The sharp screech of tires. The sickening impact against metal and pavement. In a city built for motion, a bicycle accident brings your world to a violent, grinding halt.
One moment you are commuting on a protected bike lane or enjoying a ride along the lakefront; the next, you are facing severe injuries, mounting medical debt, and the unjust carelessness of a driver. When a motorist’s negligence leaves you broken and injured, you need a powerful legal team to fight for you.
The Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. hold reckless drivers accountable.
The rules of the road
After being struck by a vehicle, the path to recovery can seem uncertain. These foundational truths will ground you as our attorneys begin the fight for justice on your behalf.
- A bicyclist has the same right to the road as a motor vehicle. A driver who fails to respect your space and causes a crash must be held responsible for the harm they inflict.
- Evidence from a bicycle crash, including surveillance video and witness memories, is incredibly fragile. It can be lost forever within days, making immediate legal action a necessity.
- Your only job after an accident is to focus on your physical recovery. The demanding work of investigating the crash and confronting the insurance company is our firm’s sole responsibility.
- Illinois law sets a strict and absolute deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting to contact a lawyer can permanently extinguish your right to seek compensation.
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
For an injured cyclist, the choice of a law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need attorneys with a specific record of success in these challenging cases.
Abels & Annes, P.C. provides the assertive representation and unwavering support required to demand the full measure of justice you are owed.
A record of holding negligent drivers accountable
Our firm has a definitive history of "Winning Millions for Our Clients," especially for those who have been seriously injured in preventable accidents. We have the resources, skill, and resolve to take on any defendant, from an individual driver to a large commercial transportation company.
Our attorneys are recognized for their high professional standards, earning distinctions like the Super Lawyers Top 100 Lawyer List and a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo. We have a proven record of success in bicycle accident litigation.
We secured a $6,000,000 policy limits settlement for the family of a bicyclist who was tragically struck and killed by a garbage truck. This result, along with our membership in the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, shows our capacity to handle the most severe and complex injury claims.
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they are a direct reflection of our commitment to our clients.
We take control of the legal process
Our philosophy is direct: an injured person should not have to fight with an insurance company. A lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. will take complete control of your case from the very beginning.
We manage all communications, direct the investigation, file all legal documents, and build the case for you. Our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders entirely.
Unwavering support, 24/7
Injuries don’t happen on a schedule, and neither does the need for answers. Our lawyers are available for free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, video conference, or in person.
If your injuries prevent you from coming to our Chicago office, we will travel to you. Our team also provides legal services in English, Spanish, and Polish to serve our entire community.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Chicago has made efforts to become a more bicycle-friendly city, but cyclists remain vulnerable to driver negligence. Our attorneys have seen firsthand how a moment of inattention or aggression from a motorist can lead to catastrophic harm.
We conduct a detailed investigation into the specific cause of every crash.
Our legal team is prepared to investigate any type of bicycle accident. The most common causes of serious injury collisions include the following scenarios.
- A driver "dooring" a cyclist by opening their car door into a bike lane without looking.
- A motorist making an abrupt right turn directly into the path of a cyclist.
- A driver failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection or stop sign.
- A distracted or texting driver drifting into a bike lane.
- An aggressive driver following too closely or attempting to intimidate a cyclist.
These are not accidents; they are the direct results of a driver’s failure to operate their vehicle safely. Our firm works relentlessly to prove this negligence and hold them accountable.
The Decisive Actions Our Attorneys Take for You
The success of a bicycle accident claim rests on a swift, thorough, and aggressive legal strategy. The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. take immediate action to build a case designed for success. We do not give you a checklist of things to do; we do the work for you.
Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
The moments following a crash are a critical period for evidence. Our team acts immediately to secure and preserve all information before it can be lost, altered, or destroyed. We dispatch investigators to photograph the scene, measure skid marks, and document property damage.
We identify and obtain all available surveillance footage from traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and nearby businesses. We locate and interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh.
Proving the full extent of your injuries
Cyclists have little protection against the force of a multi-ton vehicle. The resulting injuries are often severe and life-altering. Our attorneys work closely with your medical providers and, when needed, retain medical and financial professionals to document the total impact of your injuries.
