Bicycle Accident Attorney in DeKalb County

Trusted Guidance & Support After a Bicycle Accident in DeKalb County

Cycling in DeKalb County offers miles of neighborhood streets and access to campus and community, but a negligent driver or unsafe roadway can turn a ride into a life-changing event. If you or a loved one was hurt on a bicycle, you are likely facing medical bills, missed work, and questions about how to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Turner Law Group represents injured cyclists across DeKalb County, Illinois, including DeKalb, Sycamore, and surrounding communities. Our team knows how local intersections, school zones, and commuter routes influence fault, evidence, and the value of your claim. We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Request your free bicycle accident case evaluation with Turner Law Group today.

How a DeKalb County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps

Hiring the right bicycle accident lawyer can change the trajectory of your claim from day one. We build cases that reflect the realities of cycling in DeKalb County and Illinois law.

We start with a thorough investigation: police reports, 911 records, body and dash cam footage, traffic and security camera video, scene photos, GPS and fitness app data, and black box data from vehicles when available. We interview witnesses quickly before memories fade and preserve the bike, helmet, and damaged gear as evidence. For serious injuries, we consult with treating physicians and life-care planners to document future medical costs, limitations, and the impact on work and daily activities.

Insurance carriers often try to shift blame onto cyclists. We push back with facts. Illinois applies modified comparative negligence, which means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault and barred if you are more than 50 percent responsible. Presenting accurate evidence of lighting, lane position, speed, signage, and driver behavior is critical to keeping fault where it belongs.

Damages You Can Pursue

In a DeKalb County bicycle accident claim, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, future treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage to your bicycle and gear, and, in eligible cases, disfigurement and loss of normal life. For particularly reckless conduct such as drunk driving, Illinois law may allow punitive damages in limited circumstances. We evaluate every category to avoid leaving money on the table.

Understanding Illinois Bicycle Laws and Your Rights

Knowing how Illinois' rules of the road apply can strengthen your case. Cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers, including the right to use the roadway. Motorists must pass at a safe distance and yield when turning across a bike’s path. Doorings, unsafe passing, distracted driving, and failure to yield at intersections are among the leading causes of crashes we see.

Illinois’ statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities can have shorter deadlines and special notice requirements. If a minor is injured, time limits may differ. Acting promptly protects your rights and preserves evidence.

Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios We Handle

Left cross and right hook turns at intersections, drivers entering or exiting driveways or parking lots without looking, doorings along parked car corridors, unsafe passing on two-lane roads, and collisions caused by distracted or impaired driving. We also pursue cases involving negligent roadway maintenance or defective components when supported by the evidence.

What To Do After a Bicycle Crash in DeKalb County

Your steps after a crash can affect both your health and your claim.

• Get medical care. Even if you feel fine, concussions and internal injuries can be missed without evaluation. Follow your doctor’s orders and keep all records.
• Call the police and obtain a report. A formal report helps establish fault and details important facts like location, time, and witness names.
• Document the scene. If safe, photograph the vehicle, license plate, damage patterns, debris field, skid marks, road defects, traffic signals, and your injuries. Save your bike and helmet in their post-crash condition.

Do not rush into a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters may contact you for a recorded statement or a fast payment. Speak with an attorney first to avoid harming your claim.

We Take Over the Insurance Process

We notify insurers, coordinate benefits, and manage all communications. When appropriate, we prepare a comprehensive demand package that includes liability analysis, medical documentation, and a clear calculation of damages. If the insurer refuses to be fair, we are prepared to litigate and present your case to a jury in the appropriate DeKalb County court.

Our Process and Timeline

From intake to resolution, we move with intention while keeping you informed.

• Initial consultation. We learn your goals, answer questions, and assess liability and damages.
• Investigation and preservation. We gather evidence, send preservation letters to at-fault parties and businesses, and secure video before it is overwritten.
• Medical documentation. We obtain records and bills, track progress, and coordinate with your providers to document future needs.
• Settlement strategy. Once you reach maximum medical improvement, we quantify your losses and negotiate from a position of strength.
• Litigation when needed. If trial is the right path, we file suit, take depositions, work with specialists, and prepare for mediation or trial.

Fees and No Upfront Costs

We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee structure in writing before any work begins so there are no surprises.

Why Turner Law Group for DeKalb County Cyclists

• Local knowledge matters. We understand how campus traffic patterns, commuter corridors, agricultural routes, and seasonal conditions affect visibility, stopping distances, and driver expectations. Our firm has represented injured cyclists, commuters, and recreational riders across DeKalb County and brings focused attention to every case.
• We center your story. Insurance files reduce you to numbers. We present the human impact of your injuries through detailed narratives, photos, and testimony, helping adjusters and jurors understand what has been taken and what it will take to rebuild.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That level of preparation often drives fair settlements and positions you strongly if your case proceeds to court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Illinois?

For most personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the crash date. Cases involving government entities or minors may have different deadlines and additional notice requirements. Speak with an attorney quickly to protect your rights.

What if I was not wearing a helmet?

You may still recover compensation. Helmet use can affect safety, but Illinois law does not require adult cyclists to wear a helmet, and the lack of a helmet does not automatically bar your claim. We focus on the driver’s negligence and the medical evidence.

The driver says I was riding outside the bike lane. Does that defeat my case?

Not necessarily. Cyclists have the right to use the roadway and may leave a bike lane for safety reasons, including avoiding hazards or preparing for a turn. Fault is determined by the totality of the evidence, not a single allegation.

What compensation can I recover after a DeKalb County bicycle accident?

You may pursue medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses recognized by Illinois law. The value depends on liability, injuries, and documentation.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster or give a recorded statement?

Speak with an attorney first. Adjusters work for the insurer and may use your words against you. We handle communications and protect you from tactics that reduce valid claims.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

Case value depends on liability, the severity and duration of your injuries, total damages, and the credibility of your evidence and witnesses. After reviewing your records and the facts, we provide a range grounded in documentation.

Do I need a lawyer if the driver’s insurance has already accepted fault?

Even when liability is admitted, insurers may dispute your medical treatment, lost time from work, or the extent of your injuries. A lawyer can ensure your damages are fully developed and presented.

Take the Next Step for Your DeKalb County Bicycle Accident Claim

There is no benefit to waiting while evidence disappears. The sooner you involve Turner Law Group, the sooner we can protect your rights and build your case. Our team serves cyclists throughout DeKalb County, Illinois, and is ready to help you move forward.

Call us at (800) 653-0198  or send a message for a free consultation with Turner Law Group now. We will listen, explain your options and outline the next steps.