Experienced Naperville Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Hit by a car while riding your bicycle in DuPage or Will County? If you suffered injuries that required medical treatment, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. The insurance company isn’t going to pay a fair settlement for your losses automatically, however. Without an experienced bicycle accident lawyer on your side, you’ll be lucky to recover enough compensation to pay for your medical bills, let alone your lost wages and pain and suffering damages.
At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, our bike accident attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of our clients.
- Se Habla Español
- 50+ Years of Combined Experience
- Risk-Free Consultations
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
Table of Contents
ToggleTrust Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy With Your Bike Accident Case
Our Naperville bicycle accident attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience to your injury case, giving you the edge you need to win against the insurance company. We’ve recovered millions for injured clients across Illinois, and we’re committed to delivering top-dollar results for you and your family. Known for our aggressive approach, personalized representation, and a deep understanding of Illinois personal injury law, our attorneys have earned a reputation for standing up to insurers and negligent parties. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis—if we don’t win, you don’t pay. With our proven track record, legal skill, and relentless dedication, we’ll fight to secure the full and fair compensation you’re owed. What makes our law firm different?
We’ll Maximize Your Compensation
Bicycle accident cases often involve more than just a negligent driver. Unsafe road conditions, defective bike components, or poorly maintained bike paths can all contribute to your crash. Even if the driver seems solely responsible at first glance, our attorneys will dig deeper to uncover all possible avenues for compensation. We’ll investigate the crash, consult with experts, and hold all responsible parties accountable—including government entities and manufacturers—so you can recover the full value of your losses.
We’ll Create Personalized Legal Strategies
You’re not just a file number to us. When you hire our firm, you get legal representation tailored to your specific needs. Your recovery—both financial and physical—is our priority. From the moment we take your case, we’ll assess the full impact your injuries have on your daily life, your future, and your finances. Our attorneys will build a legal strategy that aligns with your goals and maximizes your results, because your case isn’t just about compensation—it’s about getting your life back.
We Won’t Charge Upfront Fees
We know the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we take all bicycle accident cases on contingency. You don’t have to worry about paying legal fees out of pocket while you’re trying to recover. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. It’s that simple. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.
Client Testimonials
Everyone was outstanding, great communication and helpful in explaining how this process would work.
I highly recommend Tom and his team.
Related Videos
Your First Steps After a Bicycle Accident
The first few moments after getting hit by a car while riding your bike can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can help you keep calm and focused. Taking these steps protects your health and safety, and strengthens your personal injury claim if you choose to file one. Some of the steps to take after a bicycle accident include:
- Call 911: Reporting an accident that involves injury is a legal requirement, but even if it wasn’t, it is still an important step. An official police report of your accident can serve as important evidence later on. Also, be sure to get checked out by the paramedics when the ambulance arrives, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious.
- Collect Evidence: If you are able to do so, gather any evidence you can. This can include videos of the accident scene, photographs of the accident, damaged vehicles, and injuries, and witness statements. Look for security cameras at nearby homes and businesses. Your injury lawyer may be able to get surveillance footage from nearby cameras to help prove negligence.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you’re not transported by ambulance to the hospital, get checked out by your doctor or the ER as soon as possible. Some injury symptoms take time to manifest, and they may not be apparent because of the adrenaline rush you’re experiencing after the accident. Additionally, an official medical record of your injuries and treatment plan can aid you in your claim. If you wait to get medical attention, the other party’s defense team can argue that your injuries could have happened elsewhere, or that they aren’t as serious as you claim they are. This can make recovering compensation more difficult than it needs to be.
Who Are Defendants in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Identifying all liable parties is critical to recovering maximum compensation in a bicycle accident case. In many claims, more than one party may be held accountable for your injuries and losses. At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, we don’t stop with the obvious defendant—we dig deeper to uncover every entity whose negligence played a role in your crash.
Negligent Drivers
Motorists are frequently the primary defendants in bicycle accident lawsuits. Distracted, speeding, or impaired drivers who fail to yield or violate traffic laws often cause serious injuries to cyclists. Whether the driver struck you in a bike lane, at an intersection, or opened a car door into your path, we’ll hold them accountable for their reckless behavior.
