Will County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Attorneys for Injured Cyclists Across Joliet, Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Beyond

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the devastating impact a bicycle accident can have on your health, livelihood, and future. Cyclists in Will County face real dangers every day, from distracted drivers and unsafe road conditions to a lack of dedicated bike infrastructure. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our experienced legal team is here to help.

We have represented clients throughout Will County, including Joliet, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and surrounding communities. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims, including those hurt while riding bicycles. Our top-rated Will County bicycle accident lawyers will fight for full compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

An Overview of Bicycle Accidents in Will County

Will County, home to nearly 700,000 residents, includes a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. While the area is popular among cyclists, it also presents significant risks. Heavy vehicle traffic, a growing logistics corridor, and a lack of protected bike infrastructure all contribute to the dangers cyclists face on Will County roads.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• In 2022, there were 2,353 bicycle crashes statewide.
• These crashes resulted in 2,116 injuries and 29 fatalities.
• In 2023, the number of cyclist deaths jumped to 41, the highest total in over a decade.

While Will County does not publish bicycle-specific crash totals, crash data from Joliet and Naperville offers valuable insight into local risks.

Joliet Bicycle Accidents Trends

Joliet is the largest city in Will County and sees a notable number of bicycle accidents each year. According to IDOT:

• 19 bicycle crashes occurred in Joliet in 2022.
• 15 of these involved injuries.
• No bicycle fatalities were reported that year.

Common contributing factors include:

• Drivers failing to yield at intersections or driveways
• Cyclists crossing roads unexpectedly
• Turning conflicts between vehicles and bikes
• Riding against traffic or on sidewalks

Most Joliet crashes occur on major roads that lack designated bike lanes, including Jefferson Street, Larkin Avenue, and sections of Route 6.

A Snapshot of Naperville Bicycle Accidents

Although most of Naperville lies in DuPage County, a significant portion of the city falls within Will County’s boundaries. In 2021:

• Naperville recorded 18 bicycle crashes.
• 17 of the 18 cyclists involved were injured.
• There have been no bike-related fatalities in Naperville since 2013.

Key findings from Naperville’s bike crash data include:

• 63% of crashes happened at intersections.
• 23% occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Hit-and-run drivers were involved in nearly 11% of all bike crashes.
• Male cyclists made up over two-thirds of victims.
• Children under 18 and adults over 40 were the most frequently injured age groups.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Will County

Across Will County, many of the same factors lead to serious bicycle accidents. These include both motorist negligence and unsafe road design.

Driver-Related Causes

• Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
• Distracted driving, especially texting or cell phone use
• Dooring accidents (drivers opening car doors into cyclists)
• Unsafe passing without the legally required 3 feet of space

Environmental and Roadway Causes

• Roads with no designated bike lanes
• Potholes, debris, or uneven pavement
• Poor lighting conditions, especially during dawn or dusk
• Lack of signage or markings to warn drivers about cyclists

Illinois law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists have the right to use most public roads. But that doesn’t mean drivers always respect those rights.

Injuries in Will County Bicycle Accidents

Even a low-speed crash involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle can cause life-changing injuries. According to local data, nearly 90% of reported bike crashes in Naperville and Joliet resulted in cyclist injuries.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage
• Facial and dental injuries
• Road rash and lacerations
• Soft tissue damage
• Psychological trauma or PTSD

Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of a fatal head injury, but it cannot protect against all forms of trauma.

Legal Rights of Injured Cyclists in Will County, Illinois

Cyclists injured in an accident may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against a negligent driver, property owner, or public agency. Illinois law allows bike crash victims to seek compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life
• Scarring or disfigurement

Additionally, Illinois follows a comparative fault rule, which means that even if a cyclist was partially at fault, they can still recover damages, as long as they were not more than 50% responsible.

If the crash involved a hit-and-run driver, victims may also file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim through their own auto policy.

Will County’s “Safe Travel for All” Plan

Recognizing the growing need for road safety improvements, Will County has initiated the “Safe Travel for All” plan. The program aims to:

• Reduce vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian crashes
• Gather public input on dangerous intersections
• Expand bike and pedestrian infrastructure
• Use crash data to target high-risk areas for redesign

The county is actively encouraging residents to report unsafe biking conditions, which will help direct federal and state safety funding. This is a promising step toward reducing future crashes across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Will County Bike Accidents

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Will County?

• Call 911 and report the crash.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
• Gather evidence at the scene: photos, witness info, and driver details.
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
• Contact an experienced Will County bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Illinois uses modified comparative fault. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you may still recover compensation. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the driver fled the scene?

You may be able to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own auto insurer, even if you were on a bike at the time. Our attorneys can help you explore all avenues for recovery.

Does Will County have bike helmet laws?

There is no statewide helmet law for adults in Illinois. However, children under 16 are encouraged to wear helmets. While not required, helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury and are an important safety tool.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

The value of your claim depends on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical costs
• Long-term impact on your life and work
• Whether you were partially at fault

At John J. Malm & Associates, we can evaluate your case during a free consultation and fight for full and fair compensation.

Get Help from the Experienced Will County Bicycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Bicycle accidents in Will County are often life-changing. Whether you were hit by a car in downtown Joliet, doored in Naperville, or struck in a rural area with poor visibility, you deserve justice.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how complex these cases can be. We have years of experience holding negligent drivers accountable and securing financial recovery for injured cyclists. We are ready to investigate your case, handle the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to heal.

Don’t wait. Contact our experienced Will County bicycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation. Call us at (630) 527-4177 or fill out our online contact form to get started. We’re here to help you every step of the way.