Left Turn Bicycle Accidents

Skilled Injury Lawyers Helping People in Wheaton, Schaumburg and Nearby Areas

Unfortunately, a common bicycle accident is known as the left-turn scenario in which a cyclist and motor vehicle operator approach an intersection from different directions. Drivers can make sudden left hand turns in front of cyclists, resulting in left turn bicycle accidents and devastating injuries to the rider. At Therman Law Offices, we understand that even when cyclists have the right of way and ride with care, they can suffer terrible harm in an accident. Our Wheaton and Schaumburg bicycle accident lawyers are familiar with the laws governing time limits for filing claims and knowledgeable in methods that support recovering maximum compensation from negligent or reckless drivers. Combining more than thirty years of legal experience helps us serve as strong advocates for accident victims and their families. We can help you understand your case and available legal options.

Set Forth a Claim for Compensation After Left Turn Bicycle Accidents

Inattentive drivers may turn left in front of an oncoming cyclist, violating their duty to yield to other drivers and approaching cyclists. Distracted drivers may fail to notice a bicyclist across the intersection, and turn left only to cut-off the bicyclist with their vehicle. In some situations, there may be no way for a bicyclists to avoid left turn bicycle accidents.

A negligence claim provides a way for injured bicyclists to assert their right to damages from an at-fault driver who caused them harm. Negligent drivers fail to act in a reasonable, careful manner, as other drivers would under similar circumstances. For example, a motorist turning left is required to slow, use a blinker to indicate their intention to turn, and assess oncoming traffic before proceeding safely. The Illinois Vehicle Code sets forth these rules in order to ensure the safety of the driver, as well as others on the road. A judge or a jury may find a driver’s conduct negligent if they speed through an intersection and turn left, failing to notice the oncoming bicyclist before causing an accident. This kind of conduct subjects others to risk of harm, and if it directly leads to an accident and injuries to others, the driver can be held accountable for resulting damages.

In a personal injury lawsuit, an injured bicyclist may assert that a driver’s negligence caused them harm. To be successful, they must show the driver owed them a duty of care, breached this duty through their driving conduct, and directly caused the accident and injuries.

All drivers owe others, including bicyclists, the duty to use caution behind the wheel. Texting or driving aggressively are examples of potentially negligent behavior. If there is not another “but for” cause, the victim will be able to show that if it were not for the defendant’s conduct, the accident would not have occurred.

Next, the bicyclist quantifies all costs stemming from the accident. Left turn bicycle accident victims can suffer serious injuries, as vehicles can strike them at a nearly head-on angle. They may endure broken bones, brain damage, and fractured arms. Some bicyclists are permanently disabled, and require modifications to their home to address their need for a wheelchair. The type of damages that may be recovered as compensation include costs for emotional harm, property damage to the bicycle, and medical expenses. Lost income for time away from work may be recovered, as can other losses. A skilled injury lawyer can help you recover for past as well as future anticipated costs.

If a bicyclist has been tragically killed by a driver, surviving family or a personal representative may file a wrongful death claim. The law requires that this claim be filed within two years of the victim’s death. The damages in a wrongful death claim typically include funeral expenses, and medical costs for treatment before the death.

Skilled Attorneys Asserting the Rights of Bicyclists in Wheaton and Schaumburg

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation. The experienced lawyers at Therman Law Offices offer compassionate assistance throughout all stages of legal representation. We are prepared to investigate, negotiate, and if necessary, litigate on your behalf. Our Wheaton and Schaumburg attorneys serve clients from communities including Roselle, Bloomingdale, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Villa Park, Addison, Lombard, West Chicago, Elmhurst, and Lemont. To schedule your consultation, contact our law firm today. We can be reached by calling 773-545-8849 or online.