Keating Law Offices Settles Lawsuit For Bicyclist Struck in Protected Bike Lane

Keating Law Offices has successfully settled a lawsuit for a Chicago bicyclist who sustained significant injuries while riding in the new protected bike lane on Kinzie Street in Chicago, Illinois. The case was settled within one month of the filing of the lawsuit and stands as an example of Keating Law Offices' unwavering commitment to vigorously prosecuting cases on behalf of injured bicyclists.

The bicycle accident occurred last November on Kinzie Street just north of the Merchandise Mart. The lawsuit alleged that the bicyclist was riding eastbound in the designated bike lane on Kinzie Street when the defendant erratically drove his SUV into the bike lane. The bicyclist tried to swerve his bicycle to avoid colliding with the SUV and crashed into a concrete wall. As a result of the bicycle accident, the bicyclist sustained a fractured collarbone that required extensive medical care.

The lawsuit alleged that the driver violated Sections 9-40-060 and 9-16-020 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Section 9-40-060 provides:

The driver of a vehicle shall not drive, unless entering or exiting a legal parking space, or stand, or park the vehicle upon any on street path or lane designated by official signs or markings for the use of bicycles, or otherwise drive or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such path or lane

Section 9-16-020 of the Code provides in part:

When a motor vehicle and a bicycle are traveling in the same direction on any highway, street, or road, the operator of the motor vehicle overtaking such bicycle traveling on the right side of the roadway shall not turn to the right in front of the bicycle at that intersection or at any alley or driveway until such vehicle has overtaken and is safely clear of the bicycle.

Keating Law Offices filed the lawsuit when the motorist's insurance company failed to offer adequate compensation to the bicyclist. The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices then successfully persuaded the insurance company to agree to a settlement that allowed the bicyclist to be adequately compensated for his medical bills, pain and suffering, and disability while he recuperated. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the specific terms and conditions of the settlement are confidential.

Keating Law Offices handles cases throughout Illinois. The firm also works along with co-counsel in other states on cases from bicycle-related accidents. If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.