We Take Fewer Cases to Win More for Our Clients
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.
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Because cyclists have so little protection, even low-speed crashes can result in serious trauma. We represent clients suffering from:
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.
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:
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.
Let Our Attorneys Maximize Your Recovery. Call 312-263-7560.
A successful bicycle accident claim can include compensation for:
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.
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.
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.
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”
~ Donna Zadeikis
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:
We know what you’re up against—and we know how to win.
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.
