Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Illinois
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Illinois, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights.Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time. Call 911 to report the accident and ensure an official police report is filed, which can serve as vital evidence later on.
While still at the scene, try to collect information from the driver involved, including their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.Take photos of the scene, your bike, the vehicle, and any visible injuries.
If you’re thinking, “I got hit by a car on my bike—what do I do now?” the answer starts with protecting your health, documenting everything, and understanding your legal options. Avoid making statements to insurance companies before consulting with a legal professional. At Onward Injury Law, we can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your claim is thoroughly evaluated so you can focus on recovery while we work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as an Injured Cyclist
After a bicycle accident in Illinois, it’s important to understand your rights—especially if the driver was at fault. Cyclists have the same rights to the road as motor vehicles, and when those rights are violated, legal protection is available. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Illinois law recognizes that cyclists are vulnerable road users, and drivers are required to exercise caution when sharing the road. If a driver’s negligence led to the accident, they can be held liable for your damages. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover compensation under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, though the amount may be reduced.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. After an incident where I got hit by a car on my bike, knowing your rights can make all the difference in how your case is handled. At Onward Injury Law, we focus on helping injured cyclists understand what they’re legally entitled to and how to pursue it. Our team works with you to ensure your story is heard and your injuries are taken seriously—every step of the way.
How Fault and Liability Are Determined in Bike-Car Accidents
Determining fault in a bicycle accident involving a car can be complex, but it’s a critical part of securing fair compensation. In Illinois, liability is based on negligence—meaning the party who failed to exercise reasonable care may be held responsible for the accident. Investigators will look at factors like traffic laws, right-of-way, and whether either party was distracted or impaired.
Evidence plays a major role in determining who is at fault. This includes police reports, eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence from the scene. For example, if the driver was speeding, failed to yield, or ignored bike lanes, they may be found liable for your injuries. In some cases, shared fault may apply. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 50% at fault—but your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you’re thinking, “I got hit by a car on my bike—how do they determine who’s at fault?” the answer lies in careful investigation and documentation. At Onward Injury Law, we work to uncover every detail of the accident so we can build a strong case that supports your right to recover what you’ve lost.
When and Why to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After a bike accident involving a motor vehicle, you might be overwhelmed by medical bills, missed work, and the emotional toll of recovery. Knowing when to contact a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in how your case is handled and the outcome you receive. Ideally, you should reach out as soon as possible—before speaking with the driver’s insurance company or accepting any settlement offer.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate the true value of your claim, and make sure important evidence is preserved. They’ll also handle negotiations with insurance companies that may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you. If you wait too long, you risk losing access to key evidence or missing important deadlines under Illinois’ statute of limitations.
If you’re thinking, “I got hit by a car on my bike and I’m not sure what to do next,” legal guidance can provide clarity and support. At Onward Injury Law, we’re here to help you take the right steps from day one. We’ll walk with you through every stage of the process, helping ensure you have the best chance at recovering the compensation you need to move forward.
Conclusion
Being hit by a car while riding your bike can be traumatic, but knowing what to do afterward can make a major difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. From seeking immediate medical care to understanding your legal rights and gathering evidence, every step counts. Working with a personal injury lawyer ensures your case is handled with care and your interests are protected throughout the process. If you’re facing medical bills, lost income, or pain after the incident, don’t navigate it alone. At Onward Injury Law, we’re here to help you pursue the fair compensation you rightfully deserve.
