Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys recently read a press release on The Digital Journal announcing a significant verdict in a bicycle accident lawsuit. The verdict, which was over $1 million, was rewarded to an injured bicycle rider. The rider fell off of her bicycle due to an illegally parked vehicle, and, as a result of falling, her leg was run over by a city bus.

According to the release, the bike rider was using the proper bike lane, but because a vehicle was illegally parked, she needed to move around the parked automobile. While she was moving around the vehicle, the driver of the illegally parked car opened his side door. The bicyclist saw this happen and slammed on her breaks, causing her to fall off of the bike and into the road.

Not only was the victim in the hospital for 20 days, but she also needed daily physical therapy, outpatient rehab, and other forms of kinesiology in order to regain strength in her leg. The victim will also have permanent scars and neuro-damage to her right leg. The victim sued the illegally parked driver for negligently parking his car in an unlawful place.

The article reports that, “the defendant acknowledged some responsibility for the accident but named the MTA bus company and bus driver as third party defendants in the lawsuit. The defendants claimed that both the driver of the MTA bus and the plaintiff were also negligent and contributed to the accident.” Ultimately, the jury ruled in favor of the woman, giving her $1.1 million for past and future pain, and also over $150,000 for medical costs.

Bike safety awareness has recently gotten a lot of attention and we feel it’s important to remind drivers that they not only share the road with other drivers, but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Sites like BicycleSafe.com offer some tips on how bikers can avoid collisions with cars, including tips on proper bike gear. This includes using reflectors and a headlight, for nighttime riding. Not only does Illinois law require headlights, but they can also be used as a flasher to make yourself apparent to some drivers that may not see you.

Also, bikes should be equipped with a loud bell or horn. Similar to how a car uses a horn, a bicyclist can use this to alert cars around them of their presence. And, always wear a helmet to protect your head in case an accident should occur. Mirrors are also beneficial to help the biker to see what is going on behind them, and check the blind spots that they might have when going around parked cars, turning, or merging into another lane on the road.

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys encourage all bicyclists to be prepared and alert when riding on the road. Not only can certain equipment be extremely beneficial when riding, but also paying attention to traffic signs, along with the traffic around you can be life saving. We hope that all bicyclists will take into account these tips, and that drivers will also be more alert, and share the road with their fellow drivers.

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys were happy to read an article on Wednesday in the Chicago Tribune announcing that the City Council passed an ordinance banning bicyclists from texting or talking on a cell phone unless using a hand-free system. This will give cyclists the same rules and regulations in regards to using cell phones that other motorists in the city of Chicago have.

A fine of $20 will be collected for the first offense, and could go as high as $500. In a recent blog post, our Illinois bicycle accident lawyers discussed a Chicago bike accident that involved a biker who had been texting. Texting and talking on the phone is not just dangerous for larger vehicles, or motor vehicles, but is especially dangerous for pedestrians and bikers due to the lack of protection.

When on the road, regardless of your means of transportation, it is important to stay alert and focused on the road ahead of you by avoiding distractions. Road.cc is a website dedicated to bicycle news, and they also reported on the issue of bicyclist cell phone use. According to Road.cc, there is a ban throughout Chicago on the use of phones for texting, sending e-mails, or using the Internet in school zones, and near construction sites. Bicyclists are road users as well, and they have the same responsibilities as drivers on the road. Diving distracted on a bicycle can cause crashes into inanimate objects, other bikers, pedestrians, and motor vehicles.

Early this year, according to ABC7News, Illinois created a campaign called “Drive Now. Text Later .” This campaign’s goal is to make road users aware of the distractions cellphones can create. Because of growing technology, the state understands that texting and cell phone use will not cease anytime soon, so in order to factor that into society’s needs, the state created this campaign to advertise the dangers associated with technology and driving. Surprisingly, some Illinois residents are unaware that texting while driving is illegal, so it is important to continue to raise awareness surrounding the dangers. As one Illinois State Trooper quoted in the report cautioned, “When you are behind the wheel, pay attention to driving. The text message can wait .”

Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers support the ban for the safety of all drivers on the road, and also encourage cyclists to comply in order to stay focused on the road. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should have their eyes on the road ahead where they are going, instead of down at their phone. It is easy to lose focus, but it is also easy to avoid distractions. Driving distracted is completely avoidable and preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another driver’s distractions please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.

