Bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades are more than just recreational tools—they’re everyday modes of transportation for many people in Northbrook. However, with an increasing number of riders using roads, sidewalks, and trails, the risk of accidents becomes a genuine concern. And when collisions happen, especially those involving cars or dangerous property conditions, riders are often left with serious injuries and unanswered questions.
If you were hit by a car or hurt by unsafe conditions while riding, here’s what you need to know about protecting your health, your finances, and your future.
Shared Roads, Shared Responsibility
Illinois law grants individuals using bicycles and other wheeled devices the right to use public roads—within certain limits. In Northbrook and its surrounding areas, riders must obey traffic rules just like drivers of cars. That means stopping at stop signs, signaling turns, and riding with the flow of traffic. But it also means drivers must respect their presence on the road.
Unfortunately, not every driver does. Many personal transportation accidents happen because drivers:
- Fail to check blind spots when turning
- Overtake cyclists without leaving enough space
- Open car doors into oncoming riders
- Disregard yield signs at crosswalks or shared-use paths
Skateboarders and rollerbladers often use sidewalks or park pathways, but they can still be at risk—especially at driveways, parking lots, or areas where pedestrians and vehicles mix.
Common Causes of Injury
Whether you’re riding a bike down Shermer Road or skating near Techny Prairie Park, injuries can happen in a flash. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces
- Unsafe sidewalks or paths: Cracked pavement, overgrown landscaping, or inadequate signage
- Lack of visibility: Especially at dawn, dusk, or in areas with poor lighting
Many of these hazards can be attributed to someone’s failure to maintain their property or follow the rules of the road.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
If you’re injured while biking, skating, or rollerblading, and someone else was at fault, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. In Illinois, you can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Property damage (such as a damaged bike or board)
To recover compensation, you’ll need to show that another party, whether it’s a driver, a property owner, or even a local government, was negligent and that their actions led to your injury.
Determining Liability in Personal Transportation Accidents
Liability depends on the facts of the accident. Possible at-fault parties may include:
- A driver who failed to yield or struck you while turning
- A property owner who didn’t fix a dangerous sidewalk or entrance
- A business whose delivery truck blocked a bike lane or created a hazard
- A city or municipality, if poor road maintenance contributed to your injury
Every case is different. That’s why having an experienced attorney evaluate your situation is so important. At Stein & Shulman, we investigate the accident thoroughly to determine all potentially liable parties.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident as a bicyclist, rollerblader, or skateboarder:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay at first.
- Report the accident to police or property management.
- Gather evidence, including photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damaged equipment.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement or signing any paperwork.
Insurance companies may offer quick payouts, but they rarely reflect the full cost of an injury, especially one that involves time off work, long-term treatment, or permanent damage.
Protecting Northbrook Riders
At Stein & Shulman, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe using personal transportation, whether it’s a bike ride through downtown Northbrook or a late afternoon skate around the neighborhood. If someone else’s negligence has injured you, we’re here to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Call today for a free case evaluation.
