Chicago Law Firm Helping Recover Compensation for Bicycle Injuries in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s busiest neighborhoods, known for its blend of residential streets, green spaces, and high-traffic corridors like Halsted Street. Its access to lakefront paths, CTA lines, and nearby universities makes it a popular area for both commuter and recreational cyclists.
However, with so many bikes sharing the roads with motor vehicles, the risk of serious injuries in a Lincoln Park bike accident is significant. When a crash happens, especially one involving a hit and run or reckless driver, injured cyclists deserve experienced legal support.
Our Chicago bike accident attorneys help injured riders recover compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Lincoln Park Is Risky for Cyclists
Lincoln Park sees many cyclists, but its layout can make riding dangerous. Many streets, like North Ashland Avenue, lack protected bike lanes, forcing bikers to share narrow roads with fast-moving motor vehicles.
Intersections are often congested, and turning cars frequently cut into bike lanes without warning. Delivery vans and rideshare drivers stopping in traffic lanes create sudden obstacles, especially during peak hours.
The area near the park is a known hotspot for collisions, including a deadly Lincoln Park hit that drew widespread attention. Camera footage and crash reports have shown how easy it is for a driver traveling the wrong way or making an illegal turn to cause serious injuries.
Even experienced riders like Robert Levin—an avid cyclist—aren’t immune. Levin’s death in a Lincoln Park hit-and-run crash has raised serious concerns about bike safety in the neighborhood.
Common Injuries and Accidents Reported in Lincoln Park
Cyclists injured in Lincoln Park often suffer broken bones, head trauma, injuries to the spinal cord, and severe road rash. Concussions are common, especially in crashes involving car doors opening unexpectedly—known as dooring—or being struck by a vehicle making a sudden right turn, often called a “right hook.”
Sideswipes from motor vehicles that drift into bike lanes are another frequent cause of serious injuries. Riders biking south through busy corridors like North Ashland Avenue face added risks from drivers failing to yield or stopping abruptly. In hit-and-run crashes, the lack of immediate help can make injuries worse.
Relevant Chicago Ordinances and Infrastructure in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park falls within the Chicago Bike Network, which includes portions of North Ashland Avenue and Halsted Street. While some streets in the area have painted bike lanes, many lack protected lanes, leaving cyclists exposed to fast-moving traffic.
Under Chicago Municipal Code § 9-36-010(c), drivers must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. Violations of this rule often lead to sideswipes and serious injuries.
Cyclists also have the right to use the entire lane if it’s too narrow for a car and bike to travel side by side, though many drivers are unaware of this law. Code § 9-40-060 also prohibits drivers from obstructing bike lanes, yet delivery and rideshare vehicles frequently block them in Lincoln Park.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced plans to expand bike infrastructure citywide, including adding more protected bike lanes near Lincoln Park, but progress has been slow, especially in high-traffic corridors.
Fault in Lincoln Park Bicycle Accidents
Determining fault in Lincoln Park bicycle accidents can be complicated due to the area’s dense traffic, frequent intersections, and shared street use.
A driver exiting an alley onto Wells Street without checking for cyclists may be fully liable, while a crash involving a biker swerving to avoid a pedestrian could raise shared fault questions. In some cases, a driver may claim the cyclist was riding unpredictably or failed to follow traffic signals, even if the motor vehicle caused the crash.
High pedestrian activity near the park and limited bike lanes make conditions even more unpredictable. Legal fault often hinges on camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and police reports from the Chicago Police Department.
Steps to Take After a Bike Accident in Lincoln Park
If you’ve been injured in a Lincoln Park bike accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
Call 911 – Report the crash to the Chicago Police so it’s officially documented. This is especially important in a hit-and-run.
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, go to the ER. Illinois Masonic Medical Center is one of the closest trauma centers in the area.
Document the scene – Take photos of your bike, the vehicle, the street, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Collect witness information – Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
Don’t talk to insurance alone – Insurance companies may try to settle quickly. Speak with a Chicago bike accident attorney before giving a statement.
How a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a Lincoln Park bike accident, having a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate the crash, review camera footage, speak with witnesses, and analyze police reports to determine exactly what happened. This is especially important in cases involving a hit and run or a driver traveling the wrong way.
Your lawyer will also handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers or statements that could be used against you. By securing evidence quickly and building a strong case, your attorney can pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the impact of serious injuries on your daily life.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel Following a Bike Accident in Lincoln Park
If you were injured in a Lincoln Park bike accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we understand the risks cyclists face on streets like North Ashland Avenue and Halsted—and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash to dealing with insurance and holding negligent drivers accountable, we’re here to help.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and next steps. Call (312) 646-3708 or fill out our contact form to speak with an attorney who knows Lincoln Park and stands up for injured cyclists.
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