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Meet Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Eric Terry leads our team of Chicago bicycle accident lawyers.

Eric has decades of experience providing legal representation to people who have been injured in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and more.

His leadership guarantees that every client receives personalized support and a well-developed legal strategy focused on their specific needs and challenges.

At TorHoerman Law, we take an innovative approach to handling personal injury claims.

Rather than assigning a single bike accident lawyer to your case, we bring together a team of experienced attorneys, each with unique expertise, to address every aspect of your situation.

We do this with the aim of providing comprehensive legal representation to those who need it most, leaving no stone unturned and advocating for maximum compensation and justice for our clients.

Meet our team of Chicago bicycle accident lawyers:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed through no fault of their own. His extensive litigation background and commitment to justice make him a strong ally for injured cyclists.
• Jake Plattenberger: Jake Plattenberger, a partner at TorHoerman Law, leads the Chicago office with a focus on personal injury cases. Since 2009, he has handled hundreds of depositions, argued in numerous hearings, and tried over 35 cases to a jury.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley combines over a decade of legal and medical expertise to help Chicago accident victims. He accurately assesses the long-term impact of injuries and secures full compensation for those he represents.
• Tyler Schneider: As managing partner, Tyler Schneider uses his leadership and Chicago connections to achieve the best outcomes for clients. With more than 10 years of experience, he focuses on delivering results for injured cyclists and their families.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads the intake and client support team at TorHoerman Law. She ensures every Chicago client is informed, supported, and cared for from their first contact with the firm.

Our Founder and Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, the founder of our personal injury law firm, is a nationally recognized trial attorney with over 20 years of experience.

He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals harmed through no fault of their own, securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.

Known for his attention to detail and unwavering commitment to justice, he has built a reputation as a leader in personal injury litigation.

Under his leadership, TorHoerman Law has become a trusted name in Chicago and beyond, helping countless clients rebuild their lives after serious accidents.

Beyond his legal work, Tor is committed to mentoring his team, fostering a collaborative and client-focused environment within the firm.

His dedication to improving lives drives the firm’s mission to provide exceptional legal representation and compassionate support.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Injured bicyclists do not have to pay anything up-front to hire our team of Chicago attorneys for their case.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your claim.

This approach allows injured individuals to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about immediate financial burdens.

Contingency fees align our success with your success.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing, giving you peace of mind as you focus on recovery.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago: Steps to Take

Bicycle accidents can be overwhelming, leaving victims in pain and unsure of what to do next.

The aftermath of a crash often involves physical injuries, emotional distress, and confusion about how to protect your rights.

Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident is crucial to safeguard your health and build a strong claim for compensation.

Even if you feel shaken or unsure, acting promptly can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal case.

Steps to take after a bicycle accident in Chicago include, but are not limited to:

1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately: Prioritize your health by getting medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as some issues may not be immediately apparent.
2. Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police and request an official report to document the incident.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your bicycle, injuries, and any damage to vehicles involved.
4. Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from the driver and any witnesses present.
5. Preserve Evidence: Keep your damaged bicycle and any personal items as evidence for your case.
6. Obtain Medical Records: Save all medical bills, treatment summaries, and other related documents.
7. Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

Gathering Evidence for a Bicycle Accident Claim

Evidence is essential in personal injury claims to prove liability, demonstrate the extent of damages, and secure fair compensation.

Strong evidence helps establish how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and the impact of the injuries on the victim’s life.

Without clear and convincing evidence, insurance companies or opposing parties may dispute the claim or undervalue the settlement.

Evidence for a bicycle accident claim may include, but is not limited to:

• Police Report: Provide an official account of the accident and details about fault and contributing factors.
• Photographs and Videos: Document the scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
• Medical Records: Detail the extent of injuries, treatments received, and potential long-term impacts.
• Witness Statements: Offer additional perspectives to support your version of events.
• Surveillance Footage: Capture the accident or its aftermath, providing clear visual evidence.
• Damaged Property: Retain the bicycle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash as evidence.
• Accident Reconstruction Reports: Expert analyses that illustrate how the accident occurred.

Damages in Personal Injury Cases for Bike Accidents

In personal injury law, “damages” refer to the financial and non-financial losses a victim suffers due to an accident.

Damages are intended to compensate for the harm caused, helping the injured party recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

For bike accident victims, damages often account for both immediate costs, like medical bills, and long-term consequences, such as reduced earning capacity or emotional suffering.

Understanding the types of economic damages and non-economic damages available is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim.

An experienced lawyer will help you calculate damages and understand potential compensation for your bike crash.

Common damages in bicycle accident cases include, but are not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries and reduced earning capacity if the injuries impact future employment.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing the bicycle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and the emotional toll caused by the accident and injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Addresses psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in hobbies or activities once enjoyed.
• Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Compensation for lasting physical changes or disabilities resulting from the crash.

Determining Liability for a Bicycle Crash in Chicago

Determining liability is a key step in a bicycle accident case, as it identifies who is legally responsible for the crash and resulting injuries.

