Mount Prospect Bicyclist Killed In Des Plaines Car Accident

Wrongful Death - February 13, 2024

Male Bicyclist From Mount Prospect Died In Car Accident With Pickup Truck on Golf Road By I-294 and Des Plaines River Road

DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (February 13, 2024) – A 41-year-old male bicyclist from Mount Prospect has tragically died in a Des Plaines car accident along Golf Road.

Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday. The bicyclist was riding eastbound on Golf Road when he was hit by a 2017 Ford F-250 pickup truck.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Life-saving measures were taken before the bicyclist was transported to a nearby hospital.

Despite additional care at the hospital, the man later died due to his injuries. A full investigation into the Des Plaines bicycle accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Cook County Car Accidents

Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by motor vehicles. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked due to their small profile. According to the IIHS, “A total of 961 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2021. Although bicyclist deaths have decreased 4% since 1975, they have increased 55% since reaching their lowest point in 2010. Most bicyclist deaths in 2021 (90%) were among people age 20 and older.” There are a number of measures that drivers should take to avoid hitting cyclists.

• Drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
• Drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from bicyclists in bicycle lanes.
• Drivers should check their blind spots before making any turns.

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting bicyclists and pedestrians in the roadway. A large portion of accidents involve drivers that were speeding. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601), no driver shall operate a vehicle at a speed greater than what is reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence for any driver that rear-ends a vehicle or bicyclist in their own lane of traffic.

Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes such as landscaping and construction. If a driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any bicycle accident.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be sought.
• Surveillance footage should be collected.
• Photos of the accident site should be taken.

The vast majority of bicycle accidents are preventable and involve drivers that were not paying adequate attention to the road ahead of them. Sadly, though, drivers will often do everything that they can to deny liability if they hit a cyclist. However, evidence is what will ultimately determine who was at fault for a collision.

Investigating Des Plaines Bicycle Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Des Plaines bicycle accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. Many questions about what took place still remain unanswered.

Do you need more information about a Des Plaines bicycle accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.