Articles Posted in Personal Injury

Electric bicycles have become one of the fastest-growing forms of transportation and recreation in America. In Chicago they have become ubiquitous on our streets.They are fun, convenient, and can travel much faster than traditional bicycles. Unfortunately, their growing popularity has also brought a troubling consequence: a dramatic increase in catastrophic injuries among children and teenagers.  The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. know first hand how devastating these injuries can be.

Recent reports show that e-bike sales in the United States have more than quadrupled over the past five years, and emergency rooms across the country are seeing a corresponding surge in injuries—particularly among young riders. Doctors are reporting an alarming increase in traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, skull fractures, facial fractures, and other life-changing trauma. The combination of greater speed, heavier bikes, and inexperienced riders has created a serious public safety concern. (Axios)

Why Are E-Bikes So Dangerous?

By Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.

A tragic bicycle fatality in Bridgeport has once again highlighted one of the most overlooked dangers facing Chicago cyclists: “dooring.”

According to recent reports, 35-year-old Riley O’Neil, a Chicago Department of Transportation employee and advocate for safer streets, was riding his bicycle in a marked bike lane when a parked vehicle’s door was opened directly into his path. The impact threw him into traffic, where he was struck by an oncoming truck and killed. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Electric bikes have become increasingly popular throughout Illinois, providing a convenient and affordable transportation option for thousands of riders. But as e-bike technology has evolved, so have safety concerns. Some of today’s high-powered electric bikes and e-motos can travel at speeds exceeding 28 miles per hour—fast enough to cause catastrophic injuries when collisions occur.

Recognizing these dangers, Illinois lawmakers recently passed legislation that would establish new statewide regulations for high-speed electric bikes, electric scooters, and similar micromobility devices. If signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation creates important distinctions between traditional low-speed e-bikes and faster devices that operate more like motorcycles. Among other requirements, certain high-speed electric bikes will now require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. They will also be prohibited from operating on bike paths and bicycle lanes.

For individuals injured in e-bike crashes, these changes could have a significant impact on liability claims and financial recovery.  The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. on how devastating it is for a person who is seriously injured by a uninsured person on a high speed electric bike to also be burdened with medical bills and lost income from not being able to work

Chicago’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded with cars, bicycles, delivery vehicles, buses, scooters, and pedestrians all competing for space. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles continue to happen throughout the city, often causing devastating injuries to cyclists.

The experienced bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer are often asked:

“What if the accident was partially my fault? Can I still recover compensation?”

As Chicago finally thaws out after another long winter, the streets begin to change. Warmer temperatures mean more pedestrians, more outdoor activity, and importantly, a sharp increase in bicyclists sharing the road. For drivers across Chicago, this seasonal shift brings new risks and responsibilities.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., a Chicago plaintiff’s bike injury law firm, this is the time of year when we unfortunately begin to see more bike-related injuries, many of which are entirely preventable.

More Bikes, More Risk