How Potholes and Poor Road Maintenance Cause Serious Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Bicycles have narrower tires, fewer shock-absorption features, less stability, and lack the protective metal casing that vehicles have. These factors make bicycles more vulnerable to potholes and poor road maintenance, causing serious accidents and injuries in Chicago, such as head trauma, dental injuries, road rash, fractures, and spinal injuries. Understanding the factors behind why poorly maintained roads cause bicycle accidents and the liability issues in such situations can help you protect yourself and seek justice if you’re involved in a crash.
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If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident because of poor road conditions, the Chicago bike accident attorneys at DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, LLC, can help you navigate the accident claims process. Call 312-263-7560 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Ways Potholes and Road Hazards Lead to Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Potholes, cracks, debris, uneven surfaces, unclear road markings, and other road hazards resulting from poor maintenance cause Chicago bicycle accidents by forcing cyclists to lose control or swerve into traffic, or by causing encroachment of vehicles in bike lanes.
In 2023, more than 17,000 potholes were reported in Chicago. Pavement cracks and potholes can destabilize a cyclist, throw him or her off the bike, and lead to serious injury. The risk of serious injury increases when a cyclist hits a pothole at a high speed, as is usually the case in an e-bike crash. Sudden changes in the levels of road surfaces can destabilize riders, leading to falls. Loose gravel and other road debris can reduce tire traction, leading to skidding and falls.
In some cases, cyclists may swerve to avoid these road hazards, increasing their risk of being struck by other vehicles. Missing or faded lane markings can confuse drivers and riders, resulting in cars causing accidents in bike lanes.
Determining Liability for Poorly Maintained Roads
In bicycle accident cases involving poorly maintained roads, determining liability is usually complex. Municipal authorities and other public or private entities that created the hazard or failed to maintain the road may bear liability.
The City of Chicago has a duty to maintain public roads and keep them reasonably safe for all intended users. You can hold the city liable for your damages if you’re injured in an accident due to poor maintenance in a path, lane, or street specifically marked for bicycles. To establish poor road maintenance liability, you’ll also need to prove that the City knew or should’ve known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner.
Private entities, such as construction companies, can be held liable if they created the hazard, such as loose gravel resulting from substandard or incomplete construction activities. If incidents of potholes and poor road maintenance occur on private property, such as a privately maintained road, driveway, or parking lot, liability for your bicycle accident may fall on the private property owner.
Any individual who forced you to hit the road hazard may also be held accountable. For example, if an unsafe passing incident forces you to swerve and hit a pothole, the driver of the vehicle that made you swerve could share liability.
A bicycle accident lawyer will carry out a thorough investigation to determine who’s liable for your crash resulting from poor road maintenance and your best legal options. He or she will help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents: Safety Tips for Navigating Chicago’s Rough Roads
You can reduce the risk of a bicycle accident while navigating Chicago’s roads by planning your route wisely, keeping your bike in good condition, using proper lights, staying vigilant, and riding at a safe speed.
- Plan your route wisely: Choose your cycling routes carefully. Utilize bike lanes, well-maintained roads, and bike-friendly paths. Avoid roads known to have maintenance issues.
- Ensure bike is well maintained: Make sure your bicycle is in excellent condition. Inspect your tires for damage before each ride. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning correctly, chain is properly lubricated, and bike seat is well adjusted for optimal comfort and performance.
- Use proper lights: Equip your bicycle with proper lights. These will help you spot road hazards during low-light conditions.
- Stay vigilant: Avoid distractions while cycling and focus on the road ahead, scanning for any signs of hazards like potholes, cracks, debris, and puddles. Staying alert lets you spot and react to roadway hazards early.
- Ride at a safe speed: You should reduce your riding speed on roads known to have poor conditions and maintain a safe distance from other bicycles and vehicles, which will give you enough time to avoid dangers like a bicycle dooring accident. When you encounter a hazard, hold the handlebars firmly and maneuver around the hazard slowly without making sudden movements.
- Invest in protective gear: Wear protective gear like a helmet and elbow and knee pads. These will help reduce the severity of your injuries in case of an accident.
The bicycle accident lawyers at DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, LLC, have decades of experience helping injured cyclists in Chicago get justice and the full compensation to which they’re entitled. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced lawyers.
Potholes and Poor Road Maintenance FAQs
Who Is Responsible for Bicycle Accidents Caused by Potholes in Chicago?
Entities that could be held responsible for bicycle accidents caused by potholes in Chicago include the local government, contractors performing maintenance work, and owners of the private property adjacent to the crash location. A bicycle accident attorney will need to review the details of your case to establish the responsible parties.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Road Maintenance Claim?
Evidence that helps prove a road maintenance claim includes official maintenance and repair records, prior complaints about the poor road condition, photographs and videos of the dangerous condition, police reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
How Can Cyclists Protect Their Rights After a Pothole-Related Accident?
Steps that cyclists should take to safeguard their rights after a pothole-related accident include seeking medical attention, documenting the crash scene with photos, videos, and witness information, reporting the accident to the relevant authorities, and consulting an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
