Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Illinois bicycle attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached a $100,000 insurance policy limits settlement on behalf of one of their clients. This claim arises out of an automobile vs. bicycle collision which took place on May 14, 2010 at approximately 7:15 a.m.
Our client, a medical school student, had been riding his bicycle westbound on 159th St. by the right hand curb approaching its intersection with 80th Ave. The traffic light at the intersection showed a steady green light for westbound and eastbound traffic on 159th.
The defendant had been driving eastbound on 159th approaching its intersection with 80th. When the defendant reached the intersection she proceeded to make a left turn without checking to ensure that it was safe to do so. She struck the plaintiff. The front of the vehicle struck our client’s left side, knocking the bicycle rider up onto the hood and windshield and onto the pavement.
After the accident, investigating police officers issued the driver a ticket for failing to yield while making a left turn.
The plaintiff had an immediate onset of severe left hip pain following the accident. He sustained a large laceration on his lower left flank area. The ambulance transported the plaintiff to Palos Community Hospital where x-rays were taken and his laceration was sutured. Diagnostic tests revealed a left ankle medial malleolus avulsion fracture fracture.
Due to ongoing and increasing pain our client sought follow up medical care three days later at Silver Cross Hospital‘s Emergency Department. Upon arrival a history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. He complained of severe low back pain with muscle spasms radiating into his left leg. He was given pain medication and instructed to seek follow up medical care.
Our client continued to suffer from extreme pain in his low back, left hip and left ankle. As a result he sought follow up treatment from board certified orthopedic surgeon. The doctor ordered MRIs of the lumbar spine, pelvis and left hip, prescribed pain medication and instructed the plaintiff to limit ambulation as much as possible.
The MRI revealed fractures of his left inferior pubic ramus, and left superior pubic ramus near the junction of the left acetabulum. There was a contusion of the left femoral head inferior medially.
As a result of the laceration our client suffered, he has a long keiloid scar on his left hip/flank area that is permanent.
The case was settled for the defendant’s insurance policy limits without having to file a lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 speak directly to a lawyer now.