Our Illinois accident attorneys were happy to read an article in the Washington Times that discussed a recent bill introduced by a Chicago alderman to ban cell phone use by bicyclists. The bill that would extend hands-free distracted-driving laws to everyone on the road, which would include bicyclists.

The article reported that a high number of cyclists talk and text while they are riding around, even in heavy downtown traffic. Making this distraction illegal could make streets safer for all motorists and cyclists. As we have noted before, Chicago is becoming a very bike-friendly city. Just recently, plans were announced to expand the City’s bike-share program. Mayor Rahm Emanuel also plans to implement over 100 miles of protected bike lanes. Proponents of the new regulations say an anti cell phone law for cyclists could contribute to safer bike lanes. All drivers, no matter what type of vehicle they are operating, should be focusing on the road and their surroundings, not on social media, texting, talking on cellular telephones, or other distractions.

Our attorneys agree that this Chicago bill would further protect the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. We also encourage bicyclists to be familiar with the rules and laws for bike operators in their own communities. Chicago Bike Laws is a site where our bicyclist readers can go to look up the City of Chicago’s bike laws. Also, the Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road is a pamphlet that states general rules and regulations for bicyclists across the state. Some general bicycle safety tips include:

• Riding in single file
• Ride one to a bike
• Avoid riding in the dark
• Check the bike equipment often
• Stay closest to the right side of the road
• Have both hands on the handlebars at all times

Our Chicago accident attorneys encourage bicyclists to put down their cell phones even before this bill is official. When riding your bike in the city, you should wear helmets at all times, and avoid all possible distractions. Unfortunately, when accident occurs between bikes and larger vehicles, it is often the bicyclist who faces the most severe injuries. Following these bicycle safety tips will not only help keep cyclists safe, but will also protect the safety of other people on the road. If you have any question regarding a Chicago bike accident, please contact our lawyers to discuss your possible claim.

The New York Times discussed a study that looked at the correlation between pedestrian injuries and bicycles. Usually our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys focus on the damage that cars can do to people, however it is also important to realize that a pedestrian can acquire serious injuries from being struck by a bicycle. The study reported that, from 2007 to 2010, approximately 1,000 pedestrians were hospitalized after being struck by bicyclists. An alarming 55% of accidents occurred in an urban city.

This study is just the beginning, because it only surveyed pedestrians who were already hospitalized; there surely are other pedestrian-cyclist accidents that were not included in the study because they did not go to the hospital. Some states are even passing new laws to make reporting bicycle-pedestrian accidents mandatory. This will allow authorities to develop new rules to reduce the occurrence of this type of accident.

It is also important to look at where the accident occurred, so better signage and infrastructure can be implemented to better protect both the bicyclists and pedestrians. It would be beneficial to ordain bike lanes separate from motorists and pedestrians to make streets and roads safer. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers have seen a number of new bike lanes such as this, including one on Kinzie Ave. close to our office. We would be curious to see if this change has reduced the number of pedestrian-bicycle accidents in the area, because these clearly marked lanes draw attention to the presence of bike traffic. Comparably, car accidents account for a much higher number of pedestrian injuries. But, this does not mean that bike accidents and safety should be ignored.

According to FoxNews, some cities are also planning to start bike-sharing programs where bikes can be rented and deposited, in order to encourage cycling. With more bicycles on the streets, it will be crucial for these cities to educate the public on all aspects of safe cycling. Chicago has a bike-share program in place, but just this week the City announced that this program will be expanded

Safety education and infrastructure investments are being made continuously to protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who share the road. The Illinois Rules of the Road states “bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road way user” and it is important to keep that in mind. The Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road also states the bikes have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are on sidewalks or crosswalks, to slow down and go around them, or give them an audible signal to make your presence known. In many places, including Chicago, cyclists are not allowed to bike on sidewalks.

Our Illinois bicyclist and pedestrian attorneys advise our readers to pay attention to to pedestrians when cycling. Bicyclists should pay attention to bicycle safety laws and regulations in their city to make sure that they are protecting themselves, and pedestrians that they share the road with. Contact our Illinois bicycle attorneys with any questions.

