What Can I Do If I Was Injured While Riding a Bike?

 Posted on September 12, 2026 in Personal Injury

Riding a bicycle is an eco-friendly, enjoyable means of transportation and leisure for many people. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Bicycle accidents resulting in significant injuries and deaths are relatively common, especially on the busy streets of Chicago.

If a driver caused your bicycle accident in 2026, you may be able to seek compensation for the losses caused by the crash. A Barrington, IL bicycle accident attorney can explain your options and help you pursue a claim.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Illinois?

Getting medical care should be your priority after a bicycle accident. If you can safely do so, you should also gather information that may help establish what happened.

This may include:

• Photos of your bicycle, the vehicle, your injuries, and the scene
• The driver's contact and insurance information
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• A copy of the police report when it becomes available

You should also keep your medical bills and records showing any time you missed work. These steps can be especially important if the driver or insurance company later disputes responsibility for the collision.

What Are My Legal Options After a Bicycle Collision in Illinois?

If a driver's negligence caused the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. Your claim can seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses and pain and suffering. You may also be able to claim lost income or damage to your bicycle.

Your attorney will help you gather evidence and can then prepare a demand for compensation and negotiate with the insurance company. The insurance company may respond with a settlement offer.

Your attorney can help determine whether the offer adequately accounts for your losses and fight for a better amount when necessary. If the parties cannot reach an appropriate settlement, it may be time to consider a personal injury lawsuit.

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have on Illinois Roads?

Illinois bicyclists generally have many of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1502 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, a person riding a bicycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a driver, except for rules that apply specifically to bicycles or cannot reasonably apply to cyclists.

A driver, therefore, cannot disregard a cyclist's right to use the road. Bicyclists must also follow applicable traffic laws. The actions of both the cyclist and the driver can become relevant when determining responsibility for a collision.

What Are Common Obstacles in Illinois Bicycle Injury Claims?

Insurance companies do not always agree to pay what an injured cyclist requests. One common obstacle is a disagreement over who caused the accident. A driver might claim that the cyclist entered the road unexpectedly or ignored a traffic signal.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. According to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can recover damages if you are 50 percent or less responsible for your injuries, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. This also means that if you are more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot recover damages.

Another obstacle can be disagreement over the value of the claim. An insurer may question whether all of your medical treatment was necessary or dispute the amount of income you lost. Medical records, along with other evidence, can help support your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois law places a time limit on pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, a personal injury claim typically must be filed within two years after the claim arises.

This deadline can affect negotiations with an insurance company. Even if settlement discussions are ongoing, an injured cyclist may still need to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires to preserve the right to pursue compensation in court. Because different deadlines can apply in some cases, it’s best to speak to an attorney about your claim as quickly as possible.

Call a Cook County, IL Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you were injured while riding a bicycle, you may have the right to seek compensation from the driver who caused the collision. At Barrington Injury Attorneys, we can handle negotiations with the insurance company and help you pursue a fair recovery.

Contact one of our Barrington, IL personal injury lawyers or call 224-900-HURT today to schedule your free consultation.