DeKalb County, IL Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Trusted Injury Attorneys for Cyclists Hit By Cars in DeKalb, Sycamore, Maple Park, and Kirkland

DeKalb County, located in northern Illinois with a population of around 100,000 residents as of 2024, is home to a mix of urban centers like Sycamore and DeKalb as well as rural roads and scenic byways. While cycling offers health and environmental benefits, bicyclists in DeKalb County, like those throughout Illinois, face serious risks on roadways due to interactions with motor vehicles, roadway conditions, and driver behaviors.

Despite its relative size, DeKalb County participates in regional traffic safety studies that provide insight into crash trends involving pedalcyclists and pedestrians. Importantly, cyclists represent a vulnerable road user group, and even a small number of crashes can result in disproportionately serious injuries or fatalities.

Bicycle Crash Trends in DeKalb County

While county-specific annual bicycle crash data for DeKalb is limited in public reporting compared to statewide aggregates, transportation safety studies do provide a regional snapshot.

According to the DeKalb County/DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) crash analysis covering a five-year period from 2018 to 2022:

• Bicycle and pedestrian crashes combined make up approximately 2.1 % of total reported crashes in DeKalb County.
• However, non-motorists (including bicyclists) account for about 7.9 % of serious injuries and fatalities in that same period.

This means that although bicycle-involved crashes are a small fraction of all traffic collisions, the severity of outcomes, serious injuries and deaths, is disproportionately high relative to their share of total crashes.

Historical regional data from the broader DeKalb/Sycamore area shows that between 2013 and 2018, bicycles and pedestrians averaged 47–50 involved crashes per year. While precise counts can vary year to year, this underscores an ongoing safety concern for non-motorized road users.

Bicycle Accidents in Illinois: Broader Trends

Statewide data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) helps put local trends in context:

• In 2023, Illinois saw 2,599 total bicyclist crash injuries, including 354 serious (A-level) injuries and 41 bicyclist fatalities.
• Between 2019 and 2023, bicyclist fatalities in Illinois increased from 12 to 41, a more than 240 % rise over four years.

These statewide numbers underscore that, even beyond DeKalb County, bicyclists face meaningful risk, particularly in areas without protected bike lanes, where drivers may not anticipate encountering cyclists.

National statistics reinforce this pattern: bicyclist fatalities represent a small share of total U.S. fatalities, but the trend has been rising in recent years.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in DeKalb County

Bicycle accidents rarely result from a single factor. Often, several contributing elements combine to create dangerous conditions. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in DeKalb County include:

Driver-Related Causes

• Failure to yield right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections or when turning.
• Distracted driving, including cellphone use or in-vehicle distractions.
• Unsafe passing, such as drivers not giving cyclists the legally required clearance when passing.

Infrastructure and Environmental Factors

• Lack of designated bike lanes or safe cycling paths.
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, gravel shoulders, or uneven pavement.
• Reduced visibility on rural roads or at night.

Cyclist-Related Factors

• Lack of protective gear (helmets, reflective clothing).
• Riding outside marked bicycle lanes where available.

In DeKalb County, recent news reports also highlight hit-and-run crashes involving bicyclists on county roads, for example, a cyclist struck on State Route 72 in February 2026 and left with major injuries.

Common Injuries and Outcomes From DeKalb County Bike Accidents

Bicycle collisions with motor vehicles or hazardous conditions can produce a wide range of injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially when helmets are not worn
• Fractures and orthopedic trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Long-term disability or impairment

Even a crash at relatively low speed can result in lifelong impairment, given the lack of protective structures on bicycles. The statewide increase in serious bicyclist injuries highlights this vulnerability, with hundreds of crash injuries recorded annually in Illinois.

Legal Considerations After a Bicycle Accident in DeKalb County, Illinois

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, several legal principles may apply:

• Negligence: A driver may be liable if they failed to exercise reasonable care. For example, failing to yield, speeding, or driving while distracted.
• Comparative fault: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which means compensation may be reduced by a percentage equal to the injured person’s share of fault.
• Damages: An injured bicyclist may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.

It is critical to handle evidence properly, including preserving police reports, witness contact information, photos of the crash scene, and medical documentation, to support a potential claim.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Accidents in DeKalb County & Illinois

Q: How common are bicycle crashes in DeKalb County?
A: Bicyclist-involved crashes form a small portion of total traffic collisions in DeKalb County, but they represent a disproportionate share of serious injuries and fatalities relative to their frequency.

Q: What are the leading causes of bicycle accidents?
A: Common causes include drivers failing to yield, distracted driving, unsafe passing, and poor road conditions.

Q: Is Illinois bicycle accident data getting worse?
A: Yes, statewide data shows bicycle fatalities rose from 12 in 2019 to 41 in 2023, indicating a sharp increase in fatal crashes.

Q: What should I do after a bicycle accident?
A: Seek immediate medical treatment; report the crash to law enforcement; document the scene; preserve evidence; and contact a DeKalb County injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident claims.

Q: Will insurance cover my injuries?
A: Many accidents involve auto insurance claims. A skilled bike accident attorney can help navigate coverage issues, identify liable parties, and pursue fair compensation.

Contact the Experienced DeKalb County, IL Bike Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Bicycling can be a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation and recreation in DeKalb County and throughout Illinois, but the reality is that collisions with motor vehicles often produce serious and life-changing injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, whether due to a negligent driver, unsafe road conditions, or other hazards, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost income, pain, and suffering.

Don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced DeKalb County bicycle injury attorneys can help you understand your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today to schedule a free consultation and get trusted legal guidance after a bicycle accident.