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Lewis Settles Bike Accident Case For
Confidential Amount
In late May 2010, our client was nearing the end of his 50-mile, Saturday
ride. His riding companions had already reached home and he was less than a mile from his own home. He was
obeying all Illinois traffic laws, which included coming to a complete stop at the stop sign at a four-way
intersection. As he proceeded through the intersection, a car going the opposite direction turned left in
front of him, abruptly cutting him off. Phillip was thrown an estimated 17 feet and skidded another 6 on the
pavement before coming to a stop. He suffered catastrophic injuries to his hand and elbow which required
multiple surgeries. Today he is severely limited in the use of that arm.
Shortly before trial, the driver's insurance decided to pay up, but it was only after exploring ALL
possible defenses, even some illegitimate ones (e.g., his clothes weren't bright enough, and since he had a
telephone with him, he must have been using it!).
BKL's experience in litigating bicycle collision cases allowed us to anticipate all the insurance company's
tricks and neutralize them early on. The case settled for a confidential, substantial amount, and our client
will never have financial concerns again.
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Chicago Sting Targets Bicyclists Who Violate Traffic Laws
June 7, 2011
A recent sting conducted at an intersection near downtown targeted Chicago bicyclists who violate traffic laws. Officials stated that the particular intersection chosen is a complex intersection for "bicycling commuters, widespread disregard for red lights, plenty of accidents and close calls."
240 warnings and at least one ticket were issued over the course of the day. The sting was carried out by the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the City of Chicago's Bicycling Ambassadors program in a "share the road" campaign. A spokesperson for the CDOT program stated, "We want to let cyclists know that they are not only putting themselves at risk, but also endangering pedestrians in crosswalks and drivers who have come to a screeching halt for bicyclists going through red lights."
More than 1300 crashes involving bicyclists occurs each year, with an average of 5 fatalities each year.
Source: Chicago Tribune
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Bike Advocates Call For Tracking Of "Dooring Accidents."
March 31, 2011
Illinois traffic laws have recently been strengthened to create safety buffers bicyclists who share the street with drivers. However, bike advocate are calling for state transpiration officials to do more concerning the most common type of vehicle-bike accident - dooring.
Dooring is the name given to the action of a car or truck door being flung open into the path of a cyclist. In Illinois, several serious accidents and at least one fatality have occurred as the result of a cyclist being "doored." However, the state has failed to track such accidents and provide any regulations because the dooring does not involve a moving vehicle.
Kim Nishimoto, whose son was killed in a dooring accidents calls IDOT's position a "mistake and a disgrace."
The Active Transportation Alliance is now launching a campaign to increase public awareness about dooring crashes, which it considers the most prevalent threat to on-street cyclists.
Source: Kansas City Star
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University of Chicago Lab Students Mark 1st Anniversary of Fatal Bike Accident
March 27, 2011
Marking the first anniversary of a fatal bike accident that took the life of their friend, Faith Dremmer, Julia Baird and Kaia Tammen road the train south to Carbondale.
On March 24, 2010, the three University of Chicago Lab Schools seniors were on a spring-break trip, pedaling along a curve of rural road in southern Illinois, when a van driven by an 86-year-old man swerve across the center line. Faith died in the collision. The other two were injured.
While in Carbondale, the girls revisited the three hospitals where they'd been cared for by doctors and nurses they didn't remember but were moved to meet. They also visited the spot where Faith died.
All these strangers who cared for them that day, still cared. "This was the good to be salvaged from the loss."
Source: Chicago Tribune
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Riverside/Brookfield Residents Seek Bike Bridge
January 18, 2011
A local man is seeking to get a pedestrian/bike bridge built over First Avenue at Forest Avenue to help Riverside and Brookfield students cross the road in a safer manner.
Randy Brockway is seeking support for a long-term solution to improve safety on the roadway beginning with better signage, clearly painted crosswalks and stops bars and grater enforcement. Many bicyclists support the idea as a way not only to get to school safety but as part of a larger regional effort to link the bike trail with one at Cermak Woods in Lyons. Adding a bridge would extend the Salt Creek Trail from 31st Street to Forest Avenue, an already designated bike route.
Source: Riverside/Brookfield Landmark
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Chicago Bicyclist Killed In Hit-and- Run Accident
January 17, 2011
A Chicago snowplow driver found a bicyclist lying in the street after an apparent hit-and-run crash. The man was in his 40s and has not yet been identified. He was taken to the University of Illinois Medical Center and was pronounced dead. The accident remains under investigation.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
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Injured 50-year-old Bicyclist Hit By Car In Naperville Hit-And-Run Asks For Help
January 5, 2011
A Naperville man, Brian Van, who was hit on Christmas Eve day is asking Naperville Residents to help identify the driver who hit him around 11 a.m.. The car struck him near the intersection of Washington and Gartner Road. The Van was knocked of his bike and left lying in the street. The driver of the car then sped away.
Thankfully, Van's injuries were non-life threatening.
Under Illinois law, any driver involved in a car accident result in personal injury or death must stop immediately or as is safe to ensure anyone injured receives medical attention as soon as possible and to exchange all necessary information.
Source: Naperville Patch
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Bike Accident Critically Injures Fairfield Man
November 18, 2010
A man was critically injured in Fairfield, Illinois when his bike was struck by a passing vehicle. The accident occurred after the cyclist lost control of his bike for a split second and road into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The man had to be airlifted to Evansville hospital for treatment of his major injuries.
Unfortunately, when bike/car collisions occur, bicyclists are often seriously injured, often sustaining broken bones, back injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Although it is impossible to avoid all accidents, some safety tips can help reduce the risk of injury. These include riding within bike lanes, wearing bright clothing and using a helmet.
Source: CarmiTimes.com
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More Bike Lanes For Chicago
November 5, 2010
The Chicago Reader reports that more bike lanes will be coming soon to Chicago. The Active Transportation Alliance announced that bicycle projects in Illinois are set to receive $49 million in federal money. Projects to be funded include a cycle track on Stony Island Avenue, completion of the Calumet-Sag Trail, Burnham Greenway and Veterans Memorial Trail.
This is great news for cyclists who are now seeing great improvement to Illinois trails and bike lanes as the result of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
Source: The Chicago Reader
