Bike Share Injury Lawyer Chicago

Helping Bike Share Accident Clients Throughout Chicago And Across The Nation.

Bike share programs have become a fixture in Chicago, offering residents and tourists an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around. With stations scattered throughout the city, riders can hop on a shared bike to commute to work, explore downtown, or ride along the Lakefront Trail. However, the convenience of bike share services comes with risks. Riders often find themselves sharing busy streets with cars, buses, and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of collisions. When a bike share accident leads to serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, victims and their families deserve justice.  

A Chicago bike share injury lawyer can help hold the responsible party accountable and fight for fair compensation. Bike share companies, vehicle drivers, and even government agencies may share liability when a crash occurs. Legal Rideshare Injury Lawyers has dedicated its practice to advocating for injured cyclists and rideshare users, ensuring they receive the support they need after an accident. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.  

Common Causes of Bike Share Crashes 

Bike share accidents happen for many reasons, often because of another party’s negligence. Understanding the causes of these crashes can help victims identify who is responsible and pursue appropriate legal action.  

Collisions with Vehicles, Pedestrians, or Fixed Objects  

Chicago’s congested streets create dangerous conditions for cyclists. A distracted or aggressive driver may fail to yield to a bike share rider, causing a severe crash. Intersections, bike lanes, and streets with high traffic volumes—such as Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive, and Halsted Street—see frequent collisions. 

Pedestrians stepping into bike lanes without looking can also cause riders to swerve and crash. Additionally, cyclists may hit stationary objects like curbs, barriers, or parked cars when forced to make sudden maneuvers.  

Equipment Malfunction or Defects  

Bike share companies must maintain their fleets to ensure riders' safety. Brakes, gears, tires, and docking stations require regular inspections. Faulty brakes can prevent a rider from stopping in time, while a defective docking mechanism may cause a bike to release unexpectedly. 

If poor maintenance or manufacturing defects contributed to an accident, the bike share company or manufacturer may be liable.  

Road Hazards and Infrastructure Issues  

Chicago streets pose risks for cyclists, particularly in areas with potholes, uneven pavement, or faded bike lane markings. Neighborhoods like West Loop and River North see heavy traffic, making road hazards especially dangerous for riders. 

A bike share rider thrown off balance by a deep pothole or forced into traffic due to a blocked bike lane may suffer severe injuries.  

Inadequate Maintenance 

Bike share operators must ensure their bikes remain in safe, working condition. Neglected repairs or delayed inspections increase the risk of mechanical failures. 

When riders take out a bike that hasn’t been properly maintained, they may unknowingly put themselves in danger. If an accident results from poor upkeep, the company managing the bike share system may bear responsibility.  

User Error or Improper Instruction  

First-time riders or tourists unfamiliar with city biking may struggle to control a bike share rental. Inadequate instructions on how to use the bike, adjust the seat, or navigate city traffic can contribute to crashes. 

While user mistakes happen, bike share companies must provide clear guidance and ensure riders have access to safety information.  

Common Injuries in Bike Share Accidents

Bike share crashes frequently result in serious injuries, some with long-term consequences. Riders have little protection against impact, making them vulnerable to severe harm.  

Head Trauma and Brain Injuries  

Without a helmet, a cyclist thrown from their bike may hit their head on the pavement or another object, leading to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Concussions, skull fractures, and brain swelling can cause lasting cognitive and physical impairments. 

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries  

The force of a crash can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. Riders may instinctively extend their hands to break a fall, resulting in wrist or forearm fractures. Severe crashes can also lead to spinal injuries, affecting mobility and long-term health.  

Soft Tissue Damage  

Muscles, ligaments, and tendons often suffer sprains or tears in a bike accident. Whiplash and deep bruising can cause lingering pain, limiting movement and daily activities.  

Road Rash and Abrasions 

Sliding across pavement can result in deep scrapes that remove layers of skin. These injuries may require skin grafts or lead to permanent scarring.  

Psychological Trauma  

Beyond physical injuries, a bike share accident can leave lasting emotional distress. Anxiety, PTSD, and fear of cycling again can impact a victim’s mental health and quality of life. 

Liability in Bike Share Accidents  

Determining liability in a bike share accident requires a careful review of the circumstances. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on whether the crash resulted from a driver’s negligence, faulty equipment, hazardous road conditions, or improper bike maintenance. Identifying the responsible party is essential when pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. 

Bike Share Companies and Operators  

Companies that manage bike share programs, such as Divvy in Chicago, must ensure their bikes are safe and well-maintained. If a mechanical failure—like faulty brakes, loose handlebars, or a defective locking mechanism—causes an accident, the bike share company may bear responsibility. Additionally, if a company fails to inspect or repair its fleet regularly, injured riders may have grounds for a claim against them.  

