Posted on

Illinois Bicycle Laws You Must Know

bicycle laws

Being in a bicycle accident is usually both terrifying and painful. In an instant, you could slam into the vehicle or be thrown to the ground and suffer terrible, life-changing injuries. If you were hit on a bicycle recently, it is imperative to understand the Illinois bicycle laws below.

For additional legal information after reading this article, speak to our Palatine bicycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., today. Our attorneys possess 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of bicycle accident victims throughout Illinois. An attorney can review your case and determine if there is a potential for compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Why Are Illinois Bicycle Accident Laws Important To Your Case?

In many cases, the motor vehicle driver is at fault for hitting a bicyclist and could be liable for the resulting injuries. However, Illinois has a comparative negligence law that could affect the outcome of a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Comparative negligence can come into play when more than one party is at fault for an accident. If you were partially at fault for your bicycle accident because you broke a bicycle law, you could receive less compensation for your injuries. Thus, knowing relevant bicycle and traffic laws in Illinois is essential to understand what you could receive in a personal injury claim.

Illinois Bicycle Rules Of The Road

It is essential to understand that Illinois bicyclists possess all the rights and responsibilities that apply to drivers of other vehicles. As a bicyclist on Illinois roads, you are required to obey traffic rules, including the ones mentioned below:

Ride On The Right Side

You should ride as close to the right-hand curb or shoulder as possible. Unfortunately, many Illinois bicycle accidents happen when a driver passes too close to the bicyclist and hits them. So, stay as far to the right as possible without endangering your safety.

When You May Move Left

  • A biker can move to the left in these situations:
  • When passing or overtaking another vehicle or bike moving in the same direction.
  • When getting ready to make a left turn.
  • When it is necessary to avoid a moving or fixed object, surface hazard, animal, etc.
  • When approaching a part of the road where a right turn is necessary.
  • When operating a bicycle on a one-lane highway with at least two marked traffic lanes.

When You Can Ride Side By Side

Two bicyclists riding abreast is allowed in Illinois if other vehicles’ normal, reasonable movement is not impeded. But riding more than two abreast is not allowed, other than on parts of roads that are only authorized for bicyclists.

When You Can Ride On Sidewalks

If you ride your bicycle on a sidewalk in Illinois, you are required to obey all pedestrian signals and signs. You also must yield right of way to all pedestrians in crosswalks or sidewalks and slow down and carefully go around pedestrians as needed. Furthermore, you should slow down and give an audible signal to alert the pedestrian before passing him or her.

Our Palatine Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Being hurt in a bicycle accident can result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one suffered bicycle accident injuries and believe another party caused the incident, Mr. Eden and his legal staff may be able to help get the most compensation for your injuries. Call our Palatine bicycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today at (847) 395-2200 for a complimentary consultation.

Posted on

How Safety Equipment Prevents Serious Injury In A Bicycle Accident

bicycle safety

Riding a bike is a healthy activity, but cyclists are entirely exposed to the road and motor vehicles, so serious accidents are common. However, with the safety equipment mentioned in this article, you can avoid many bicycle accidents and injuries. But if you were in a bike accident caused by someone else, our Palatine bicycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., can help today.

Bike Mirror

A high-quality bicycle mirror is one of a biker’s most critical safety features. Having a mirror mounted on your handlebars or helmet can allow you to see what is behind you more easily without taking your eyes off the road. There are also sunglasses available that have a mirror on the inside.

Seeing what is behind you on your bike easily helps you avoid trouble. For example, some motorists may get too close to you on your bike, and seeing them in the mirror can help you move to safety.

Helmet

You should always have a DOT-approved biking helmet when riding your bike. If you are in an accident that damages the helmet, it should be replaced before you take another ride. Your helmet can prevent serious head injuries, so never leave home without it.

Reflective Gear

Staying safe on your bike is often about being visible to motorists; many severe accidents in Palatine happen because the motorist does not see the biker. So, whether you get a florescent jacket or jersey, a bright-colored helmet, or a vest with reflectors, all of these things will increase the chances that motorists will see you on the road.

Tire Pump And Tubes

A flat tire is one of a cyclist’s most common road mishaps. They tend to happen in places that are far from help. If you are out more than a mile from home, you should have a pump and spare tubes to change your tire and return to safety.

Cell Phone And ID

While we do not get on your bikes with the idea of getting in an accident, if it happens, it will be a huge help to have your cell phone and ID. If an accident happens, you can call the police and take photos of the scene. Also, if you have a severe injury and are unconscious, it is essential that other parties can identify you, so always have your driver’s license with you.

Flashing Light On Front And Rear

Sometimes drivers will not see a biker even in the daytime who is wearing bright colors. This can be because of inattentional blindness, when people do not see an object in plain sight. A common issue with biking on the road is motorists are looking for other cars, not bikers.

However, if you have a bright, red flashing light on your bike’s front and rear, other drivers will likely see you. Therefore, it is essential to have flashing lights on your bike in low light in the mornings and evenings.

You will be better prepared for a biking accident with the items mentioned above. But if an accident occurs, call 911 right away and a personal injury attorney if you have injuries.

Speak To Our Palatine Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you were in a bicycle accident recently caused by someone else, you could be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim. Please contact our Palatine bicycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at (847) 395-2200.