claim.

Illinois Laws Relevant to Bike Lane Accidents

Cyclists in Illinois have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Key statutes include:

• 625 ILCS 5/11-1502: Cyclists must ride as close to the right-hand side as practicable, except when passing or avoiding hazards.
• 625 ILCS 5/11-703: Drivers must pass bicycles with at least three feet of clearance.
• Chicago Municipal Code 9-52-100: Specifically prohibits motorists from driving or parking in bike lanes.

Violations of these laws may be used to establish negligence per se in civil lawsuits following a bicycle lane crash.

Legal Options for Injured Cyclists in Illinois

If you’re injured in a bicycle lane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the crash. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would still receive $80,000.

Tips for Cyclists to Avoid Bike Lane Accidents

1. Always ride defensively.
2. Wear a helmet and reflective gear.
3. Use front and rear lights at night.
4. Avoid riding in the “door zone.”
5. Obey traffic signals and rules.
6. Signal your turns clearly.
7. Slow down at intersections — even when you have the right-of-way.

How Cities Like Chicago Are Responding to Bike Lane Accidents

Chicago has implemented numerous safety measures in recent years to prevent serious bike lane crashes:

• Expansion of protected bike lanes with physical barriers
• Use of green-painted conflict zones at intersections
• Red light and speed cameras to deter reckless driving
• Vision Zero Chicago, a citywide initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2026

Yet advocacy groups like the Active Transportation Alliance continue to call for better enforcement, year-round maintenance, and more robust investment in low-income neighborhoods, where bike safety infrastructure often lags behind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bicycle Lane Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a bike lane accident?

A:

• Call 911 and request medical help if needed.
• Take photos of the scene, your bike, and the other vehicle.
• Get contact info from witnesses and the driver.
• File a police report and keep a copy.
• Seek medical evaluation even if you feel okay — internal injuries aren’t always obvious.

Q: Can I sue a driver who hit me in a bike lane?

A: Yes. If the driver violated traffic laws or acted negligently (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, opening a door into your path), you can pursue a personal injury claim for damages.

Q: What if the city failed to maintain the bike lane?

A: You may be able to file a claim against a government entity if poor maintenance contributed to your injury (e.g., large pothole, unplowed snow). These cases are subject to special procedures and time limits under the Illinois Court of Claims Act.

Q: What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

A: You can still file a claim. Illinois does not require helmet use by law. While helmet use may factor into injury severity, it does not automatically make you liable or prevent recovery.

Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

A: Yes, under Illinois’ comparative fault rule. As long as you are less than 51% responsible, you can still recover a portion of your damages.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

A: The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. If a government entity is involved, you may have as little as one year, so consult an attorney quickly.

Q: What types of insurance might cover my injuries?

A:

• The driver’s auto insurance (bodily injury liability)
• Your own auto policy (if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage)
• Some homeowners or renters policies may cover bike damage

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Bicycle Lane Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Bike lanes are a vital part of safe, sustainable transportation in Illinois, but they do not eliminate the dangers cyclists face. From dooring incidents in Chicago to poorly maintained suburban lanes, cyclists are injured every day by preventable hazards.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike lane accident, don’t face the legal process alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Illinois bike accident attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started.