For many residents in Lake County, IL, bicycling can be a healthy, convenient, and cost-effective mode of transportation. However, as bicycling has grown in popularity, we’ve seen an increase in the number of accidents involving bicycles.
Because cyclists are less protected than motor vehicle occupants, they can suffer a wide range of both minor and significant injuries when a collision occurs. You may become overwhelmed trying to figure out how to pursue a personal injury claim while also focusing on your recovery. But, with Kass & Moses at your side, you’ll have experienced, compassionate lawyers with you at every step.
If you were injured, reach out to our team of Lake County bicycle accident lawyers so that we can start working on your behalf. We offer a free consultation at (847) 513-9582 to discuss your case.
How Kass & Moses Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in Lake County, IL
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Lake County, Illinois, you have options to choose from when it comes to hiring a personal injury attorney. Kass & Moses brings more than sixty years of combined experience to the table, with a proven track record of success. We’ve recovered over $125 million for our clients.
To ensure that you get fair compensation for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, our Lake County personal injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident
- Identify the responsible parties
- Gather evidence (e.g., police reports, witness statements, and medical records)
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Depending on the nature and extent of your injury, our strategy may also include consultations with appropriate experts to help us build the strongest case possible for you.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Lake County, IL.
What is My Lake County Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The amount of money that you may receive as a result of your injuries will depend on a number of factors.
Considerations include:
- The severity of the injury: How serious is the injury, and what are its long-term effects?
- Impact on daily life: How has the injury affected your ability to work, perform everyday activities, or enjoy life?
- Type of treatment required: What kind of medical care or rehabilitation is necessary?
- Duration of recovery: How long is your recovery expected to take, and are you expected to fully recover?
- Evidence of fault: Is there clear evidence proving that another party was responsible for the accident?
Making things more complex is the fact that you may not know the true “cost” of the accident right away. For example, you may need to make many visits to one or more doctors as part of your treatment. You may also need to try different medications and types of therapy. And, if you begin to experience trauma from the accident, it can take some time to get appropriate mental health treatment.
When you work with Kass & Moses in Lake County, Illinois, you can rest assured that we will gather all necessary information so that we can make an informed assessment of your claim. Our goal is to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in Illinois?
If you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, you will have to prove that someone else was negligent in order to recover compensation.
There are four parts to a negligence claim. You must show that 1) the defendant owed you a duty of care, 2) the defendant breached this duty of care (i.e., they did not act in a reasonable manner), 3) you were injured because the defendant breached their duty of care, and 4) you suffered damages as a result of the accident.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Lake County Bicycle Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you have incurred as a result of your accident. Because there are so many factors that go into determining the value of your personal injury claim, the calculation of damages is often complex. You may be able to receive both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are tangible financial losses, such as lost wages (e.g., did you have to miss work because of injuries caused by the accident?), medical costs related to diagnosis and treatment, and repair costs to your bicycle or other property involved in the accident.
Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
In rare cases, if the other party was engaging in extremely negligent or reckless behavior, you may also be able to receive punitive damages.
We will use our extensive experience to build your case and take into account all of the ways your injury has impacted you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Lake County?
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer after an accident because they don’t think they can afford one. You have enough to worry about after a bicycle crash. When you hire Kass & Moses, you do not have to pay hourly fees or any money upfront. We will receive a percentage of the compensation we recover if–and only if–we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Illinois?
Under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence standard, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault. However, your share of responsibility will reduce the amount of damages you can receive. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the bike accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
It’s important to note that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in Lake County can evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether there is comparative negligence, and advise you on your situation.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Lake County, Illinois?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2022, there were 2,548 pedalcycle (i.e., bicycle, unicycle, or tricycle) crashes; these collisions resulted in 35 fatal injuries and 344 incapacitating injuries that prevented the injured person from returning to their normal activities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the highest factors in fatal bicycle crashes are failure to yield the right of way and cyclists not being visible. However, other common causes include distracted driving, speeding, road hazards, and intoxication.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of both minor and significant injuries.
The most common injuries in Illinois bicycle accidents include:
- Soft tissue injuries (including bruises and lacerations)
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Head and brain injuries
- Road rash
- Chest injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial injuries
Regardless of the type of bicycle accident injuries you suffered, our Lake County personal injury attorneys can pursue compensation to help you recover and move forward.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Illinois?
In general, Illinois law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are factors that may change this deadline, depending on the specifics of your case.
The bottom line is that it’s best not to wait too long. Let Kass & Moses get to work on your case as soon as possible after your accident. This will help us build the strongest possible case for you.
Contact Our Lake County Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
It’s not always easy to know what to do after an accident. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash in Lake County, Illinois, Kass & Moses can help.
We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Lake County bicycle accident attorney to learn more about your options.
