Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Bike Accident Attorney in Will County

Riding a bicycle can be a great way to get around. Bicycling offers a number of benefits over travel by car, while still being quicker than walking. You can enjoy the fresh air while getting great exercise and saving money. However, the drawback is that you are sharing the road with motor vehicles. Not all drivers are as committed to sharing the road safely with bicyclists as they should be. Some drivers are inattentive, paying more attention to their cell phones than to those around them. Careless drivers can be an enormous danger to bicycle riders, especially when there is no designated bike lane or when bicyclists are crossing intersections. While there are countless laws instructing drivers of motor vehicles on how to coexist with bicyclists, there are always those who do not follow them. This can leave cyclists in grave danger.

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC is committed to helping bicyclists who have been hit and injured by negligent drivers. We begin each case by conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident in an effort to prove the driver's carelessness. Our attorneys understand the difficulties bicycle riders may face in the wake of an accident, and we will do all we can to see you receive a full and fair compensation award.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Will County

Unfortunately, many bicyclists suffer serious or catastrophic injuries after being hit by a car due to the very limited protection bicycles and helmets afford their users. When a bicycle is hit by a car, it is very much the rider rather than the vehicle that sustains the impact. It is rare that a driver who is using the appropriate level of caution will strike a bicycle rider or pedestrian. Common careless mistakes made by drivers include:

• Driving drunk - Intoxicated drivers (including those who are under the influence of cannabis or other drugs) are notorious for "not seeing" bicyclists. Even when a drunk driver is aware of the cyclist's presence, they may lack sufficient response time to avoid causing an accident, often rear-ending cyclists.
• Distracted driving - Distractions are some of the most predominant causes of car accidents. Drivers are most commonly distracted by cell phone use. Rideshare drivers in particular are prone to using their work apps while driving.
• Illegal passing - Bicyclists have the same right to use a full lane that drivers do. When a driver wishes to pass a cyclist, they must ensure that they have adequate space to do so safely. Impatient drivers may attempt to pass a cyclist too closely, and they may strike a bicyclist or run them off the road.
• Driver fatigue - Truck drivers in particular may drive while they are too tired to do so safely. Driver fatigue is also quite common during both the morning and evening rush hour.

Regardless of the causes, the costs of bicycle accidents can be immense. Grave forms of bodily harm such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are not uncommon in this dangerous type of accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical care, including the care you will need in the future, in addition to your lost wages and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering. Our attorneys will conduct a full investigation into the causes of your accident in order to gather proof of the driver's negligence so that we can fight for you to receive the full amount you deserve.

Contact a Will County Bicycle Accident Attorney

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the experience and legal knowledge needed to aggressively pursue compensation for bicyclists who have been injured by drivers. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will only be required to pay us if we are able to secure compensation for you. To begin with a free consultation and case evaluation, please contact us at 815-730-1977.