A bicycle accident happens in an instant. One moment, you’re biking carefree; the next, you’re injured and in pain.
At the firm of Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer, we are committed to helping victims and clients injured while on their bikes. Physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress can change your life overnight. As your Orland Park bicycle accident attorneys, we are dedicated to ensuring that you don’t have to face the aftermath of this accident alone
Call us at (708) 460-9300 today to schedule your free consultation today.
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Orland Park Bicycle Accident Guide:
Why Choose Michael J. Brennan as Your Orland Park Bicycle Accident Attorney?
When it comes to bicycle accident cases in Orland Park and the surrounding suburbs, local knowledge and experience make all the difference. Here’s why cyclists throughout Chicagoland trust us:
We Know Orland Park
We’re not just lawyers; we’re your neighbors. We know every street, every intersection, and every bike path in Orland Park.
From the busy corridors of La Grange Road to the serene trails of Centennial Park, we understand the varying challenges cyclists face in our area.
Where You Can Find Us
Our Orland Park office, nestled at 16521 106th Court, has been serving the community for several decades. We are just 40 minutes south of Chicago. Just take I-55 to get to our convenient location.
Where Bike Accidents Happen in Orland Park
The Orland Park Bikeway is a connector path that runs across Orland Park. On the south, the trail starts at West 159th Street and winds through Centennial Park. As you ride further, it goes along South Ravinia Avenue, providing entry to restaurants and shops along the busy avenue.
Some cyclists complain that the trail runs along a busy road and the signage isn’t always clear. Others state some spots need maintenance. In either case, there are many risks of collisions and injuries.
Some of Orland Park’s Danger Zones
- La Grange Road: This busy thoroughfare sees its fair share of bicycle accidents, especially near the Orland Square Mall area
- 159th Street: The high-speed traffic here can be treacherous for cyclists
- 143rd Street: The stretch between Wolf Road and West Avenue is known for its narrow shoulders and fast-moving traffic. (This area is normally thought of as being car-dependent)
Types of Bicycle Accidents We Handle
At Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer, we’ve seen all types of cases involving bicycle-related injuries. Here are some of the most common types of cases our bicycle accident lawyers handle:
- Dooring Incidents: You’re riding along, and suddenly, a parked car’s door flies open right in front of you. It’s a cyclist’s nightmare and happens more often than you’d think, especially in busy areas like downtown Orland Park.
- Intersection Collisions: Orland Park has its share of busy intersections, like 143rd Street and La Grange Road. These are hotspots for accidents, often caused by drivers who fail to yield or run a red light.
- Right Hook Accidents: You’re pedaling along, and a car passes you only to make a sudden right turn, cutting you off. This type of accident is particularly common on roads like 159th Street.
- Left Cross Accidents: You’re riding through an intersection when a car turning left fails to see you and turns into your path. Wolf Road and 143rd Street intersection is a known trouble spot for this type of accident.
- Rear-End Collisions: Distracted driving is a growing problem, and cyclists often pay the price. Being hit from behind can cause serious injuries, especially on higher-speed roads like La Grange Road.
- Road Hazard Accidents: Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris on the road can cause serious accidents. We’ve handled cases where poor road maintenance on local streets led to cyclist injuries.
- Multi-Use Path Collisions: Accidents can happen even on dedicated bike paths like the Orland Park Bike Trail. Collisions with other cyclists, pedestrians, or even off-leash dogs can cause serious injuries.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Effects
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering trauma. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in our Orland Park bicycle accident cases. A bicycle accident attorney can help you get the care you need, regardless of severity.
- Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a hard fall can result in concussions and serious head injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, these injuries can lead to paralysis.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Wrists, arms, legs, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable in cycling accidents.
- Road Rash and Lacerations: While sometimes dismissed as minor, these injuries can lead to severe infections and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: A collision’s impact can cause internal bleeding.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common and can lead to chronic pain.
- Facial Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and dental injuries often occur face-first when cyclists hit the pavement.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a bicycle accident shouldn’t be underestimated. Many cyclists experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD after a crash.
Your Bicycle Accident Compensation: What’s Your Case Worth?
After a bicycle accident in Orland Park, you’re likely wondering, “How much is my case worth?” While every case is different, here are some factors our Orland Park bike accident lawyers consider when calculating your losses:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries generally result in higher compensation.
- Long-Term Impact: If your injuries will affect you for years to come, this increases the value of your claim.
- Lost Income: If you’ve missed work or will be unable to return to your job, we’ll fight for compensation for lost earnings.
- Medical Expenses: Both current and future medical costs are factored into your claim.
- Property Damage: We’ll seek compensation for your damaged bicycle and other personal property.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of the accident is considered.
- Liability: If the other party was clearly at fault, this can strengthen your case.
No matter what your case is worth, we fight for full compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics We’ve Seen (and Countered)
- Quick, Lowball Settlements: An insurance company may offer a fast settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before understanding the full extent of your injuries.
- Shifting Blame: An insurer might try to argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident.
- Downplaying Injuries: Insurance adjusters may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say.
- Delaying Tactics: Some insurance companies drag out the process, hoping you’ll give up or accept a lower offer out of frustration.
- Misrepresenting Policy Details: Some adjusters may not be fully transparent about what the policy covers.
How We Fight Back
- Professional Negotiations: We know the true value of your personal injury claim and won’t settle for less.
- Thorough Documentation: We gather all the necessary evidence to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Legal Muscle: Our reputation as skilled litigators often encourages fair settlements without the need to go to trial.
- Taking Over Communications: We handle all interactions with the insurance company, so you don’t have to stress out about saying the wrong thing.
Take Action Now: Contact an Orland Park Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer, we’re committed to helping you deal with this challenging time in your life. Give us a call in Orland Park at (708) 460-9300. Orland Park personal injury lawyer is ready to take your call and meet with you for free.
Free Case Evaluation
Michael J. Brennan Accident & Injury Lawyer – Orland Park Office
16521 S 106th Ct
Orland Park, IL 60467
Phone: (708) 460-9300