NBCChicago reported a Chicago bike accident that occurred earlier this week involving a drunk driver and a cyclist. The driver has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing police, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and reckless homicide. The car collided with the bike, killing the cyclist due to multiple injuries. The driver fled the scene, however police found him near the crash. The report continues to state that in addition to aggravated DUI and fleeing the scene, the driver ignored a stop sign, was driving without a license, and did not have insurance. The driver is currently being held without bond.

This story once again illustrates the dangers of driving under the influence. As we have discussed in previous posts, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys believe that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very serious charge and should not be taken lightly. We hope that by publicizing DUI accidents, readers will see how many preventable injuries and deaths occur each month in the Chicago area. We hope our readers will use this knowledge to help raise awareness surrounding this problem. Driving intoxicated, from any substance, can not only harm you, but it also endangers other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Additionally, this story brings up the issues surrounding hit and run accidents. There are a number of reasons why drivers decide to leave the scene of an accident, but it is always a poor decision, and can lead to serious charges. In this case, the driver should have not left the scene of the accident, but probably did so because he was intoxicated and driving without a license and feared arrest. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, “The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible and shall then forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.” Our Chicago injury attorneys encourage drivers involved in an accident, to pull over safely, and call an emergency number. Doing so may help the victim get the medical attention he or she needs sooner, and could save a life.

If you have lost a loved one due to another driver’s mistakes, you may be able to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit would not only help you to receive reasonable compensation, but it also allows you to hold wrongdoers responsible for their negligent actions. If you have been a victim in a cycling or car accident, or have lost a loved one in an accident, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers to see how they may be able to help you.

In warmer weather, there is a tendency to see more bicyclists on the roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. Our Chicago injury attorneys always notice an increase in the number of calls we receive about bicycle accident injuries in the spring and summer. Bicyclists in Illinois are responsible for following rules similar to most other motorists, so we thought it would be helpful to remind our readers-bikers and drivers alike-about basic bike Rules of the Road in Illinois.

Bicyclists should drive in the same direction as other motorists on the road, but in some instances road blockage can cause the cyclist to have to move inward to avoid the obstructions. Bicyclists have the right-of-way on the road when it comes to bicyclists and motorists. If your car is riding next to a bicycle and for whatever reason you are required to pass it, the Illinois Rules of the Road booklet suggests that drivers "do so slowly and leave at least 3 ft. of passing space".

Blog readers may recall that last summer, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation for bicyclists into law in order to better safeguard cyclists around Illinois. The law, which has recently been established as effective, created penalties for motorists who drive aggressively towards cyclists. We urge motorists to pay close attention to bicyclists, however, it is also crucial that cyclists still operate their bikes safely and wear a fitted helmet to lower their risk for serious injury should accident occur.

When a bike and car are involved in an accident, the bicyclist usually suffers from worse injuries due to the sheer size difference. When drivers are aggressive, disobey road signs or do not pay attention to smaller vehicles or bicycles on the road, a serious accident can occur. If a cyclist is involved, especially one who is not wearing the proper safety equipment such as a helmet, it is probable that the smaller vehicle or bicyclist will suffer from more severe injuries.

Continue reading "Attention to Bicycle Safety Can Reduce Chance of Illinois Car Accident " »

CarmiTimes recently reported about an Illinois car accident involving a drunk driver. A seven-year-old pedestrian was involved in the Lawrence County car accident. The driver, who was intoxicated and later charged with driving under the influence, had hit the child while he was on his bicycle, and the bicycle accidently went into the traffic lane. The accident lead to a pedestrian fatality of the seven-year-old child. The negligent driver involved in the Illinois car accident was not only charged with an aggravated driving under the influence, but also endangering the life of a child, failure to slow down in order to avoid an accident, and inability of driver to exercise due care, the CarmiTimes stated. The driver is in the custody of the county and currently in jail. The Illinois State Police, along with the county’s sheriff’s department are cooperating together to further investigate the Illinois car accident.

According to Illinois Drunk Driving Statistics in 2008, 35% of all traffic fatalities involved driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is completely avoidable and preventable.

