I found the law practice of what was at the time, Turcy and Chute, to be very efficient, knowledgeable and committed in the specialty of Personal Injury Law. As a recipient of their guidance and perseverance, I was very pleased with their communication, explanations and the ultimate positive verdict. For over three years, Tom Chute and staff shared their professionalism, belief and expertise in my case. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others.
Mike took care of my case and I’m thankful for all of the help, time, and effort he put forth for me. Any time I had questions, Mike was always there to answer and then answer them again if I needed further clarification. Nobody really wants to be put in this position and dealing with a process like mine, but if you absolutely have to, go with him.
I had the pleasure of working with attorney Tom Grace on my deceased father’s personal injury case. Tom was very prompt in all of his communications, he never left us guessing what was going on or where we were in the process, he offered up his honest opinion when it was decision making time and lastly he ensured this case wasn’t dragged out. I would highly appreciate his customer service and would absolutely recommend Tom Grace and the Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy team.
AMAZING! I highly recommend this group. We had quite an unusual case, this group was our only glimmer of hope when our options were limited and no one would accept a complicated case. We worked closely with Colin O’Malley and his team. Words cannot do justice to how wonderful they are; highly competent, professional, very responsive, thorough and friendly. Colin went above and beyond to make himself available and to answer all our questions and concerns. If you need an excellent proficient injury lawyer that would fight for you, look no further!
Tom Grace is an amazing attorney. I highly recommend him, he was very professional, caring, and very detailed when explaining the status of my case. I was very pleased with my settlement especially during a time like this with this cover-19 going on. He managed to get things done in a timely manner and always kept me in the wraps with my case. Thank You so very much! I really appreciated it. If anyone needs a lawyer, Tom Grace is the guy to go to. Very good job!
Bicycle accidents can leave riders with serious injuries and unexpected legal complications. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or injured due to poorly maintained roads, what you do after the crash can dramatically impact your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, many cyclists make critical mistakes after a bicycle accident—mistakes that can hurt their health, their case, and their financial future.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party. In the meantime, here are the most common missteps bicycle accident victims make—and how you can avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes cyclists make after a bike accident is not contacting law enforcement at the scene. Even if you feel okay or the damage seems minor, you need a police report. That document provides an official record of what happened and may include critical details such as driver statements, witness accounts, and evidence of fault.
If you leave the scene without calling the police, it becomes your word against the driver’s. That can seriously undermine your ability to file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Pro tip: Stay at the scene until officers arrive, even if the other party tries to talk you out of it.
Adrenaline can mask injuries. Many cyclists walk away from a crash thinking they’re fine, only to wake up the next day with severe pain, stiffness, or symptoms of a concussion.
Failing to seek prompt medical care after a bicycle accident can do two things:
See a doctor within 24 hours, even if you think your injuries are minor. Keep records of every appointment, test, and diagnosis. These documents will serve as crucial evidence if you file a claim.
Accidentally admitting fault is one of the biggest mistakes in bicycle accident case. After a collision, it’s natural to feel disoriented, confused, or even guilty—even if the crash wasn’t your fault. Saying things like “I didn’t see you,” “I should’ve stopped,” or “I’m sorry” can be taken out of context and used against you later.
Stick to the facts when speaking to police or the other party involved. Don’t speculate. Let the investigation determine fault. Even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as an admission of liability.
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Many cyclists overlook this step because they assume the police will document everything. But sometimes crucial details are missed.
This kind of evidence can be incredibly valuable when it’s time to negotiate a settlement or prove liability in court.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line—not your interests. Speaking to them before you’ve talked to a lawyer is risky. They may pressure you into giving a recorded statement or accepting a lowball settlement offer.
Don’t sign anything, make any statements, or agree to a settlement without legal advice. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can deal with the insurance company for you and ensure you don’t get shortchanged.
Posting on Social Media is another one of the biggest mistakes people make after a bicycle accident. We get it—you want to update friends and family or vent your frustrations online. But what you post on social media can and will be used against you. Even innocent comments or photos can be twisted to downplay your injuries or question your credibility.
When in doubt, stay off social media until your case is resolved.
Time is not on your side after a bicycle accident. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines (like the statute of limitations) start ticking the moment the crash happens.
Too many victims wait until they’re overwhelmed by medical bills or an uncooperative insurance company to get legal help. By then, their options may be limited.
The sooner you involve a bicycle accident attorney, the better. A lawyer can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and build a strong case from the start.
Inconsistent medical treatment can hurt both your recovery and your legal case. If you skip follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, or ignore medical advice, the insurance company will argue that your injuries weren’t that serious—or that you failed to mitigate your damages.
Follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed. If you have concerns about a particular treatment, discuss them with your doctor instead of stopping on your own.
A successful injury claim isn’t just about proving liability—it’s about proving losses. That includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Too many cyclists fail to document the full impact of the accident. Keep a detailed journal of:
This kind of documentation can significantly increase the value of your case.
Avoiding these common mistakes after a bicycle accident can make a big difference in your physical recovery and your financial outcome. If you’ve been injured, don’t leave your case to chance. Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of bicycle accident claims and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy in Naperville at 312-775-0042.
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