Pothole and Premises Liability Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured, our attorneys can help

Bicyclists in Chicago and throughout Illinois know that sometimes road conditions can be rough. A pothole can cause you to lose control of your bicycle, and you can be seriously injured. Hitting a pothole is not just an accident. It’s often a case of negligence. The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. can help.

A pothole or other defect can be on a road, sidewalk or parking lot. Crashes involving potholes are generally known as premises liability cases. The state of Illinois has a “Premises Liability Act” that holds certain parties responsible for keeping their premises safe. Under statute 740 ILCS 130/2, a property owner or occupier (such as a business that rents the property) can be liable for injuries to a bicyclist from a pothole. In cases involving potholes on streets, the law in Illinois is very complicated. Illinois law says that how much a city, town or county is responsible is based on whether bicycles were intended to ride in that area. There is a very specific question that requires a thorough fact analysis.

Potholes are common in Illinois. Harsh winters and chemicals used to melt ice can take a toll on road surfaces. When spring arrives, potholes start appearing in many places. It is the responsibility of property owners and occupiers to take action to repair the potholes, or at the very least, warn bicyclists that they are there.

Lawyers who hold negligent parties accountable

Hitting a pothole while on a bicycle can be a frightening experience. The sudden loss of control can cause you to fall or crash into an object – including a moving vehicle. You can be left with serious injuries. Medical expenses can add up quickly, and you may be let unable to work, resulting in less income coming in.

Our attorneys fight to hold property owners responsible for their failure to fix potholes that cause crashes and leave bicyclists injured. Negligent parties can include private property owners and business owners. Taking legal action against a government entity is also possible but is more complicated.

That is why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney working for you. We know the laws and how to build a case that helps you recover the compensation you deserve. Our law firm is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Our legal team investigates your crash to get the facts. We often take photographs of the scene to document the pothole. We’ll carefully review accident reports, medical records, property records, lease agreements and other documentation. We identify witnesses and interview them ourselves.

Our attorneys help you every step of the way

Our attorneys know how to build strong cases that prove a party had responsibility for the pothole, that they knew or should have known it was there, and that they failed to do anything about it. If filing a claim with a government entity, we ensure all the proper paperwork is filed and that all deadlines are met.

Many times, insurance companies or government entities will agree to discuss a settlement. Any resolution of your case must be one that meets your needs. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages and other damages, such as pain and suffering.

If you were injured after hitting a pothole while on your bicycle, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. There are deadlines for taking legal action, especially against a government entity such as a city or the state. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, and the memories of witnesses can fade.

Learn more about how an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.