Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Throughout Naperville, there are miles and miles of trails and bike paths, perfect for a cruise on a summer day or training for your next triathlon. While many of Naperville’s bike paths are located within forest preserves or secluded trails, some of them cross over major roadways and through busy intersections.
As the city grows, so does the amount of traffic, and, unfortunately, with that growth comes an increase in bicycle crashes. Naperville police report there are between 20-40 crashes involving automobiles and bicycles in the city on an annual basis. Many of these crashes occur in just five of the most dangerous intersections in Naperville. These intersections have seen at least two crashes per year for the last three years.
According to Naperville Police data, the five most dangerous intersections for bicyclists are:
- Hassert Boulevard and Book Road,
- Bailey Road and Naper Boulevard,
- Plainfield-Naperville Road and 95th Street,
- Washington Street and Fifth Avenue,
- 75th Street and Beebe Drive.
To keep yourself safe while you ride, make sure you always follow these basic bike riding rules:
- Carry a cell phone and photo ID;
- Always wear a helmet;
- Obey traffic laws and signals, including stopping at stop signs and traffic signals;
- Always ride with — not against– the flow of traffic, a legal requirement in Illinois;
- Do not weave between cars;
- Let motorists know what you are doing by using hand signals;
- Have lights and reflective gear on your bike and body, any time of day;
- Use bike lanes when available and if it is safe to do so.
To learn the safest routes to ride your bicycle in Naperville, check out the City’s Biking Maps Guides and Plans.
Bicycle crashes can have serious consequences and cause catastrophic injuries. If you are involved in a bicycle crash with an automobile it’s important to remember the following steps you should take to protect yourself.
- Call 911 and Get a Crash Report
After a crash, it is important to document how the crash happened and who is at fault. Bicycle crashes are similar to car crashes, and you want to make sure that the police arrive so that they can investigate, take witness statements, and find out who was responsible.
- Get Checked Out by Emergency First Responders and Get Medical Attention
If emergency first responders are on the scene, make sure they check you for any injuries. If you are hurt, always go to the hospital in the ambulance. The Emergency Room can quickly assess whether you have serious or life-threatening injuries. If you are in pain or injured, make sure that you seek medical attention immediately.
- Do Not Speak With Any Insurance Company Until You’ve Met With a Lawyer
Following a bicycle crash, it is not uncommon for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to contact you and try to gather evidence about the crash and your injuries. Remember, the insurance company is not your friend and they are not on your side. Their goal is to build a case against you and pay as little as possible for your injuries. It is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible, to protect your rights.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident with an automobile, call our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at 630-527-1595 for a FREE evaluation of your case. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.