A Cook County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps Victims Recover Compensation
Illinois is very alluring for cyclists, not only because of our incredible trails, but also because it’s a great way commute in the bustling city streets. Unfortunately, safety is a huge issue, and cyclists are being injured or killed in traffic accidents far too often. The state of Illinois is fifth in the nation for bicycle accident fatalities, according to the Chicago Tribune. Jim Merrell, campaign director for the Active Transportation Alliance, said, “At the end of the day, all traffic fatalities are preventable. The only number of fatalities that we will accept is zero.” At Buttafuoco & Associates, our Cook County bicycle accident lawyers echo Mr. Merrell’s sentiment.
There really is no such thing as an “accident”; there is usually at least one party to blame. Our injury attorneys are trained to identify fault and help victims take the necessary steps to recover their damages. If you or your loved one were recently injured, you are welcome to call us for a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
There are a lot of factors that contribute to bicycle accidents. Congested streets, poor lighting, and shoddy bicycle paths are a few examples. Driver error, speed, environmental hazards, and bicycle mechanical failure are also important factors. According to research led by Dr. Chris Cavacuiti, on the staff of the department of family and community medicine at the University of Toronto, staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and an experienced cyclist, the three leading circumstances in which bicycle accidents occur are as follows. (The facts apply to both Canada and the U.S.)
- A motorist enters an intersection and either fails to stop properly or proceeds prematurely.
- A motorist attempts to overtake a cyclist unsafely.
- A motorist doors a cyclist (opens a car door into an oncoming cyclist’s path)
As seasoned bicycle accident attorneys, we have realized that many people have a misconception that bicyclists are more often at fault than drivers. This simply isn’t true. In fact, only approximately 10 percent of bicycle traffic accidents are the cyclist’s fault, Cavacuiti explains.
Types of Bicycle Injuries
When bicyclists are struck by vehicles, they usually sustain serious if not catastrophic injuries. Head injuries are among the most common, occurring in up to 47 percent of bicycle accidents and accounting for 60 percent of all bicycle accident fatalities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Below are some of the other common injuries cyclists sustain.
- Head injuries – Skull fractures, concussions, brain contusions, and intracranial hemorrhaging
- Facial injuries – Facial fractures, dental fractures, contusions, and lacerations
- Musculoskeletal injuries – Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains
- Chest injuries – Fractured ribs, lung injuries
- Abdomen injuries – Ruptured spleen, kidney contusions, pancreatic trauma, small or large bowel injuries
- Soft tissue injuries – Road rash, lacerations, and contusions
Call Buttafuoco & Associates to Discuss Possible Restitution Options
If you or your loved one were seriously hurt in a bicycle accident caused by another party, then you will want to look into all your possible forms of restitution. You may be able to recover your damages by filing a claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
We encourage you to call our bicycle accident legal team at Buttafuoco & Associates. There is a lot that goes into successfully winning a case, but our accomplished attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and legal aptitude to make it happen. When you work with us, we will help determine fault, explain how best to pursue your case, and calculate the value of your claim. Our lawyers have a deep passion for helping injured victims and their families get the compensation they need and deserve after disaster strikes. If you’ve been injured or your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, we like an opportunity to help you, too.
Call us today at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation or contact us online.
