As Chicago has grown to become one of the busiest metropolises in America, residents have embraced many forms of transportation. Bicycles are affordable, good for the environment and do not require fuel other than your own energy. This makes bicycles an excellent option for those who no longer wish to fight traffic.
If you have ever wondered what would happen if a large, motorized vehicle collided with your bicycle, you are probably a biking enthusiast. Unfortunately, bicyclists are just as much at risk of suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident as other motorists are. In truth, cyclists may suffer extremely serious injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle. Examples of such injuries could include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head, neck and spinal injuries
- Serious broken or crushed bones
- Internal injuries
- Facial trauma
- Damage to the eyes
- Severe road rash
The question we hear most often from bicycle/motor vehicle accident victims involves what, if anything, victims can do to acquire compensation for their injuries. Without knowing the precise details of the motor vehicle accident, it would be irresponsible to discuss solutions. However, what we can tell you and other victims of vehicle/bicycle crashes is to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
As with other motor vehicle accidents, victims of bicycle and car collisions have options to maximize the compensation they receive, especially if the driver of the car or truck was negligent. This is the case with insurance companies and it is the case if victims decide to take the at-fault party (the driver of the vehicle, for example) before a judge in a personal injury claim.
It is not that difficult to learn more about motor vehicle accidents that injure a law-abiding bicyclist. A great place to start is in our blog posts and on our injury pages.