About Bicycle Accidents
If you are involved in a bicycling accident, it is important to know the law, your rights, and what to do when injured. Like in many personal injury cases, bike injuries range from typical bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes, to more serious fractures and spinal disk injuries, and to catastrophic accidents resulting in death or paralysis. Some of the most common bike injuries result from the cyclist being injured by an opened car door or being run over and/or off the road by a car or truck.
If injured, it is crucial that Chicago cyclists know their legal rights and seek medical attention immediately. Fortunately for injured bicyclists, the City of Chicago and State of Illinois have passed favorable laws that hold negligent drivers accountable for bicycle accidents.
Bicycle Laws
The City of Chicago through the Chicago Municipal Code addresses the following bicycle laws:
- MCC 9-16-020(f): Improper Right Turn in Front of a Bicycle
- MCC 9-16-020(e): Improper Left Turn in Front of a Bicycle
- MCC 9-36-101(c): Overtaking Bicycle Rider at Unsafe Distance (Less than 3 feet)
- MCC 9-80-035: Opening and closing vehicle doors in traffic;
- MCC 9-40-060: Standing or parking in a bike lane is forbidden.
If injured in a bike accident in Chicago or Illinois, our office recommends that the victim remain calm, asses the injuries and damage and take the following steps:
- Call 911
- Collect all witness information
- Tell the police officer your side of the story (if possible)
- Make sure any witness is listed in the police report
- Make sure to get a copy of the police report
- Take pictures of your bike, the car & the scene
- Don't refuse medical attention if needed
- Leave the bike behind if need be