Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers can protect your legal rights. Schedule a free consultation today.

We Help Bicycle Accident Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve

When a vehicle collides with a bicycle, it’s often because the driver was distracted or being reckless. Their careless choices, such as talking on the phone or texting while driving, could have made them miss seeing the bicycle…leading to severe injuries for the cyclist. Sometimes, vehicle drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and their delayed reaction makes it impossible to stop before hitting the cyclist. 

If you or a family member has suffered injuries from a bicycle accident in Effingham, it’s likely not your fault. Our lawyers will do all we can to ensure you get financial compensation for your injuries. 

Rules for Bicyclists in Effingham, IL

All cyclists should follow rules that help to prevent them from being injured while riding. Although not a state law, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by 85% if a bicycle accident occurs.

Bicyclers in Effingham are expected to follow Illinois bicycle laws, which include:

• Having night riding equipment. All bikes must have a front light and rear reflector when riding at night.
• No carrying. Both hands must be free to control the bicycle, so anything being hauled should be in a basket or other type of crate attached to the bike.
• Riding in the same direction as vehicular traffic. 
• Riding with no more than two bicycles side by side in a lane.
• Riding at least 4 feet away from parked cars to avoid being hit if a door swings open.
• Using hand signals. Riders must indicate which direction they are turning and when they will be stopping so motorists know their intent.

State Rules for Motorists to Avoid Bicycle Accidents 

All Illinois drivers also have laws they must abide by in order to avoid hitting a bicyclist. These include:

• Stopping at the stop line to avoid putting cyclists in the crosswalk at risk.
• Allowing 3 feet of space between the vehicle and bicycle when passing. 
• Not trying to pass a bicycle in the same lane. 
• Preventing “dooring” a cyclist by checking before opening the door when parked on a street.
• Yielding the right of way to bicyclists. 

If a driver does not follow these or other traffic laws and they hit a cyclist, the driver should be held liable for the collision.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Effingham, IL

Most bike accidents lead to injuries. Some are mild scrapes and bruises, but many can be severe, such as:

• Head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries 
• Broken limbs
• Spinal fractures that lead to paralysis

In the worst cases, such as high-speed accidents and when cyclists are not wearing helmets, bicycle collisions can be fatal. 

Trust the Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Effingham, IL

With strong roots in Effingham, Kan Personal Injury looks out for the cycling community. We not only work to help victims of bicycle accidents; we promote public policies and regulations to increase safety measures for cyclists. We know the Illinois state laws for bicyclists and recognize when bicycle accident victims deserve compensation. 

After being injured while riding a bike, medical bills can add up quickly, and pain and suffering can last for years. Seeking legal help soon after a bike accident is always in your best interest.

In addition to knowledge about bike accident laws, we are also highly experienced in personal injury cases having to do with: 

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bus accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Brain injuries
• Spine injuries
• Wrongful death

Having experience in all of these situations is highly beneficial when it comes to representing bike accident clients.

Our attorneys ensure every client receives proper compensation for the physical and mental trauma they suffer. Contact us today. You won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.