Top Causes of Rear-End Bicycle Accidents

Our attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve

In Illinois, drivers of cars and other vehicles have a responsibility to share the road with bicycles. But some drivers don’t take this responsibility seriously. And far too often, the result is a bicycle accident that can leave a cyclist with injuries that have a significant physical, emotional, and financial impact.

In a rear-end bicycle accident, a vehicle crashes into a bicyclist from behind. The force of impact can cause the bicyclist to be thrown off the bike or even dragged under the vehicle. This often results in devastating injuries. The driver of the vehicle is typically considered at fault in these types of accidents – but recovering financial compensation can be complicated.

Here are some top causes of rear-end bicycle accidents in Illinois.

Distracted driving

Many drivers engage in other activities when they’re behind the wheel. Some text or talk on the phone while driving, despite the fact that such activity is against the law in Illinois. Others adjust dashboard controls or reach for something that fell onto the floor, and some eat or drink while driving. All of these activities take the driver’s eyes off of the road, making a driver more likely to crash into the rear of a bicycle.

Bike lane infringement

There are hundreds of miles of dedicated bike lanes throughout Chicago. These lanes are designed to keep bicyclists safe by keeping them separate from heavy traffic. But many bike lanes aren’t protected with curbs or flexible bollards. As a result, drivers frequently veer into bike lanes, perhaps to make a right turn or pass another vehicle – and sometimes into the rear of a bicycle that they don’t see, causing a collision.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving is any type of dangerous and aggressive driving on the road that puts others at risk. Examples include weaving in and out of traffic, abruptly changing lanes, running red lights or stop signs, or pulling into traffic without carefully checking for other vehicles. These types of reckless driving can lead to a rear-end bicycle accident.

Following too closely

Many drivers don’t treat bicycles as other vehicles. They view bicyclists as a nuisance who are sometimes in their way. If traffic is heavy and they can’t pass another car, they think nothing of following closely behind a bicyclist on the road. But if a bicyclist needs to stop suddenly, a tailgating driver won’t have enough time or distance to come to a complete stop before causing a collision.

Speeding

Speed limits are set for a reason – they are the maximum speeds that have been determined to be safe for the road. Drivers who exceed these limits put everyone else on the road at risk. Speeding leaves drivers with reduced reaction time, so when they approach a bicyclist on the road, they don’t have time to stop the car before crashing into the rear of the bicycle. A higher speed also increases the force of impact, resulting in more serious injuries.

Failure to yield

In certain traffic situations, bicyclists have the right-of-way; but too many drivers either don’t understand that, or don’t care. A rear-end bicycle accident can happen at an intersection when a bicyclist is legally riding through. A driver making a right turn who fails to yield to the bicyclist can hit the rear-end of the bicycle.

Passing irresponsibly

In Illinois, bicyclists and drivers of motor vehicles have the same rights and responsibilities for using the road. Drivers are allowed to pass bicycles, but they are required to allow at least 3 feet of space between their vehicle and the bicyclist. However, may drivers cut it way too close, which can result in a driver crashing into the rear of the bicycle while attempting to pass.

Impaired driving

A driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. Impaired drivers have difficulty judging distances and speeds, and their vision, coordination, and reaction time are negatively impacted. An impaired driver may not even see a bicyclist on the road, and is unable to react in time to prevent a collision.

Fatigued driving

Fatigue can affect a driver’s decision-making and judgment, as well the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations. One of these situations may involve a bicyclist making a turn or having to stop suddenly. Because of fatigue, the driver is unable to take the actions needed to prevent a rear-end crash.

Recovering compensation after a rear-end bicycle accident

When a driver’s negligence causes a rear-end bicycle crash, that driver is responsible for paying damages suffered by the bicyclist. These damages can include current and future medical expenses related to the bicyclist’s injuries, lost wages if the bicyclist was unable to work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.

But there are frequently obstacles to recovering fair compensation. The driver of the vehicle may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. The bicyclist may also be blamed for the causing the accident. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence system, this could result in a reduced financial recovery.

The driver’s insurance company can also challenge a claim for damages. Insurance companies handle claims every day and are skilled at finding ways to justify paying less. They may dispute the extent of the bicyclist’s injuries, or seek access to medical records to argue injuries were pre-existing.

Another common tactic they use is to make a lowball settlement offer that falls far short of covering all of the damages suffered.

An experienced attorney can fight for your rights

If you were hurt in rear-end bicycle accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, it’s important to get trusted legal advice as soon as possible.

Since 2008, Keating Law Offices, P.C. has helped hundreds of clients hold negligent drivers accountable to recover the financial compensation they deserve. Attorney Michael S. Keating is considered a national leader in cases involving bicycle accidents. He has a thorough knowledge of state laws affecting bicycle accidents and as an avid bicyclist himself, knows the dangers that bicyclists face out on the road.

Learn more about how we can help. One of our attorneys can review the details of your rear-end accident, discuss your legal options, and answer any questions you have. There is no cost and no obligation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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