In Chicago, this process can be complex due to shared roadways and the multiple parties who may be involved.

A bicycle accident lawyer can help by investigating the circumstances of the crash, analyzing evidence, and applying relevant laws to build a strong case.

Attorneys review police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence to determine if negligence, such as distracted driving or failing to yield, caused the bike accident.

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions or a manufacturer if a defective bicycle part was involved.

The purpose of determining liability is to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure fair compensation for the injured cyclist.

By handling the legal process, an experienced lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while they pursue justice on your behalf.

The Legal Process for Bicycle Accident Cases in Chicago

The process for a bicycle accident case follows the established framework for a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Illinois.

Illinois law, including the comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they share partial responsibility for the accident, as long as they are less than 50% at fault.

Victims must also adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer ensures that these legal requirements are met and that the case is built effectively.

Steps in the legal process for a bicycle accident case include, but are not limited to:

1. Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Speak with an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
2. Investigate the Accident: Collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to establish liability.
3. File a Personal Injury Claim: Initiate a claim against the at-fault party to seek compensation for damages.
4. Negotiate a Settlement: Work with your lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
5. Prepare for Trial: If necessary, your attorney will represent you in court to present your case and seek a verdict.
6. Receive Compensation: After a settlement or trial, secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Chicago Bicycle Laws Explained

Chicago is a bike-friendly city with a network of bike lanes, trails, and paths designed to promote cycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.

To ensure the safety of cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians, the city of Chicago enforces a set of bicycle-specific laws that regulate how bikes can be operated on public roads.

Understanding these laws is essential for Chicago cyclists and motorists sharing the road with cyclists.

Adhering to these regulations helps prevent accidents and fosters a safer environment for all road users.

Key bicycle laws in Chicago include, but are not limited to:

• Right to the Road: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers and are entitled to use public roadways.
• Riding Position: Cyclists must ride as close to the right-hand curb as practicable but may take the full lane if necessary for safety, such as avoiding hazards or making a turn.
• Sidewalk Riding: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited in most areas, except for children under 12 or where explicitly permitted by signage.
• Helmet Recommendations: While helmets are not legally required for cyclists, they are strongly recommended for safety.
• Lighting and Reflectors: Bicycles operated at night must have a white front light, a red rear light or reflector, and reflective material on pedals or the rider’s shoes.
• Hand Signals: Cyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns or stops to other road users.
• Passing Vehicles: Cyclists must not pass other vehicles on the right unless there is a dedicated bike lane or enough room for safe passage.
• Cell Phone Use: Using a cell phone while riding a bike is strongly discouraged and may be considered negligent if it contributes to an accident.
• Yielding to Pedestrians: Cyclists must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Being struck by a car or truck while riding a bike can result in devastating injuries due to the vulnerability of cyclists compared to motor vehicles.

The lack of physical protection leaves riders exposed to severe harm from the force of the impact.

These accidents often involve high speeds or large vehicles, increasing the likelihood of life-altering injuries.

Cyclists may experience both immediate trauma and long-term effects that disrupt their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Injuries commonly sustained in bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include, but are not limited to:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head impacts can lead to serious cognitive and neurological damage, even if a helmet is worn.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions can result in paralysis, chronic pain, or other debilitating spinal issues.
• Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are especially vulnerable to fractures in high-impact crashes.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen may require emergency surgery.
• Severe Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts and road rash from contact with pavement can cause infections and scarring.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and ligament damage can limit mobility and require long-term rehabilitation.
• Psychological Trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or depression often follow traumatic accidents, impacting the victim’s quality of life.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago

Bicycle accidents in Chicago often occur when cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles fail to share the road responsibly with cyclists.

Heavy traffic, distracted driving, and inadequate bike infrastructure create dangerous conditions for riders.

Chicago’s busy streets and frequent intersections increase the risk of collisions, particularly when drivers fail to remain attentive.

Many of these accidents are preventable and result from negligence or reckless behavior.

Common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or using their phones often fail to notice cyclists in time.
• Failure to Yield: Many collisions occur when vehicles fail to yield to bicycles at intersections or crosswalks.
• Dooring Accidents: Drivers or passengers opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist can cause serious crashes.
• Speeding: Excessive speeds reduce reaction times and increase the severity of collisions.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal can sideswipe cyclists in adjacent lanes.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are more likely to make dangerous errors that harm cyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained bike lanes can cause cyclists to lose control.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, honking, or intentionally cutting off cyclists can lead to accidents and injuries.

TorHoerman Law: Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorneys

With law offices in Chicago and across the state of Illinois, TorHoerman Law helps injured bicyclists and others seek compensation for personal injuries suffered at no fault of their own.

Bicycle crashes can have serious impacts on the lives of Chicago cyclists, and our lawyers understand these challenges acutely.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago caused by a careless or negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.

Contact a Chicago bicycle accident attorney from TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a bicycle accident claim instantly.