This is the first post in a series discussing bicycle accident cases in Peoria, Illinois. For obvious reasons, cyclists who are hit by a car or truck often suffer serious injuries as a result. Bike crashes may even result in the wrongful death of a victim. If you or a loved one have been injured in such an incident, immediate steps should be taken to protect your interests. The objective of this series is to provide general information about how bicycle cases are handled in Illinois and the rights of victims and their families. Another goal is to provide information that will help residents select an attorney to assist them through the process. If you need assistance following a bike accident, contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
This series will address the following issues:
- How Illinois’ comparative fault laws impact a bicycle accident case
- Dealing with insurance companies after a bike crash injury
- The importance of discovery in such matters
- The need for expert witnesses in bicycle accident cases
- What to expect at a bicycles accident trial
- The determination of a victim’s damages
I have chosen to address these topics for several reasons. First, many victims believe that if they are partially at fault for an accident, they cannot recover damages. This is not the case. Under Illinois’ comparative fault laws, victims who bear less than fifty-one percent of the responsibility may still receive partial compensation. Second, it is important to understand that the process of dealing with insurance carriers can be lengthy and, depending on the facts, can become contentious. Your attorney can assist you by handling the insurance process on your behalf. Third, to recover damages, the injured party must prove the defendant’s liability for the crash. Conducting a thorough investigation and preserving evidence through the discovery process is an essential part of any bicycle accident case. Fourth, expert witnesses may be required in order to prove both liability and a victim’s damages. Fifth, victims and their families should have a basic understanding of what to expect should the case proceed to trial. Finally, depending upon the nature of the victim’s injuries, calculating the compensation to which one may be entitled can be difficult. I will provide an overview of the process and elements of determining a victim’s damages.
If you have been injured in a bike crash, it is important to retain an attorney as soon as possible. This will help ensure that crucial evidence is preserved, witnesses identified, and that initial communications with the insurance companies are handled properly. If you need assistance contact my Peoria office today. Our firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