This includes traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, multiple bone fractures, and serious road rash. We build a case that reflects the true cost of your medical care, both now and for the rest of your life.
Confronting insurance company tactics
Insurance companies often try to shift blame for an accident onto the bicyclist. They may argue you were not visible, were in the wrong part of the road, or were not following traffic laws.
These are common tactics designed to deny or devalue your claim. Our attorneys anticipate these arguments and build a powerful, evidence-based case to refute them. We handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their strategies.
Illinois Law and the Rights of Chicago Cyclists
In Illinois, bicycles are not toys; they are vehicles with rights and responsibilities on the road. The official Illinois Rules of the Road outlines that bicyclists must be afforded the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles.
This means drivers must provide a safe following distance, yield the right-of-way, and check for cyclists before turning or opening doors. While the law is on your side, enforcing your rights requires a powerful legal advocate.
The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. use these laws, along with local Chicago ordinances, as the foundation of your legal claim. We build a case that clearly shows how the driver violated their duty of care and caused your injuries.
Compensation Our Attorneys Fight For
A serious bicycle accident can generate enormous financial and personal losses. Our legal team meticulously documents every consequence of the crash to demand the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We fight for a resolution that accounts for the complete scope of your damages.
Our firm builds a comprehensive claim to address all of your losses. We pursue compensation that covers a range of damages that fall into two main categories.
- Pursuing payment for all medical bills, from the initial emergency room visit to long-term rehabilitation.
- Demanding recovery of lost wages and income if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Seeking damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
- Fighting for compensation for permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement.
- Addressing the loss of a normal life and the inability to enjoy previous activities.
We account for every way this accident has impacted you and your family. Our goal is to secure the financial resources necessary for your complete recovery.
The Dangers of Delay: You Must Act Now
After an injury, it is tempting to wait and see how your recovery progresses before contacting a lawyer. This is a serious mistake. The legal system has strict deadlines, and the practical challenges of a case mean that every day that passes can weaken your claim.
Legal deadlines are absolute
Illinois has a firm statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is not a suggestion; it is a hard deadline. If you miss this window, your case will be dismissed, and you will be barred from ever seeking compensation. You must not risk your rights. Call a personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. immediately to protect your claim.
AI Chatbots Cannot Replace a Bicycle Accident Attorney
You might find AI tools online that offer generic information about accident claims. Relying on this technology for a serious legal matter is a significant risk.
An AI cannot analyze the specifics of a Chicago police report, cross-examine a dishonest driver, or articulate the depth of your pain and suffering to a jury. It is a tool, not an advocate. For real legal strength and personalized strategy, you need an experienced human attorney from Abels & Annes, P.C.
FAQ for Chicago Bicycle Accident Claims
What if I was not wearing a helmet when the accident happened?
Illinois has no state law requiring adult bicyclists to wear a helmet. While a helmet provides vital protection, a driver’s negligence is the cause of the crash. An insurance company may try to use this against you, but our attorneys are prepared to fight back and show that the driver’s actions, not the lack of a helmet, caused your injuries.
The driver's insurance company wants me to give a recorded statement. What should I do?
You should not speak to them. Refer them to your attorney at Abels & Annes, P.C. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that can damage your claim. Our lawyers will handle all communications to protect your rights.
How much does it cost to hire your law firm?
We handle all bicycle accident cases on a "No Fee Unless You Win" basis. This is a contingency fee agreement. You pay absolutely no upfront costs or fees. Our firm is only paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
What if a dangerous road condition, like a pothole, caused my crash?
In some cases, a government entity may be held responsible for a crash caused by a poorly maintained road. These claims have very different rules and much shorter deadlines than claims against a private driver. It is vital to have our attorneys investigate this possibility immediately.
Will my case go to court?
The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement. However, our lawyers prepare every case from day one as if it is going to trial. This thorough preparation puts us in a commanding position during negotiations and ensures we are always ready to fight for you in court if a fair settlement offer is not made.
Let Us Fight for You: Contact Our Chicago Lawyers Today
You were injured because a driver was careless. You do not have to fight for justice on your own. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is ready to stand up for you, demand accountability, and fight for the compensation you need. Do not let critical evidence disappear.
Call our Chicago office now at (312) 924-7575 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Let us put our strength and our record of success to work for you.