Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
Electric bicycles have become part of everyday life in Chicago. Every day thousands of riders share the road with motorists. Unfortunately, as the number of e-bikes has increased, so have serious collisions. Illinois law places duties on both motorists and governmental entities. Understanding those duties can make the difference between recovering compensation and walking away with nothing.
Drivers Must Watch for Cyclists
Motorists do not own the roadway. Drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care, watch for cyclists before turning, opening doors, changing lanes, or crossing bike lanes, and obey Illinois traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle and e-bike crashes include:
- Drivers turning right across a bike lane.
- Drivers making left turns without yielding.
- Distracted driving.
- Opening vehicle doors into cyclists.
- Speeding.
- Driving while impaired.
- Failing to yield at intersections.
- Entering designated bicycle lanes.
Bike Lanes Are Not Parking Lanes
Chicago has invested millions of dollars in protected and designated bicycle lanes. Drivers who stop or park in bike lanes often force cyclists into moving traffic, dramatically increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries.
Even a brief stop can create a dangerous situation.
Dangerous Bike Paths May Create Government Liability
Not every bicycle crash results from negligent driving.
Sometimes the roadway itself creates the danger.
Examples include:
- Large potholes.
- Broken pavement.
- Unsafe sewer grates.
- Missing or damaged barriers.
- Poor drainage.
- Faded pavement markings.
- Missing traffic control devices.
- Dangerous construction zones.
Government entities generally have a duty to maintain public property in a reasonably safe condition. Claims against municipalities involve unique procedural requirements and shorter deadlines in certain situations. Prompt investigation becomes critical. It is important when you see a defective bike lane, to call 311 to make a record. This record serves as a notice that is required if a bicyclist seeks compensation from the municipalities for personal injuries.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Many bicycle accident cases are won or lost within days.
Important evidence may include:
- Traffic camera footage.
- Business surveillance video.
- Dashcam recordings.
- Bicycle damage.
- Helmet damage.
- Vehicle damage.
- Cell phone records.
- Event data recorders.
- Witness statements.
- Police body camera footage.
Waiting several weeks before contacting an attorney may result in permanently lost evidence.
E-Bike Riders Have the Same Right to Safety
Insurance companies sometimes attempt to blame cyclists simply because they were riding an electric bicycle. That argument often ignores the law. Every case depends upon the specific facts, including speed, visibility, roadway conditions, traffic controls, and the actions of every person involved.
Why Experience Matters
Bicycle injury cases often require a thorough investigation of roadway design, traffic engineering, applicable Illinois statutes, local ordinances, and insurance coverage. An attorney should begin preserving evidence immediately and identify every potentially responsible party.
Contact Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle or e-bike accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, do not assume the police report tells the entire story. Our attorneys investigate accidents, preserve critical evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and pursue the compensation our clients deserve. Unlike many firms that advertise nationally or operate through virtual offices, Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. maintains a physical Chicago office where clients can meet directly with the attorneys and legal team handling their case.
Call us today to schedule a consultation.