Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Bike Accident in Chicago?

While most people ride bikes for fun, there are plenty of professional cyclists in Chicago. If you were injured while riding your bike for work, you might desperately need compensation. Cyclists are completely vulnerable to impacts from vehicles, and they lack the various safety features of a typical automobile. These include seat belts, airbags, bumpers, and so on. Injured professional cyclists might want to discuss their options with Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers.

Examples of Professional Cyclists in Chicago 

Many jobs might involve riding a bike full-time. Perhaps the most obvious example is a courier, who may ride a bicycle while delivering various parcels and documents around town. Hundreds of companies in Chicago provide courier services, and these companies might employ many thousands of individual couriers. These workers often deal with tight timelines, and they might face serious traffic hazards every day.

Many law enforcement and security workers also ride bikes full-time in Chicago. Because the city is considered “bike-friendly,” bicycle patrols are somewhat common. This is particularly true on college campuses. For example, the University of Illinois proudly advertises that its local police force has a fleet of mountain bikes for patrol purposes.

Perhaps the most common example of a professional cyclist today is a delivery worker. Many people working for food delivery apps ride bikes full-time, and these individuals face serious safety hazards every day. However, their access to workers’ compensation is limited. Food delivery workers are not legal “employees” but rather gig workers. As a result, they fall into the category of “independent contractors” and lose coverage under workers’ compensation. Injured delivery workers might want to discuss legal options with an experienced lawyer after a bicycle accident in Chicago.

Why Might Workers’ Compensation Be Useful After a Bicycle Accident? 

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver who caused your accident. However, you might lose this opportunity if the driver flees the scene. If police never locate the driver in question, your only remaining option might be to file a workers’ compensation claim.

A workers’ compensation claim can provide you with enough to cover your lost wages and medical bills. Although this compensation is more limited compared to that provided by bike accident lawsuits, it is certainly better than nothing.

You should also know that many drivers in Chicago are uninsured or underinsured. In this situation, you might be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit in order to pursue maximum compensation.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help After a Bicycle Accident? 

A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help after a bike accident. If you lack car insurance, a workers’ comp claim may be one of the few ways to pursue compensation – especially if the at-fault driver fled the scene. Work with Connolly Injury Law to assess your options and pursue the financial security you deserve.

Sources: 

police.uic.edu/about-us/patrol-operations-division/bicycle-patrol/

ipmba.org/blog/comments/chicago-police-bike-patrols-to-expand-city-wide