Vehicle Drivers  

Drivers have a duty to share the road safely with cyclists. Careless or reckless driving often leads to crashes involving bike share riders. Common driver-related causes of accidents include:  

• Failure to yield at intersections or when merging into bike lanes  
• Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the radio  
• Speeding and failing to allow enough time to stop for cyclists  
• Dooring incidents, where a parked driver opens their car door into a rider’s path 

When a negligent driver causes a bike share crash, their auto insurance may be responsible for covering the rider’s losses.  

Government Entities  

Poorly designed or maintained roads put bike share users at risk. The City of Chicago and other government agencies must ensure safe biking infrastructure. Crashes often happen due to: 

• Potholes or uneven pavement that cause riders to lose control  
• Faded or missing bike lane markings, leading to collisions with vehicles  
• Inadequate signage at intersections and crossings  
• Blocked bike lanes, forcing cyclists into traffic  

If a hazardous road condition contributed to an accident, the city or another government entity may bear liability. However, filing a claim against a government agency involves strict deadlines and legal requirements.  

Maintenance Contractors 

Some bike share programs hire third-party companies to handle repairs and maintenance. If a maintenance provider neglects necessary repairs or fails to inspect bikes properly, they may be held accountable for accidents caused by faulty equipment.  

Bike Manufacturers  

Defective bicycles or bike components can cause severe crashes. If a manufacturing flaw in the bike’s brakes, tires, or frame led to an accident, the manufacturer may be liable. Product liability claims require evidence that the defect existed when the bike left the manufacturer and directly contributed to the crash.  

Multiple Party Liability Scenarios  

In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility for a bike share accident. A collision might involve a distracted driver and a poorly maintained bike, or a hazardous road condition combined with a defective component. When multiple parties contribute to a crash, injury victims may need to pursue claims against each liable entity to recover full compensation.  

Holding the right parties accountable ensures injured riders receive the financial recovery they need to move forward after an accident.

Your Legal Rights After a Bike Share Crash  

Injured bike share riders have the right to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes a crash. However, liability in these cases isn’t always straightforward. Bike share companies, vehicle drivers, government agencies, and other parties may bear responsibility, depending on the circumstances. Understanding the legal options available can help injured riders recover the financial support they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.  

Understanding User Agreements and Waivers  

Most bike share programs require users to agree to terms and conditions before renting a bike. These agreements often include waivers that attempt to limit the company’s liability in the event of an accident. However, waivers do not always prevent injury victims from pursuing claims. Bike share companies cannot escape responsibility for negligence, defective equipment, or failure to maintain safe bicycles. If a crash resulted from mechanical failure or improper upkeep, the company may still be liable, regardless of any waiver the rider signed.  

Insurance Coverage Considerations  

Multiple insurance policies may come into play after a bike share accident. The available coverage depends on who caused the crash:  

• Driver’s auto insurance: If a motorist hit a bike share rider, their liability insurance may cover the rider’s medical bills, lost income, and other damages.  
• Bike share company insurance: Some bike share programs offer limited coverage for injuries caused by faulty equipment or accidents involving their bikes.  
• Personal health insurance: A rider’s own health insurance may cover initial medical expenses, but it won’t compensate for lost wages or pain and suffering.  
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage, the injured rider may be able to file a claim under their own UM/UIM policy.  

Determining which insurance policies apply can be complicated, making legal representation crucial when negotiating with insurers.  

Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims  

Illinois law sets deadlines for filing injury claims. In most cases, bike share accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions exist:  

Claims against the City of Chicago or other government entities often have shorter deadlines and require filing a notice of claim within one year.  

If the accident involved a minor, the deadline may be extended until they turn 18.  

Missing the statute of limitations means losing the right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly after an accident helps preserve evidence and protects an injury victim’s legal options. 

Compensation You Could Receive  

Injured bike share riders may recover compensation for various losses, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Damages in a bike share accident claim may include:  

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs 
• Lost income: Wages lost due to time off work, as well as reduced earning capacity for long-term disabilities  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life 
• Property damage: Reimbursement for damaged personal belongings, such as phones or backpacks  
• Wrongful death damages: If a bike share crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost financial support  

Legal Rideshare Injury Lawyers fights to secure full and fair compensation for injured bike share riders. Understanding the available legal options can help victims and their families recover the financial support they need to move forward.

How Our Firm Can Help 

Legal Rideshare Injury Lawyers represents bike share accident victims in Chicago. Our legal team builds strong cases by investigating the cause of the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers. When insurers refuse to settle fairly, we’re ready to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you need. 

Bike Share Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions  

Let Our Bike Share Accident Attorneys in Chicago Help  

A serious bike share accident can leave you with medical expenses, lost income, and lasting pain. Chicago Rideshare Accident Injury Law Firm fights for fair compensation, holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bike share crash, contact us today at 312-767-7950 for a free case evaluation.