Dedicated Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Our attorneys have recovered tens of millions for injured bicyclists
The experience of a bicycle crash is not one our clients plan for or expect. The effects of the crash are felt in all aspects of their life. From how they are feeling emotionally and physically, to their ability to enjoy their lives, to their ability to pay the medical bills or continue to work.
Keating Law Offices is a national leader in the field of bicycle law and the leading advocates for bicyclists throughout Illinois. Attorney Michael S. Keating, our founder, currently serves as the chair of the Bicycle Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice and is a frequent lecturer on bicycle law. Our Chicago attorneys have represented hundreds of injured bicyclists in Illinois and in the process recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. The firm has also been at the forefront of substantial changes to bicycle laws that protect bicyclists in Illinois.
No one handles more Illinois bike accident court cases
Our law firm handles more bicycle accident cases in courts in Illinois than any other firm in Illinois.
The bicycle law attorneys at Keating Law Offices have decades of experience handling personal injury cases involving bicyclists. The firm prides itself on not only its results, but the close relationships the firm has with its clients and the bicycling community.
Keating Law Offices has locations in Chicago's Loop and in West Town. The attorneys at the firm are always available to meet with you on the phone, over a virtual meeting, or in person.
Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers protect cyclists’ rights
Bicycles have become an increasingly common form of transportation and an important part of our everyday lives. No matter how diligent bicyclists are about safety, however, some bicyclists will still become the victims of a crash caused by somebody else. The bicycle accident attorneys of Keating Law Offices, P.C. have a strong commitment to protecting their rights.
Many bicyclists have stories of “near-misses” with a car or of an encounter with an angry driver. Even in communities with bike lanes and routes meant to provide greater protection and visibility to bicyclists, there are incidents of drivers “dooring” bicyclists by opening their car doors into a bicyclist’s path or “buzzing” bicyclists by passing too closely.
Under Illinois law, bicyclists have the same right to use our roads as motor vehicles. The law specifically requires motor vehicle drivers to use due care to avoid hitting bicyclists. All too frequently, however, bicycle crashes occur, and bicyclists are injured because of dangerously careless or inattentive drivers.
Top Questions Asked After a Bicycle Accident
- How long do I have to take legal action after a bicycle accident?
- What type of compensation can I seek after being hurt in a bicycle accident?
- What is the value of my claim?
- Can I be found at fault for causing my bicycle accident?
How long do I have to take legal action after a bicycle accident?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to take legal action to seek financial compensation. It is only one year if it is a state entity or local municipality such as a city, town or village. There are some exceptions for minors and disabled people. It can take months to build a strong case, including the time it takes to gather evidence, review documents, interview witnesses and consult with experts, if needed. Another thing to consider is that over time, evidence that can help you prove negligence can be lost or destroyed. The memories of witnesses can also fade and they may forget certain details.
What type of compensation can I seek after being hurt in a bicycle accident?
In general, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those to which a specific dollar amount can be attached. These include all current and medical expenses for treating your injuries. Another example is lost wages, if your injuries left you unable to return to your job.
Non-economic damages are more subjective losses. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, any disability you suffered, loss of future earnings if you were left unable to work, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What is the value of my claim?
There is no easy answer to this question, as every case is different. The reality is that just like no two people are the same, no two cases are the same. In general, the value of a personal injury case depends on many factors. These include the extent of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, whether you suffered lost wages, how much your life was affected and the circumstances surrounding the crash. On top of this the total amount of insurance coverage that the negligent driver has at the time of the crash or is otherwise available can affect how much you are able to receive.
Can I be found at fault for causing my bicycle accident?
Bicyclists have rights when out on the roads of Chicago and everywhere in Illinois. Bicyclists also have legal responsibilities and are always required to follow the rules of the road. This means that they can be found partially at fault for causing an accident, even one that leaves them injured. In Illinois this is known as “contributory negligence” meaning that the actions of the cyclist may have contributed to the crash. However, it is important to note that it is not entirely up to the police officer who wrote the police report or an insurance adjuster to decide who is at fault. It is important that you have someone who understands all of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in Illinois to help advocate for you.
Bicycle Accident Case Results: Our long history of helping injured bicyclists
Our firm has the experience and knowledge to get you the justice you deserve. Since 2008, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and their families. Along the way we have forced negligent motorists to be held accountable and prevented insurance companies from taking advantage of injured bicyclists.
While past case results are no guarantee of future case outcomes, Keating Law Offices has negotiated and/or litigated the following Illinois bicycle accident recoveries:
- $1.25 million for the family of a bicyclist who was killed in a collision with a motor vehicle while on a training ride.
- $975,000 for an injured bicycle accident victim
- $550,000 for a Chicago bicyclist who suffered a fractured knee (tibial plateau) after being hit by a school bus in Harvey. This settlement was one of the largest in Illinois history for personal injuries from a bicycle accident that did not result in paralysis or death.
Many bicyclists who are hit by cars suffer injuries with severe and long-term consequences. Their medical expenses can be overwhelming, and they are often left unable to return to work right away. We build strong cases to help our clients get the financial compensation they deserve. We’re proud of our results because they’re more than just numbers: they represent a real difference in the lives of our clients and real accountability for serious bicycle accidents.
Read more bicycle accident case results.
Proud advocates for bicyclists across the state
Bicycling is at a critical stage and faces strong opposition from people and organizations that believe that our streets are for motor vehicles only.
Keating Law Offices have a proud tradition of advocating for the rights of all bicyclists. Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys are active in fighting for positive changes for cyclists at the city and statewide levels.
- Passing Dennis’s Law. In 2016, attorney Michael Keating was instrumental in the passing of “Dennis’s Law.” This new Illinois bicycle law specifically clarified that Illinois bicyclists were entitled to all the rights as the drivers of motor vehicles and that bicycles themselves were vehicles entitled to the roadways in Illinois.
- High-profile cases. Included in the firm’s history of success are many high-profile cases that have been profiled in the media including on FOX News, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.
- A leader in the legal community. Our lawyers are national leaders in the field of bicycle law. The firm also publishes the Illinois Bicycle Law blog, which provides information on legal aspects surrounding bicycling.
Chicago’s trusted bicycle accident law firm
Bicycles are a primary mode of transportation for many commuters going to and from work and one of the most popular recreational activities for families. When you’ve been injured, you need experienced and dedicated representation. We have a strong commitment to protecting the rights of bicyclists and making our roads accessible to everyone.
If you or a bicyclist you know has been injured by a reckless or careless driver, please contact us today. We offer a free consultation with absolutely no obligation. You can trust that the dedicated bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. are here to help.
Read reviews from Illinois bicycle accident victims and their families.
