Recovering Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries in Springfield, IL
A Springfield bicycle accident lawyer can be an essential advocate for injured cyclists as biking becomes an increasingly common way to get around Springfield, IL, for commuting, recreation, or traveling between campus and city streets.
With more riders on the road, bicycle accidents involving cars, trucks, or public vehicles have become more frequent, often resulting in serious injuries. Legal representation helps injured cyclists pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages while holding negligent drivers accountable.
Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm
We at Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers have a strong record of helping injured cyclists recover meaningful compensation.
- $1,000,000 Settlement – A 26-year-old woman suffered a torn rotator cuff in a bicycle dooring accident. The injury occurred when a driver opened their door directly into her path, violating a city ordinance meant to protect cyclists.
- $805,500 Settlement – Our client, a physical education teacher, was seriously injured when a commercial truck turned right into a marked bike lane, striking him directly. The crash caused a compound fracture of the clavicle and severe shoulder trauma, including rotator cuff damage, which required multiple surgeries. He missed an entire school year during recovery but returned to teaching after intensive physical therapy.
- $250,000 Settlement – While biking during evening traffic on a congested city street, our client was struck by a driver who failed to yield. The cyclist sustained a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
Springfield Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Summary for Springfield, 32 bicycle crashes were reported within city limits. Of those, 25 involved injuries and three were fatal.
These numbers highlight cyclists’ real risks on city streets, especially in areas with limited bike lanes or where driver negligence is more common. Many of these incidents occurred at intersections or involved vehicles failing to yield. The data underscores the importance of safer infrastructure and legal support for injured riders in Springfield, IL.
Where and Why Bike Accidents Happen in Springfield
In Springfield, IL, bicycle accidents happen in areas with high vehicle traffic and limited bike infrastructure. Common crash locations include intersections near Dirksen Parkway and South Grand Avenue, the downtown corridor near 6th and Monroe, and commercial zones like Veterans Parkway.
Frequent causes of bike accidents in Springfield include distracted driving, failure to yield at intersections, and drivers pulling out too far from parking lots or driveways. Dooring is another significant hazard, especially in tighter downtown areas where street parking and narrow lanes force cyclists close to vehicles.
Speeding, unsafe lane changes, and squeezing cyclists off the road during passing attempts are common. In some cases, impaired driving contributes to serious crashes with lasting injuries. The lack of protected bike lanes often worsens these risks, making it vital for injured cyclists to seek medical attention and legal help after a collision.
Cycling Tips for Staying Safe in Springfield
Staying safe on a bike in Springfield takes more than following traffic laws—it requires riding with awareness and caution.
Gear up for protection by wearing a helmet every time you ride and equipping your bike with front and rear lights, especially at dawn, dusk, or in low visibility. Reflective gear and bright clothing help drivers spot you sooner.
Give yourself space by riding outside the door zone and staying clear of curbs and parked cars. If a driver passes too closely, slow down or move over when safe. Stay visible on the road by using hand signals, making eye contact at intersections, and avoiding blind spots.
And most importantly, ride like every driver is distracted. Many are looking at phones, GPS screens, or other passengers. Assume drivers won’t see you, and ride in a way that keeps you prepared for sudden moves or unsafe driving behaviors.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Crashes
Bicycle accidents can cause many injuries, even at low speeds. Some of the most common include traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, and dental damage, especially in crashes without a helmet.
Broken bones, including wrists, collarbones, and ribs, are frequent, along with internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Riders often suffer road rash, deep cuts, and soft tissue damage from hitting the pavement. More severe crashes may lead to spinal cord injuries or, tragically, death.
Even when injuries seem minor, the cost of medical treatments, therapy, and time away from work can add up quickly. Compensation in a bicycle accident case should reflect both immediate care and long-term needs, including rehabilitation costs, future procedures, and ongoing pain or emotional distress.
Compensation Awarded to Bicycle Accident Victims in Springfield
Cyclists injured in accidents may be compensated for financial and personal losses. A successful bicycle accident claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and future care related to the injury. Victims may also recover damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.
In some cases, if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, a claim can be made through your uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced Springfield bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case, calculate what you’re owed, and fight to secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Springfield Laws and Ordinances That Might Affect Your Bicycle Accident Claim
In Springfield, IL, no law requires adult cyclists to wear helmets, but wearing one is strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries.
Springfield’s municipal code (§ 81.12 (a)) prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks in business districts, which can affect liability in specific bicycle accident claims, especially if the accident occurred in an area where sidewalk riding is restricted.
Illinois state law (625 ILCS 5/11-703 (d)) also requires drivers to leave at least three feet when passing a cyclist, a common violation in bike crashes involving driver negligence.
Springfield has also adopted parts of a citywide cycling infrastructure plan to improve bike lanes and promote safer streets. These rules and ongoing improvements may directly impact how fault is assigned and compensation is determined in a personal injury case.
Liability for a Bicycle Accident in Springfield
Liability in a Springfield bicycle accident often falls on a driver who was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield, especially in right-hook or left cross collisions at intersections. Dooring accidents are common, where a driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist’s path without checking. In some cases, the city may share responsibility if the crash was caused by poorly maintained roads or unsafe infrastructure.
Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning injured cyclists can still recover damages even if they’re found partly at fault, so long as they’re less than 50% responsible.
How to Strengthen Your Springfield Bicycle Accident Case
To strengthen your Springfield bicycle accident case, start by calling 911 and filing a police report. This creates an official record of the crash.
Next, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Facilities like HSHS St. John’s Hospital or Memorial Medical Center can evaluate hidden injuries such as internal damage or brain injuries. Delays in care can weaken your claim.
Take photos of the accident scene, bike damage, and visible injuries. Get witness names and contact info. Early evidence is key in proving driver negligence.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal help—they often twist statements to lower your payout. Don’t accept the first settlement offer without understanding the full value of your case.
Most importantly, don’t try to handle the claim alone. An experienced Springfield bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Springfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring an Illinois bicycle accident lawyer gives you an advocate who understands local traffic patterns, bike laws, and the dangers cyclists face on Springfield’s city streets.
A local attorney can quickly gather key evidence, like police reports, surveillance video, and witness statements, to support your case. They also know how to handle disputes with the insurance company, which often tries to downplay injuries or shift blame.
Your lawyer will fight to recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee—you pay nothing unless we win.
You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Springfield, IL
In Springfield, IL, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims—including bicycle accidents—is two years from when the crash occurred, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, if your case involves a government entity, such as a city vehicle or a public roadway hazard, you must file a Notice of Claim within one year (745 ILCS 10/8-101).
Springfield Bicycle Accident FAQs
How is fault decided in a bicycle crash?
Strong bicycle accident claims rely on photos of the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, police reports, and, if available, video footage from traffic or security cameras. These details help prove how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Early documentation can make a significant difference in building a successful personal injury case.
Can I recover damages for emotional trauma?
Yes. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, Illinois law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages are a valid part of a personal injury claim and may significantly impact your total compensation in a bicycle accident case.
Can a cyclist be blamed for causing a car accident?
Yes, cyclists can share blame if they violated traffic laws, rode unpredictably, or caused a driver to react unsafely. Under Illinois’s comparative negligence rule, a cyclist found more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. A Springfield bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and defend against unfair blame.
Secure Legal Guidance by a Springfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!
If you’ve been hurt in a Springfield bicycle accident, getting legal help quickly can make all the difference in your recovery. At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we focus exclusively on representing injured cyclists throughout Illinois. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost income, or pressure from an insurance company, our experienced team is here to protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (312) 646-3708 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
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