Employers of Negligent Drivers
If the driver who hit you was operating a commercial vehicle or driving for work at the time of the crash, their employer may also be legally responsible. We’ll investigate the scope of the driver’s employment and determine whether the company failed in its duty to hire, train, or supervise the employee properly.
Vehicle or Bicycle Manufacturers
Defective auto or bike parts—like faulty brakes, tires, or steering components—can lead to catastrophic crashes. If product failure contributed to your accident, we may pursue a claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer under Illinois product liability laws.
Government Entities
Poorly maintained roads, broken traffic signals, unrepaired potholes, lack of bike lanes, or dangerous construction zones may also make a local or state agency liable for your accident. Claims against government bodies are complex and time-sensitive, but our attorneys know how to navigate the legal hurdles and file suit within the required deadlines.
Property Owners or Third Parties
In some cases, private property owners or third-party contractors (like event organizers or maintenance crews) may be to blame. If unsafe premises or negligent acts created a hazard that led to your crash, we’ll pursue those parties for damages.
Bicycle Accident Claim Value
Assigning a specific monetary value to a bicycle accident claim is a process that is influenced by several variables. There is no way to accurately predict what the value of your claim will be without first assessing all the evidence associated with the case and what damages apply to your situation. There are two types of compensable damages you can claim in your bicycle accident case. These damages include economic, or special damages, and non-economic, or general damages.
Economic damages include all the ways you have lost money due to the accident. Whether you lost income because you missed work or you spent money on medical bills, these are financial losses for which we will seek compensation. Other examples of economic damages include ambulance transport expenses, the cost of medications and medical equipment, and modifications to your home or vehicle.
Non-economic damages have to do with all the ways your life has been affected because of your bike accident. You may be experiencing pain and suffering, mental anguish and a loss of quality of life, for example. If you suffer PTSD after a bicycle accident or are no longer physically able to ride a bicycle, we will work hard to ensure that your compensation award reflects these non-economic damages. Non-economic damages can also involve being unable to take care of your family or enjoy hobbies and activities. Even if these are temporary damages, they should still be reflected in your compensation.
In some cases, if the other party’s actions were considered grossly negligent, you may also be able to claim punitive damages. These damages are assigned as a way of punishing the wrongdoer and boosting the compensation you receive.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can often be more severe than if you were in a car when the accident took place. This is due to the lack of protection bicyclists have as compared to an enclosed motor vehicle. When you’re on a bike, there is nothing to absorb the impact or shield the body from a direct blow from the other vehicle. Additionally, without any form of restraint keeping you attached to your seat, impact may send you flying. Some common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scrapes, cuts and bruises
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Illinois?
Yes, there is a time limit for filing your bicycle accident claim. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is generally going to be two years from the date of your accident. Some circumstances can affect this deadline, however. As such, it is essential that you reach out to an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be able to determine how the statute of limitations applies to your case.
If you do not file your claim within the statute of limitations, you will be barred from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Crash?
You shouldn’t talk to the other party’s insurance company or accept a settlement offer without consulting with an attorney first. Insurance companies are out to protect their bottom line, and they will do everything they can to minimize the payout you receive.
The insurance may try and get you to say things on record that would devalue your claim. They may twist your words around. They will most likely try to get you to accept a lowball settlement before you’ve had a chance to consult with a lawyer. As such, it is in your best interest to have all communications with the insurance company handled by your attorney.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Crash?
You shouldn’t talk to the other party’s insurance company or accept a settlement offer without consulting with an attorney first. Insurance companies are out to protect their bottom line, and they will do everything they can to minimize the payout you receive.
The insurance may try and get you to say things on record that would devalue your claim. They may twist your words around. They will most likely try to get you to accept a lowball settlement before you’ve had a chance to consult with a lawyer. As such, it is in your best interest to have all communications with the insurance company handled by your attorney.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Illinois adopted a modified comparative negligence system as the standard for recovering compensation for your injuries. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault, you will still receive compensation as long as you’re not determined to be mostly at fault for your accident. However, your award will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are unable to recover compensation for your injuries.
Call Our Naperville Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you suffered injury in a bicycle accident due to the negligent behavior of another party, it is essential that you contact an attorney right away. The skilled bicycle attorneys at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, LLC will protect your rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive. Our law firm offers free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us for a case evaluation.