Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

I Was Hit by a Car While Riding My Bike and Suffered a Serious Injury. What Should I Do?

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Traveling by automobile is an essential form of travel woven into our society’s very fabric. However, with gas prices soaring to unprecedented levels, many are looking for other, more economical forms of travel. There is no better way to burn calories and save money at the gas pump than taking your bike out for a ride instead of your car. Unfortunately, vehicle operators often forget that the road does not belong solely to them.

Whether riding a bike or even crossing the road on foot, being struck by a car can result in dreadful consequences and, in some cases, even wrongful death. If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle, consider contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to pursue compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation to account for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Driver Negligence Resulting in Bicyclist and Pedestrian Injuries

In many instances, when someone is riding their bike or walking down the road and getting hit by a car, it can result from driver negligence. Unfortunately, there are many different forms of driver negligence, including:

  • Distracted driving – With the widespread use of smartphones and similar devices, drivers can quickly become distracted and not see a biker on the side of the road or a pedestrian crossing the street. Under Illinois law, electronic communication while driving is strictly prohibited. Electronic communication devices are cell phones, hand-held digital assistants, and portable computers. Interestingly, in Illinois, using a built-in or electronically integrated GPS in your car is not considered a form of distracted driving.
  • Drunk driving – Using drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle can critically impair the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Therefore, drunk driving is a severe crime, especially when it results in death or bodily injury to another.
  • Traffic violations – Speeding and running stop signs or red lights can easily result in a driver striking a biker or someone walking. Traffic rules are there to keep people safe on the roadways. It is important to note that bicyclists are entitled to many of the same traffic laws and protections as operators of vehicles.
  • Dooring – If a vehicle parks next to or near a road where there are bikers, both drivers and passengers of vehicles are required by law to check to see if the road is clear before opening a car door. Hazardous situations can arise wen someone in a car opens their car door without first checking to see if anyone is there. A cyclist may swerve out of the way of the door only to be launched into traffic, which can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, scarring, lacerations, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.

Contact a Joliet Hit-by-Car Injury Attorney

Getting hit by a car is an event no one should have to go through. Driving a vehicle is a privilege, not a right. Any vehicle operator who fails to uphold and practice safe driving dramatically endangers the public, especially those riding a bike or walking down the street. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, consider contacting a Will County bicycle and pedestrian injury lawyer. We will protect your rights and fight to get the compensation you deserve. Call the offices of Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer today at 815-730-1977 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-610.2

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

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