Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
The Chicago bicycle lawyers at Abels & Annes are representing a cyclist injured last week (July 8) after being rear-ended by a driver.
The client was northbound on LaSalle in the bike lane. As he approached Schiller he was rear-ended.
The at-fault driver was ticketed and the client was taken by Chicago Fire Department ambulance to the emergency room at Northwestern where he was treated for injuries to his left leg and foot and multiple abrasions.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes continue to see vehicles colliding with bicyclists on a regular basis. Please remember, cyclists have the same rights on the road as a motor vehicle.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is running a public service announcement this summer. “There is plenty of room for us all, Please Don’t Squeeze,” emphasizes the legal requirements to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when making a pass.
IDOT estames more than 4,000 Illinois residents are seriously injured each year in bicycle accidents. Nationwide, cyclists join motorcycle riders as the only group to see an increase in accidents and fatalities during 2008, which saw a historic drop in accident rates for passenger cars and trucks, according to annual statistics released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2008, 716 cyclists were killed, compared to 701 in 2007. The 52,000 riders who were injured was a 21 percent increase from the 43,000 hurt in 2007 — by far the largest increase in any category.
In Illinois, cycling fatalities jumped from 18 to 27; the state estimates another 4,000 are seriously injured each year.
High gas prices and a down economy has more people riding bicycles out of necessity than ever before. Thousands more bicycle for recreation and fitness– taking advantage of Chicago’s extensive system of bike trails, which is slated to grow to more than 500 miles by 2015.
An excellent map of Chicago-area bike paths and trails is available by clicking here.
As a motorist, please remember: Each bicycle on the road is one less car adding to the congestion. Please give our bicycling friends and neighbors a break. Every bicycle accident has the potential to be very serious or life threatening.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, the personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.