La Grange Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Getting around La Grange on foot or by bicycle should be safe and enjoyable. From the downtown streets to stretches near the Stone Avenue Station or the popular parks like Gordon Park, bicyclists and pedestrians are part of the community’s daily rhythm. However, accidents can happen when vehicles fail to share the road responsibly. A careless driver’s mistake can leave you with life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless unanswered questions.
At Dixon Law Office, we understand how challenging life can feel after a bicycle or pedestrian accident. With decades of experience helping clients like you, our compassionate team is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. These aren’t just words to us—we’ve built our practice on truly listening to our clients and understanding their pain. If you or a loved one has been hurt, our La Grange bicycle accident & pedestrian lawyer is ready to stand by your side.
La Grange Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Guide:
- Do I Have a Personal Injury Accident Claim?
- What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Bicyclists and Pedestrians?
- What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
- The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
- Compensation Available to Accident Victims in La Grange, Illinois
- La Grange Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident FAQs
- Contact Our Experienced La Grange Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Why Choose Dixon Law Office for Your La Grange Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Claim
Choosing the right law firm after an accident is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Dixon Law Office, we provide more than legal representation, we offer unwavering support during one of the most difficult times of your life. Here’s why so many accident victims in La Grange have trusted us with their cases:
- Personalized Attention
We treat every client like family. When we take your case, we commit to getting to know you and understanding how the accident has impacted your life. We are not just your lawyers; we are your advocates. - Proven Results
From multimillion-dollar jury verdicts to successful settlements, our record speaks for itself. Our team has recovered significant compensation for accident victims, including $4 million for a pedestrian struck on the sidewalk. - Dedication to Justice
Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible for your injuries. We don’t back down from a fight. Whether it means vigorous negotiations or going to trial, we work tirelessly to get the compensation you deserve. - No Fees Unless You Win
We work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay a thing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the rest. - Experience with Serious Injury Cases
With experience spanning traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and even wrongful death claims, we know how to build a case that fully captures the extent of your injuries. We take pride in telling your story passionately and effectively.
When everything feels like it’s falling apart, you can count on Dixon Law Office to help make things right. Call today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in La Grange, the foundation of your claim lies in proving negligence. Negligence refers to a situation where someone fails to act with the care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances. When drivers neglect their duty to share the road safely, they can cause devastating accidents.
To establish a personal injury claim, we need to demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty of Care
This means showing that the motorist owed you a duty to operate their vehicle safely. For example, all drivers have a legal responsibility to follow traffic laws and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. - Breach of Duty
Next, we need to prove that the driver failed to uphold this duty. Examples include speeding, running a red light, driving while distracted, or failing to yield at a crosswalk. - Causation
Simply proving the driver acted negligently isn’t enough. We must show that their actions directly caused your injuries. Whether it’s a collision in a marked crosswalk or a failure to give you the right of way on a residential street, this link is essential. - Damages
Finally, we need to demonstrate that you suffered actual damages because of the accident. This could include medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and more. Clear evidence of these losses ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’re unsure about whether you have a claim, Dixon Law Office can help. A simple phone call allows us to evaluate your case and provide thoughtful, straightforward guidance. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here for you every step of the way.
What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Bicyclists and Pedestrians?
Motorists in Illinois are legally obligated to share the road safely with bicyclists and pedestrians. These responsibilities are not just polite courtesies but laws designed to protect lives. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, stay alert at intersections, and obey speed limits, particularly on streets near schools and parks.
Bicyclists, while smaller and harder to spot than vehicles, have the same rights on the road as cars. This means drivers must give bicyclists sufficient space when passing, avoid dangerous behaviors like tailgating, and always check blind spots before turning or opening car doors.
Pedestrians, similarly, have the right to use crosswalks and sidewalks without fear of harm. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, remain vigilant near schools and parks, and refrain from distracted or reckless behavior that could put lives at risk.
Distracted, reckless, or impaired driving can make these laws impossible to follow and often leads to devastating accidents. A moment of inattention, such as looking at a phone or failing to stop at a pedestrian crosswalk, can change lives forever. At Dixon Law Office, we hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured because someone failed to follow the rules of the road, we can fight to ensure justice is served.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
Accidents are rarely black-and-white situations. If you fear that your actions may have contributed to your injuries, it’s important to know that you can still pursue compensation. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, your ability to recover damages depends on your level of fault. For example, if you were partially responsible (but less than 50% at fault), you might still receive compensation, though your total award would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This might apply if, for instance, you were using your phone while crossing the street or failed to use a designated crosswalk. Even so, these actions don’t absolve a negligent driver who was speeding, distracted, or ignoring their own obligations.
Sorting out shared fault can be a complicated legal issue, but that’s where we come in. Dixon Law Office has the experience and resources to evaluate your case, examine evidence, and build a clear strategy to help you pursue the compensation you deserve, even when the situation seems uncertain.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
If an insurance company has reached out with a settlement offer, pause before you accept it. While it may be tempting to accept a quick payout, especially if you’re facing medical bills or lost wages, these initial offers are often much lower than what you truly need and deserve. Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, not looking out for your best interests.
Common tactics used by insurance adjusters include pressuring you to settle before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or implying that you don’t need legal assistance. They may downplay long-term expenses such as ongoing medical care or loss of earning capacity. Once you accept an offer, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation in the future, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
Before making any decisions, consult a qualified attorney. At Dixon Law Office, we can analyze the offer, explain your options, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are treated fairly.
Compensation Available to Accident Victims in La Grange, Illinois
If you’ve suffered injuries in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, the law allows you to seek compensation for various damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. Some of the damages you may recover include:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate costs like emergency care and long-term expenses such as physical therapy or surgery.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work and diminished ability to earn in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged personal property, such as a bicycle or smartphone.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse.
- Wrongful Death Damages (in cases of fatal accidents): This includes funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided.
Every case is unique, and the specific types of compensation you may be eligible for will depend on the details of your accident. Our team at Dixon Law Office has the experience to identify and pursue all possible damages on your behalf.
La Grange Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident FAQs
If you have questions about your rights or what to expect after an accident, our FAQs below offer clear, straightforward answers to guide you.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
At Dixon Law Office, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t recover compensation in your case, you owe us nothing. This ensures everyone has access to top-notch legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Illinois?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois is typically two years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy if it includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you explore all the avenues available to maximize your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Not every case goes to trial. Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement with the insurance company.
How long will my case take?
The timeline of a personal injury case varies based on factors like the severity of your injuries and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases are resolved in months, while others can take years.
How Long Does a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Case Take?
The timeline for a case can vary significantly based on its complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or a trial is necessary. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Many bicycle and pedestrian accident cases are settled through negotiation with insurance companies without the need for a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, going to court may be necessary to fight for what you’re owed.
What Evidence is Important for My Case?
Strong evidence is crucial to building a successful case. This includes photographs of the accident scene, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may provide vital information.
Contact Our Experienced La Grange Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
When you’ve been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, having an experienced and compassionate legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. At Dixon Law Office, we are here to:
- Investigate the details of your accident and gather crucial evidence.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and handle all communication.
- Ensure you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, suffering, and expenses.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, with confidence and dedication.
You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. The team at Dixon Law Office understands the pain, frustration, and uncertainty you’re going through. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today at (708) 354-9880 or through our online contact form for a free case consultation. Trust begins with a conversation, and we’re ready to listen.
Dixon Law Office – La Grange Office
1415 West 55th Street Suite 101
La Grange, IL 60525
