Batavia, IL Accident Law Firm Advocates for Injured Bicyclists

Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyers Handle Bike-Car Collisions

Spring is a very popular time for bicyclists to take to the roads in Illinois, the 16th most bike-friendly state, according to the League of American Bicyclists. However, the high traffic prevalent throughout the state can also lead to injuries for bicyclists, particularly when they are involved in collisions with motor vehicles.

In Illinois, approximately one percent of all accidents in 2017 involved bicyclists, amounting to 2,793 crashes. Of these 2,793 crashes, 26 were fatal and 2,689 resulted in significant injuries.

Illinois Law Affecting Bicyclists

Under Illinois law, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as the drivers of motor vehicles, and are required to obey the same traffic laws, signs, and signals. Drivers are required to yield to cyclists and must keep their vehicles a minimum of three feet away from them. A driver is prohibited from driving recklessly near or unnecessarily close to a bicyclist, and if doing so causes injury or death to the bicyclist, the driver is guilty of a felony.

Some Illinois municipalities have roadways with designated bike lanes, and even if bicycles are not present, it is illegal for a vehicle to drive or park in a legally protected bicycle lane. If it becomes necessary for a bicyclist to ride outside of a bike lane, motorists should be prepared to safely move around them, and yield the right-of-way to them just as would to another vehicle.

Contact a Goshen, IN Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Did you suffer serious injuries in a bicycle accident in Goshen, IN? Contact Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to discuss your potential for recovery today. There is never a fee unless you collect!