Illinois Bicycle Law Pages

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Chicago Bicyclist Receives Settlement From CTA For Injuries Sustained In Crash With CTA Bus

The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices have settled a substantial personal injury claim against the Chicago Transit Authority on behalf of a bicyclist injured in the Ukranian Village in the summer of 2014. The crash occurred when the bicyclist was riding her bicycle southbound on North Western Avenue near its intersection with Walton Street. At the same time, the defendant was operating a CTA bus southbound on North Western Avenue behind the cyclist. The defendant attempted to pass the cyclist by going around her on her left, and in doing so, the CTA bus made contact with the cyclist’s elbow. 

Personal Injuries From Bike Crash

The violence of the collision threw her off-balance and she eventually crashed to the ground. She was hurled so violently against the pavement that one of her injuries required surgery to resolve. The cyclist underwent a surgical procedure known as a "left subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition surgery." Afterwards, her left arm was immobilized with a splint for several weeks following the surgery. She was left with a large visible permanent scar on her left arm which impacted her life as a model and a dancer. Additionally, she continued to experience weakness, pain, and numbness at the location of the scar for 18 months after the accident. 

Instead of attempting to work with the cyclist to compensate her for the damages she suffered due to the defendant’s negligence, the CTA claimed that the cyclist was at fault. They claimed she failed to control her bike, failed to ride as close to the curb as possible, failed to stay in her lane, failed to keep a proper lookout, and failed to take evasive action to avoid an accident.

Personal Injury Lawsuit Filed To Protect Rights of Chicago Bicyclist

She knew she needed help and she reached out to the Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices who filed a lawsuit on her behalf in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Through diligent investigation, they uncovered that the CTA’s own transportation manager found that the defendant violated their Standard Operating Procedures in a multitude of ways ranging from the protocols for attention to duty, the defensive driving guide, mirror adjustment and use, and passing and being passed. Additionally, they found evidence that the defendant violated portions of the Municipal Code of Chicago as well as the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code.

Using their advocacy skills, the Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices were able to recover a substantial settlement from the CTA for this injured Chicago bicyclist. The settlement was reached without having to resort to filing a lawsuit and will fully compensate the bicyclist for her medical bills, time off from work, and her pain and suffering.

Contact Keating Law Offices At Any Time

If you have any questions regarding this post or have a question regarding personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-239-6787 (Office) or 312-208-7702(Nights/Weekends). Our staff and operators are available around the clock. You can also email Mike@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.

The Leading Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Illinois

Keating Law Offices is the premier personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle accidents in Illinois. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. Keating Law Offices has successfully obtained compensation for hundreds of bicycle injury victims across Illinois. The firm's bicycle accident attorneys are always available to review your case with absolutely no risk or obligation to you. The firm's mission is to do everything possible to obtain you the maximum amount for the injuries you sustained. In the event that no recovery can be made for you, our legal services are absolutely free.