Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Help With Left Hook Crashes

Our lawyers help injured bicyclists in Chicago and throughout Illinois

Some bicycle crashes at intersections involve left hook accidents. These crashes can leave bicyclists seriously hurt, and their lives are significantly impacted. The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and help the injured recover financial compensation.

A left hook accident happens when a car and a bicycle are traveling toward an intersection from opposite directions. The driver turns left at the intersection, directly into the path of the bicyclist. The bicyclist has no time to avoid a collision and crashes into the turning car. These crashes are caused by driver negligence.

Attorneys who hold negligent drivers accountable

Drivers always have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and take precautions to avoid a collision. There are specific laws addressing left hook accidents that drivers are required to follow. Section 11-902 of the Illinois Vehicle Code states:

“The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver, having so yielded may proceed at such time as a safe interval occurs.”

Chicago also has a law that requires drivers to look out or oncoming bicyclists before making a left turn. Section 9-16-020 of the Municipal Code of Chicago states:

“The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to a bicycle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

Drivers do not always follow the law, or they were negligent in another way. They may have been driving while distracted (for example, using a cell phone). They may have been speeding or driving recklessly. Or they may have been under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Our firm fights to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our law firm builds strong cases that get results

Our legal team investigates your left hook accident to get the facts. We carefully review accident reports and medical records. We gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage. Our team identifies witnesses and interviews them. Sometimes, we consult with accident reconstruction experts, if needed.

We focus on building a strong case that insurance companies can’t ignore. This often convinces them it is in their best interests to settle the case. We aren’t here to make a quick deal that helps them save some money. Our goal is to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Any resolution of your claim must be one that meets your needs. This includes compensation or current and future medical expenses related to your injuries. It includes compensation for lost wages if you were left unable to work. We may also seek compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

We’re proud to have helped hundreds of injured bicyclists recover the financial compensation they deserve after being injured in a crash. Our attorneys know how to handle cases involving left hook accidents and are ready to fight for you every step of the way.

Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney. We can explain your legal options and answer your questions.