Legal Recourse for Quad Cities Summer Cycling Injuries

Quad Cities Summer Cycling
Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Blog June 24, 2024

Legal Recourse for Quad Cities Summer Cycling Injuries

Summer in the Quad Cities is the perfect time to get out your bicycle. With sunshine and warm weather, there’s nothing like cruising on your bike along the Mississippi Riverfront or exploring the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, it’s important to know the risks of Quad Cities summer cycling injuries and the possibility of filing a personal injury claim if another’s negligence or recklessness caused an accident or injury.

In this blog, our Quad Cities bicycle accident lawyers explain liability for bicycle accidents and what to do after a summer bicycle accident. 

Liability for Quad Cities Summer Cycling Injuries

You have the legal right to file a personal injury claim when you’re involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in injuries. However, you can only do so if another’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident. Common causes of bicycle accidents include motorists turning left without yielding, dooring accidents, and distracted driving

If you or a loved one have suffered from Quad Cities summer cycling injuries, the first step is to understand who was at fault in the accident. Iowa and Illinois have different laws regarding comparative negligence, which determine how much compensation an injured party can recover. In both states, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.

  • Iowa: Iowa follows a 50% modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are not entitled to compensation.
  • Illinois: Illinois follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still receive compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident, but your percentage of fault will reduce your award.

How to File a Cycling Injury Claim in Quad Cities

Filing a claim involves more than a consultation with a personal injury attorney. Once it has been determined that your actions did not cause the accident, you can hire a lawyer to file a personal injury claim on your behalf.

Then, depending on the circumstances of the accident, your claim might be considered a product liability claim. This occurs if your accident was caused by a defective bicycle. If this is the case, your attorney can advise you on the steps you need to take. You may be able to sue the manufacturer or distributor of the bicycle. 

Additionally, if your accident occurred on private property, you may be able to sue the property owner if they failed to maintain the property in a safe condition. This kind of case is referred to as a premises liability claim. Iowa and Illinois each have laws regarding these types of personal injury cases. 

How to Build a Personal Injury Claim After Quad Cities Summer Cycling Injuries

Here’s what you will need to do to begin a successful personal injury claim after a Quad Cities summer cycling injury: 

  • Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Get a thorough medical evaluation to document your injuries. Keep all medical records and receipts for future reference.
  • Gather evidence: The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. This includes police reports, witness statements, insurance paperwork, photos, videos, medical records, traffic camera footage, etc.
  • Keep records: Maintain a file with all accident-related documents, including medical bills, police reports, witness information, and communication with your attorney or insurance companies.
  • Avoid social media: Insurance companies may use anything you post online against you. Avoid discussing the accident details on social media. Additionally, do not discuss the case with your friends or family.
  • Don’t discuss fault: Avoid discussing fault at the accident scene. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you. You might be shaken up and accidentally say something that doesn’t reflect the situation accurately.
  • Document your losses: Keep track of all expenses related to your injury. These will be used to calculate your damages. Losses might include:
    • Medical Bills
    • Therapy Costs
    • Lost Wages
    • Property Damage

Contact a Quad Cities Bicycle Injury Attorney

Summer cycling in the Quad Cities is a fantastic way to enjoy the warm weather and stay active. However, accidents can happen no matter what. If you’re injured due to another party’s negligence, our team of Quad Cities injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement from the insurance companies who are known to undervalue or even deny your claim. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries. 

To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.