Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

When someone is riding a bicycle, the slightest graze from an automobile weighing thousands of pounds can cause severe and even deadly accidents. These accidents can be especially hazardous when a vehicle is travelling at high speed. A sideswipe accident can take place at any time, such as when a bicycle commuter is travelling in a designated bike lane or in the shoulder. These accidents typically happen in one of two ways: i) when a motorist is trying to overtake or pass a bicyclist, or ii) when the motorist is trying to make a right turn, and the bicyclist is on his or her right side. Drivers attempting to pass a bicyclist often misjudge their distance from the bike and clip the cyclist, causing a dangerous accident. Vehicles turning at an intersection pose a serious threat to bicyclists if they make the turn without properly checking for bicyclists in the next lane.

Establishing Legal Fault for Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

Sideswipe bicycle accidents are almost entirely preventable if motor vehicle drivers are careful. What makes these accidents particularly harrowing for the bicyclist is that the rider has almost no way of avoiding such an accident. If you or someone you love sustained serious injuries in a sideswipe accident, you may be able to recover compensation through a negligence claim. Negligence is the failure to take proper care when doing something, thereby directly causing an accident and resulting injury to another. “Proper care,” also known as “reasonable care,” is defined as the level of care that a reasonably competent person would use under the same or similar circumstances. For instance, if a driver causes a sideswipe accident by making an unsafe lane change or veering into the bike lane, that driver would likely be liable for the harm. This is because a competent person would make sure it is safe to change lanes before doing so. A skilled injury lawyer can assess whether the facts of your case will enable you to fulfill the necessary elements of a negligence claim.

Compensation for Bicycle Accidents

Sideswipe accidents can cause riders to fall off or be thrown from their bike. Being propelled onto the concrete or asphalt can lead to broken bones, broken bones, back injury, head injuries, neck injuries, and more. Obtaining treatment for these injuries can be very expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, Illinois law allows victims of bicycle accident to recover a variety of damages including, but not limited to:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Loss of normal life;
• Rehabilitation costs; and/or
• Property damage.

In the event that you have lost a loved one in a sideswipe bicycle accident, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages from the at-fault party. These damages include things like funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, medical expenses prior to the death of the decedent, and more.

Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys Serving Schaumburg and Wheaton

Due to the lack of structural protection around a bicyclist, these individuals are more vulnerable to serious injury and even death in the event of an accident. If you were injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At Therman Law Offices, our seasoned Schaumburg and Wheaton lawyers understand the nuances of Illinois personal injury law and can apply our knowledge to your case. We serve clients from areas including Oakbrook Terrace, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Lisle, Darien, Downers Grove, and Bolingbrook. Contact our law firm today to schedule your consultation online through our website or by calling us at 312-588-1900.