People who are injured in car accidents, including those involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can potentially file lawsuits against the negligent driver. The cases may include wrongful death, personal injury, or pedestrian accidents. The victims or loved ones of the persons involved in these cases may have to deal with grief, expensive medical bills, doctor’s appointments and surgeries that can become unbearable and costly. Filing a lawsuit may result in compensation for their lost wages. Furthermore our Illinois injury attorneys have handled many cases of this nature successfully, and may be able to help a victim or the victim’s family members obtain justice and help them grieve.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers continue to draw attention to the severity and possible consequences that drunk driving results in. Too prevent these accidents, involving intoxicated drivers, we strongly support the message that no one should ever operate a motor vehicle while they have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Earlier today in Crystal Lake, an 8 year old girl was left in critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle in an attempt to cross the street on her bicycle, according to the Northwest Herald. Subsequently, the child suffered a severe head injury and was immediately rushed into surgery. While the specifics of this Suburban Chicago bicycle accident are unknown, investigative officials have stated that the child was not wearing a helmet.

Needless to say, Illinois car accidents involving bicycles are especially prevalent in the summer months, just as thousands of children are being let out of school for the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists ages 14 and younger account for twenty-one percent of those injured in motor vehicle accidents. The threat of these accidents becomes even more sizeable when the bicyclist fails to wear a safety helmet.

Given that only half of all known bicyclists wear a helmet, according Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is no surprise that accidents and fatalities have increased among non-users. The rationale behind helmet use is to prevent head injury by minimizing and cushioning impact in the event of an accident. The CPSC recommends that cyclists not only purchase a helmet, but correctly wear it as well. Correct helmet use includes: wearing the helmet flat on top of your head (opposed to tilted back), snug fit, a clear unobstructed vision line, and finally, chin and buckle straps must be securely fastened.

Our Illinois accident attorneys remind cyclists and motorists to adhere to both vehicle and bicycle safety laws. It is important to remember that cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists. In accordance with the Illinois Vehicle Code, both motorists and cyclists should be aware of these common rules. For instance, a cyclist must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, except when passing another bike, making a left or right turn, or avoiding unsafe conditions (i.e. pedestrians, animals, debris, potholes). In addition, while Illinois has not established a law requiring the use of helmets while operating a bicycle, it is strongly encouraged to protect your safety.

WLS News reported earlier this week on a serious Chicago bicycle accident that struck on the city’s north side. There is only minimal information available about the crash at this point, but investigators do know that it involves a bicyclist and a city.

Apparently the 20-year-old bicyclist was in the North Center neighborhood on Cullom Avenue when the accident occurred. Reports indicate that she was traveling east on Cullom at the Lincoln Avenue intersection when she disobeyed a stop sign. As a result, she crossed the intersection just as a city truck was headed north on Lincoln. The truck collided with the bicyclist sending her off the bike and onto the road.

Emergency crews were quickly called and the woman was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. The truck driver remained at the scene following the accident and no citations have yet been issued.

Chicagoans are well-aware of the prevalence of bike accidents on our city’s streets. A large, diverse city like ours is filled with various modes of transportation. Semitrailers, city trucks, SUVs, small cars, bikes, mopeds, Segways, and walkers all travel on and across miles and miles of city roadways morning, noon, night. Because of that there are countless opportunities for deadly collisions, especially when any of those travelers fails to abide by appropriate standards of care.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Seriously Injured in North Side Crash" »

Chicagoans are well-aware of the prevalence of bike accidents on our city’s streets. A large, diverse city like ours is filled with various modes of transportation. Semitrailers, city trucks, SUVs, small cars, bikes, mopeds, Segways, and walkers all travel on and across miles and miles of city roadways morning, noon, night. Because of that there are countless opportunities for deadly collisions, especially when any of those travelers fails to abide by appropriate standards of care.

In particular, dangerous crashes involving cars and bikes seem to be especially common, as both types of travelers attempt to share the same roadways—often with very little room for error. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have been involved in several accidents involving collisions between bikes and cars. Because of the virtually non-existent protection offered by bikes, these bike crashes very frequently involve severe injury.

It is for that reason that it is of vital importance for bikers and car drivers to abide by local driving rules at all times. It is possible for the various kinds of travelers to share the road safely but only when both ensure that they stay in their designated lanes, travel at appropriate speeds, and stop at the appropriate lights and signs. The consequences are too high to act otherwise.

