Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Cycling through Chicago should be safe, whether you’re commuting down Milwaukee Avenue, coasting along the Lakefront Trail, or navigating neighborhood side streets. But when drivers ignore the rules of the road, it’s bicyclists who suffer the consequences. Crashes involving bikes often leave victims with serious injuries, long recovery times, and mounting medical bills.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, our bicycle accident lawyers represent injured cyclists throughout the city. We don’t just file claims—we conduct our own investigations, build compelling cases, and push for maximum compensation. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or injured in a dooring incident, we’re here to help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
Bike Accident Claims Are Different. We Know How to Win Them
Bicycle injury cases are not like car accident claims. Drivers, police, and insurers often assume the cyclist was at fault, even when the evidence says otherwise. These cases require fast action, local insight, and the ability to challenge biased narratives with hard facts.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, we have a proven track record of standing up for Chicago cyclists. We know how to:
- Locate street cam or building surveillance footage before it’s overwritten
- Analyze bike damage and impact points
- Work with crash reconstructionists and orthopedic experts
- Prove the long-term effects of orthopedic, spinal, and head injuries
- Review traffic signal data and intersection design
- Subpoena rideshare app data if a commercial driver was involved
We don’t stop at proving fault. We document how the crash changed your life—physically, financially, and emotionally—so that your compensation reflects the full picture.
Alexander Pino focuses his practice in the areas of Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury.
Alexander grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. After receiving a BS in Real Estate from DePaul University, Alexander attended DePaul University College of Law. While in law school, Alexander worked as a law clerk at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, where he assisted attorneys in the Child Welfare Litigation Department. Alexander also held various internships at the Cook County Public Defender, where he aided Assistant Public Defenders in the Felony Trial Division and the Homicide Task Force. Alexander also worked as a Law Clerk at the personal injury law firm Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. Additionally, during law school, Alexander held volunteer positions in local government as a board member in both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Environmental and Health Commission of his hometown.
In those rare moments when he is not busy fighting for his clients, Alexander enjoys working out, hiking, fishing and spending time with his family.
This law firm is an excellent law firm that works hard for the people, with great attorneys that really do care about their clients and their well-being.
Donna Zadeikis did an awesome job for me. I am very satisfied. I will recommend DZ to all to my friends.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Chicago
Chicago has made strides in bike infrastructure, and its bike share program continues to grow, but it’s still a car-first city and there are many dangerous roads for cyclists throughout our city. Many drivers don’t check their mirrors, ignore bike lanes, or treat cyclists as obstacles instead of legal road users. We frequently see cases involving:
- Dooring Accidents: A parked driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path without checking. This sudden impact can throw the rider into traffic or onto the pavement.
- Right Hooks and Left Crosses: A driver turns right across the path of a cyclist riding straight, or turns left at an intersection without yielding to an oncoming cyclist.
- Failure to Yield at Intersections: Drivers who blow through stop signs or red lights often strike cyclists legally crossing with the right of way.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving: Texting, speeding, or driving under the influence reduces a driver’s ability to see and respond to cyclists.
- Overtaking Too Closely: Drivers who pass cyclists without giving the required three feet of space can sideswipe or force riders off the road.
- Poor Road Conditions or Maintenance: Potholes, debris, obstructed signage, and crumbling bike lanes create serious hazards. In some cases, municipalities, contractors, or nearby property owners may share liability.
Even in designated bike lanes, cyclists face constant threats from inattentive drivers, unsafe street design, and lack of enforcement. Our team understands these risks and how to present them clearly in court.
Understanding Dooring Accidents
Dooring is one of the most common and dangerous types of collisions faced by cyclists in urban areas like Chicago. These accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking for traffic. The cyclist, often with little time to react, may crash directly into the door or swerve into moving traffic to avoid it—both of which can result in severe injuries.
Illinois law specifically prohibits opening a vehicle door on the side available to traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. Despite this, drivers frequently fail to check mirrors or blind spots before exiting their vehicles. Cyclists involved in dooring accidents often suffer injuries such as broken bones, concussions, and spinal trauma.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, we regularly represent cyclists injured by dooring and understand how to prove liability even when police reports or insurance adjusters are skeptical. We can subpoena dashcam or building footage, show the angle of impact on the bike, and highlight violations of both state and city traffic ordinances.
What to Do in the Days and Weeks After a Bicycle Accident
Even after you’ve sought medical attention or begun the healing process, there are still important steps you can take to safeguard your legal rights. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may already be working to reduce their liability. Taking proactive measures now can help strengthen your case and preserve the value of your claim:
Preserve your damaged bike and gear—don’t repair or discard them.
Request a copy of the crash report and review it for errors.
Gather any photos, witness info, or medical records you already have.
Avoid posting details of the crash on social media.
Call a lawyer before speaking to the driver’s insurance company.
We can step in quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and start building a strong case from day one. Timing matters—delay can limit your recovery.
Injuries We Commonly See in Bike Crash Cases
Because cyclists have so little protection, even low-speed crashes can result in serious trauma. We represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull and facial fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken collarbones, wrists, and ribs
- Pelvic fractures
- Torn ligaments and internal bleeding
- Road rash and serious lacerations
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Some injuries require long-term rehabilitation, surgery, or assistive devices. Others cause permanent disability or even death. We work closely with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate your full damages—not just your bills today, but the cost of recovery for years to come.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Most often, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance will be the primary source of recovery. But we don’t stop there. Depending on how the crash occurred, we may also pursue claims against:
- Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft)
- Commercial vehicle owners
- City agencies or contractors
- Employers of on-the-clock drivers
- Property owners responsible for unsafe conditions
We investigate whether the city failed to maintain a protected bike lane, whether a rideshare driver was logged into the app, or whether a business blocked a bike path illegally. Liability isn’t always obvious—but we dig deeper.
In hit-and-run cases or if the driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. We’ll identify every available source of compensation.
- Call (312) 263-7560
Damages You May Be Entitled To Receive After a Bicycle Accident
A successful bicycle accident claim can include compensation for:
- Emergency room care and hospitalization
- Follow-up medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Property damage to your bike and gear
- Out-of-pocket costs (transportation, home modifications, etc.)
- Loss of enjoyment of life or mobility
In wrongful death cases, families may also recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial support. We help families understand their legal rights and pursue justice for loved ones killed in preventable crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Bike Accidents
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when my bicycle accident happened?
Illinois does not require adult bicyclists to wear helmets. While a helmet can help reduce injury severity, not wearing one does not bar you from recovering damages if the driver was at fault.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the bike crash?
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can recover compensation—though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I have to go to court to get compensation for my injuries?
Not necessarily. Most cases settle outside of court. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, so we’re ready to fight for you if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.
You only have one chance to recover compensation for your injury. Hire a law firm who cares about your recovery, and make it count
Why Cyclists Trust DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino
We’re not a settlement mill. We take a limited number of serious injury cases so we can give each one the time and firepower it deserves. Our clients include bike commuters, delivery riders, recreational cyclists, and parents whose children were struck while riding.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of experience handling complex injury cases in Chicago
- Direct access to your attorney, not a call center or case manager
- Relationships with top medical experts, economists, and accident investigators
- Willingness to take your case to trial if needed to secure full value
- Deep knowledge of local ordinances, bike safety laws, and infrastructure shortcomings
We know what you’re up against—and we know how to win.
Get Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers On Your Side
The aftermath of a bike crash can be overwhelming. Between physical recovery, lost income, and calls from insurance adjusters, it’s hard to know what to do next. That’s where we come in.
Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
Call (312) 263-7560 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.