Bicycle Accident Attorney in Northbrook IL

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Northbrook IL

Are you a bicyclist who has been involved in an accident in Northbrook, IL? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Bicycle accidents can be severe and result in significant injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Many people also suffer psychological trauma, such as PTSD, as a result of bicycle accidents.  In this article, we will discuss what to do if you are involved in a bicycle accident in Northbrook, IL, and how a bicycle accident attorney can help you.

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Bicycle Accident Attorney in Northbrook IL​

Introduction

Bicycling is an enjoyable and healthy way of travel, but unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. In Northbrook, IL, and other towns so close to Chicago, IL that have a lot of traffic, bicycle accidents are common.  Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a beginner, accidents can happen because of the negligent driving of another person, which is something you can’t control. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you should get medical help immediately and call a lawyer with experience in bicycle accidents.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen in various ways, including collisions with cars, trucks, or other bicycles or accidents caused by road hazards or defects. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  • Driver negligence or inattention
  • Poor road conditions
  • Inadequate bike lanes or paths
  • Drunk or distracted driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way

Illinois has laws and rules that are intended to protect bicyclists, but those laws are not always followed by negligent drivers.  Many drivers don’t even realize that in many situations, bicyclists have the right of way, and by negligence or inattention, they collide with a bicyclist, causing severe trauma.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. These steps include:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is crucial to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure you are not injured. Many people think they are not hurt, but don’t realize that their body’s defense mechanisms, such as adrenaline, are masking real, and severe, injuries that can be diagnosed by a medical professional.
  2. Contact the Police: Call 911 and report the accident to the police. The police will create an accident report that can be used as evidence later.
  3. Gather Evidence: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike or other property. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
  4. Contact an Kaplan Law Offices, P.C.: Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Northbrook, IL, as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you in many ways, including:

  • Investigating the accident: An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the accident happened and who is at fault.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
  • Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accident cases can be complex, and it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side. For example, an attorney who has handled bicycle accident cases before will be familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your case and the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying compensation.

Conclusion

In case you’re in a bicycle accident in Northbrook, IL, or the Chicagoland area, it’s crucial to act quickly. Get medical help, report the accident to the authorities, collect evidence, and contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. You can obtain the rightful compensation and resume your life with the proper legal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, psychological damages, and future medical bills.
  • And even your spouse is entitled to damages for loss of consortium and loss of society.
  • Most bicycle accident attorneys in Northbrook, IL, work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive a settlement or award. The fee is typically a percentage of the amount recovered and should be discussed with the attorney before hiring them.
  • YES! If you were partly at fault for the accident, there’s still a chance for you to receive compensation. In Illinois, the modified comparative fault rule applies, allowing you to recover damages as long as your degree of fault is less than 51%.
  • In Illinois, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. However, contacting an attorney as soon as possible is important to ensure your rights are protected. Your attorney needs time to investigate your case, reconstruct the accidents, and evaluate your damages.  Don’t wait until the last minute!
  • If the driver who hit you was uninsured, you could still recover compensation through your insurance company if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you determine your options for recovering compensation.

Case Study: Journey of a Bicycle Accident Victim Represented by Kaplan Law Office, P.C. in Northbrook, IL

John is an avid cyclist who enjoys riding his bike to work and leisure. Unfortunately, one day while riding his bike on a busy road in Northbrook, IL, he was hit by a car that failed to yield the right of way. John was thrown from his bike and suffered multiple injuries, including a broken arm, cuts, and bruises.  After some time, John realized that he suffered psychological issues, because he was afraid of cars, and very nervous to get on a bicycle again.  He lost the joy and enjoyment of riding his bicycle. 

After receiving medical treatment, John contacted Kaplan Law Office, P.C., a law firm representing injured clients in Northbrook, IL and the Chicagoland area. He spoke with Kaplan Law Office’s P.C.’s experienced bicycle accident attorney who explained his legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.

Step 1: Investigation

The first step in John’s journey was for Kaplan Law Office, P.C. to investigate the accident. The attorney gathered evidence, including the police report, witness statements, hired a reconstruction expert, and evaluated the accident scene through photographs, digital computer images, and even went to the scene of the accident with John. They also reviewed John’s medical records to understand the extent of his injuries and their impact on his life.

Step 2: Negotiation

Once the attorney thoroughly understood John’s case, they began negotiating with the insurance company on his behalf. The attorney argued that the driver was at fault for the accident and that John was entitled to compensation for his medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Step 3: Settlement

After several negotiations, the insurance company offered a settlement to John. The insurance company knew that if they did not settle quickly, Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. would file a lawsuit against the driver they insured.  The attorney carefully reviewed the offer and advised John of his options. The quick settlement provided him with enough compensation to cover his medical bills, lost wages, and some additional compensation for his pain and suffering.  He was properly and quickly compensated.

Step 4: Closure

Kaplan Law Office, P.C., helped John close his case with the settlement. The attorney ensured that all necessary paperwork was filed and that John received his settlement check. They also answered any questions John had and guided him in moving forward.  While we cannot change John’s past, Kaplan Law Offices, P.C.’s professionals made John’s future easier.

Conclusion

John’s journey as a bicycle accident victim, represented by Kaplan Law Office, P.C. in Northbrook, IL, was successful. With the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney, John could receive the compensation he deserved for his injuries and damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is essential to seek the help of Kaplan Law Offices, P.C., who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Living In Northbrook IL

Northbrook is situated in the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL, and is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. It has easy access to shopping areas, restaurants, parks, entertainment venues, and educational institutions. The school district provides top-notch education opportunities for children in both public and private schools. Additionally, Northbrook offers great cultural attractions such as the Ravinia Festival of Music and the popular North Shore Summerfest. Residents can also enjoy various outdoor activities at nearby forest preserves or recreational centers like Carol Stream Park or Spring Valley Nature Center. With its excellent amenities, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant community spirit, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to make their home here in Northbrook IL!

About Kaplan Law Offices, P.C.

Kaplan Law Offices, P.C.’s is dedicated to representing people against insurance companies taking advantage of their suffering as well as in situations where you or your loved one has been injured in an accident, slip and fall, nursing home abuse, and medical malpractice by negligent individuals. In cases when you need bankruptcy protection from creditors, we protect your rights against collection agencies and banks.

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