For example, the Millburn-Shorthills Patch a story today about a vehicle crash this morning involving a bicycle and a car. The bike rider was in serious condition following the morning accident. In that case a biker was traveling down a hill when he failed to yield and hit a car turning left at the base of the hill. As is common in cases like these, the driver of the car was uninjured, but the bicyclist remains in the hospitals from his injuries.

Chicagoans are well-aware of the prevalence of bike accidents on our city’s streets. A large, diverse city like ours is filled with various modes of transportation. Semitrailers, city trucks, SUVs, small cars, bikes, mopeds, Segways, and walkers all travel on and across miles and miles of city roadways morning, noon, night. Because of that there are countless opportunities for deadly collisions, especially when any of those travelers fails to abide by appropriate standards of care.

In particular, dangerous crashes involving cars and bikes seem to be especially common, as both types of travelers attempt to share the same roadways—often with very little room for error. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have been involved in several accidents involving collisions between bikes and cars. Because of the virtually non-existent protection offered by bikes, these bike crashes very frequently involve severe injury.

It is for that reason that it is of vital importance for bikers and car drivers to abide by local driving rules at all times. It is possible for the various kinds of travelers to share the road safely but only when both ensure that they stay in their designated lanes, travel at appropriate speeds, and stop at the appropriate lights and signs. The consequences are too high to act otherwise.

For example, the Millburn-Shorthills Patch a story today about a vehicle crash this morning involving a bicycle and a car. The bike rider was in serious condition following the morning accident. In that case a biker was traveling down a hill when he failed to yield and hit a car turning left at the base of the hill. As is common in cases like these, the driver of the car was uninjured, but the bicyclist remains in the hospitals from his injuries.

Chicagoans are well-aware of the prevalence of bike accidents on our city’s streets. A large, diverse city like ours is filled with various modes of transportation. Semitrailers, city trucks, SUVs, small cars, bikes, mopeds, Segways, and walkers all travel on and across miles and miles of city roadways morning, noon, night. Because of that there are countless opportunities for deadly collisions, especially when any of those travelers fails to abide by appropriate standards of care.

In particular, dangerous crashes involving cars and bikes seem to be especially common, as both types of travelers attempt to share the same roadways—often with very little room for error. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have been involved in several accidents involving collisions between bikes and cars. Because of the virtually non-existent protection offered by bikes, these bike crashes very frequently involve severe injury.

It is for that reason that it is of vital importance for bikers and car drivers to abide by local driving rules at all times. It is possible for the various kinds of travelers to share the road safely but only when both ensure that they stay in their designated lanes, travel at appropriate speeds, and stop at the appropriate lights and signs. The consequences are too high to act otherwise.

For example, the Millburn-Shorthills Patch a story today about a vehicle crash this morning involving a bicycle and a car. The bike rider was in serious condition following the morning accident. In that case a biker was traveling down a hill when he failed to yield and hit a car turning left at the base of the hill. As is common in cases like these, the driver of the car was uninjured, but the bicyclist remains in the hospitals from his injuries.

Bicycle riders need to make sure that they are aware of and follow all of the appropriate laws that are in place to protect both bike riders and other drivers on the road. Similarly, drivers need to be aware of the laws regarding bike riders to also help ensure the safety of all those that are on the road together. One important rule for bikers to always remember and always follow is that bicyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic and whenever it is safely possible should travel directly to the right of cars, and this is so that everyone is traveling in the same direction which hopefully makes it less likely that a bike and car will get into a collision.

Chicago accident attorneys remind drivers of vehicles to remember a few simple rules regarding bikers so they can do their part to keep the streets safe for everyone. First off, drivers need to make sure to always keep a safe distance and to allow about three feet of passing space between their car and a biker, and make sure to always give them this adequate room in order to keep them safe in the event of a sudden stop. Additionally, when making a turn make sure to check to make sure a bicyclist is not passing on the right or the left before you make your turn, and always use a turn signal to allow the biker to know of your plan to turn, in order to help prevent accidents. Lastly, make sure after parking your car to look out for bikers before possibly opening your door into their pathway. To read more about simple tips to help avoid a bike accident, please click on this link. These few simple safety measures taken by bikers and drivers could make all the difference in preventing biking accidents !

