Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Bicycling has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in Chicago. Many adults are choosing to bike their commutes to work while others are running errands on bicycles around the city. The introduction of rented bicycles by the hour, day, or annually has only served to increase the number of individuals taking to bikes daily in Chicago, especially during the spring and summer months.
But with this increase in ridership unfortunately has come an increase in bicycle accidents with vehicles including cars, trucks, vans, and buses. The small and unprotected nature of a person on a bicycle compared to a heavy vehicle means that these riders almost always sustain injuries when a crash does result, ranging from minor bruises to serious head injuries and even death in the worst accidents.
Though nothing can ever erase a bicycle accident and its effects once one has occurred, the victims of these crashes may be able to ease their suffering and damages through the use of a civil claim. These claims can allow injury victims the ability to recover for things like medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if a bicycle collision has left them with injuries. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand if you are entitled to seek relief if you have been involved in a crash.
Police in Bridgeport reported a collision involving a bicyclist and a hit-and-run driver last night with tragic consequences. The cyclist, a 59-year-old woman, sustained injuries too severe to survive and she died shortly after the crash.
The incident took place in the 2900 block of South Poplar Avenue around 5:30 pm. As the woman rode, an unidentified vehicle approached, traveling eastbound, and struck the bicyclist. The driver of the vehicle allegedly did not stop to check on the victim and instead continued traveling eastbound, without alerting authorities.
Investigators are still looking for the driver involved in the incident and are asking anyone with information to report it to local police.
Leaving the scene of an accident without being cleared by police is against the law in Illinois with very limited exceptions, including the need to seek emergency medical treatment. Those found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident that results in death may face anything from the loss of a driver’s license to fines and fees to incarceration in jail or prison.
Bicyclists have all the same rights to ride as motorists do to drive and it is up to each and every driver on the road to respect the rights of those who bike. Failing to do so may make a motorist liable in the event that a collision occurs.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago or elsewhere across Illinois or if your loved one has lost his or her life, know that you may be entitled to help. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. dedicate themselves to the representation of those who have been hurt by the actions of others and we fight for each of our clients to get the relief they deserve. We offer a free case consultation to all those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and there is no obligation on your part for speaking with us. If you have been hurt in an accident, call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Driver Strikes and Kills Pedestrian in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 27, 2014.
Resource:
59-year-old bicyclist killed in Bridgeport hit-and-run, Chicago Tribune, published May 30, 2014.