Legislation was signed in Illinois on July 5th in which Governor Quinn promised to offer more protection to bicyclists that ride their bikes in Illinois. The goal of the bill is keep both bicyclists and motorists safe on Chicago roads and lead to a decrease in the number of injuries and accidents that occur each year involving bicycles. One of the main steps that will be taken to increase safety is the creation of new penalties to punish motorists that are caught driving either recklessly or too close to bikers. According to Chicago Breaking News, the hope is that creating penalties will create a deterrence to drivers to engage in this type of risky and unsafe behavior, in turn resulting in less bike-related accidents. Another change that will be made under this new piece of legislation is the creation of special "Share the Road" license plates that show the driver's support of bike safety and of which the money generated from the purchase of these plates will be used to pay for biker and driver safety educational programs. To read more about this recently signed bill that is aimed at reducing bike accidents, please click on this link.

Illinois accident attorneys remind all drivers how important it is to watch out for bikers, anytime you are driving in the city. Given the often heavy congestion of the streets in the city of Chicago, as well as the prevalence of bikers in the city, bike accidents occur far too often. While legislation of this sort is definitely a step in a positive direction in helping to ensure that both drivers and bikers remain safe, one of the best steps both drivers and bikers can take is to be alert and aware of their surroundings and not let distractions take your focus off of the road.

A group of about 100 bicyclists rode on what they refer to as the “Ride of Silence” which is a route that was created to commemorate those who have been killed in Chicago biking crashes. This is an annual Chicago event, and many that participate are people that have been directly or indirectly affected by one of these biking accidents. This event is not only to commemorate these fallen individuals and to honor their memory but also to try to raise awareness for bikers. According to Northwestern Medill, this is just one of the many similar biking events all over the country that have similar goals. To read more about this tribute to fallen bikers in Chicago bicycling accidents, please click on this link.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, between 2006 and 2008 15 cyclists were killed in Illinois. Many passenger car drivers and large truck drivers fall to beware of bikers, and while the number of fatal accidents is not very high, there are many smaller accidents involving bikers all the time. One bicyclist says that a common problem is pedestrians stepping into the street and not realizing they are stepping into a biker’s path, causing the cyclist to get knocked off their bike and oftentimes into traffic. Another common problem is people opening their car doors and not realizing they are opening it into a biker’s path. Bicyclists over the age of eleven in Illinois are required to ride on the street and not on the sidewalk, so these types of issues are often very prevalent in Chicago. Our Chicago accident attorneys encourage drivers and pedestrians to be alert and to try to help keep cyclists in Chicago safer!

A Chicago bicyclist was killed on March 30th when he was struck by a car on the West Side of Chicago. The biking accident occurred when the biker was riding on North Waller Avenue and a car failed to slow down and struck the biker. According to Chicago Breaking News, the biker’s injuries were so severe that he unfortunately was unable to recover and died shortly after the biking accident. The driver that struck the man was cited with negligent driving as well as failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. To read more about this tragic car accident, please click on this link.

While drivers must always be aware of bikers and be careful to avoid hitting them, there are also certain safety precautions that bikers can take to ensure their own safety. The Chicago accident attorneys at Levin and Perconti offer several tips for bikers to remain safe while on the road. First of all, bikers should always ride as close to the curb as possible and only veer more into the road to avoid other bikers or a dangerous situation in the road. Additionally, bikers should always have at least one hand on the handlebars and never being holding on to something that would make it impossible for them to use both hands when necessary to control the bike. Whenever there is a bike path adjacent to the street, the biker should always ride on the path instead of the street. Bike should never have more people riding that there are seats available. In addition to these safety tips, all bikes should be equipped with reflective lights to help insure cars can see them and should always have a working brake. Following these tips and making sure your bike is safe to be riding can help you have a safe and enjoyable ride!

Chicago Breaking News reports that a Chicago man who was biking in Logan Square was killed when he was hit by a van. According to the report, Chicago police believe that he was caught in the middle of an altercation between two other vehicles. A vehicle rammed the van and forced it into the path of the bicyclist. The van driver apparently fled the scene on foot after hitting the biker. The victim of the bike accident was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he later died from the severe personal injuries he sustained in the accident. Read more about this tragic bike accident in Chicago.