Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Joliet, IL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Joliet, Illinois?

  815-726-2491 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Joliet.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Joliet, Illinois?

  To obtain a police report for incidents related to your case in Joliet, you can request a copy of the driver exchange form, which lists the vehicle and contact information of all involved parties, from the Joliet Police Department's main station at 150 W. Washington Street. You can make an in-person request from Sunday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and bring a photo ID. You can also obtain a full copy of the report with diagrams and a narrative for $5, and you must bring the exact amount or a credit or debit card with a matching photo ID. Alternatively, you can request other police reports by submitting a Freedom of Information Act request through the Joliet FOIA Request Center (https://joliet.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(nkilsgun3hu1uq0h5mwulkl5))/supporthome.aspx). You will need to provide your name and contact information, as well as a detailed description of the report you need. FOIA fees are based on the number of pages produced, and any records or reports released to you may have information withheld or redacted if they meet criteria exempt from release under FOIA.

• What regulations do bicyclists in Joliet need to comply with?

  Joliet has various bike ordinances that both residents and visitors must adhere to. To ride in public areas, residents must obtain a license for their bicycles. Additionally, all cyclists in the city — including children — are required to follow traffic control devices and markings, have at least one hand on the handlebar, and have a bike feature that alerts nearby pedestrians and motorists.

• Is there any way to extend the statute of limitations for a bicycle accident claim in Joliet?

  In certain circumstances, a Joliet bicycle accident attorney can file motions to extend the statute of limitations past the two-year limit. This is called equitable estoppel, where the injured party must demonstrate the circumstances that prevented them from filing within the given timeframe. Equitable estoppel requires specific actions or inaction on the part of the injured party and can provide an opportunity to seek compensation beyond the initial deadline.

• What are some factors that contribute to bike accidents in Joliet?

  Bike accidents in Joliet may occur when a driver does not pay attention to smaller vehicles, does not yield, turns without checking, opens their car door without looking, or drives under the influence. Consequently, drivers should follow road rules and cyclists should always be aware of their surroundings to anticipate potential hazards.

• What should you do if you're involved in a bicycle accident in Joliet?

  To safeguard your rights after a Joliet bicycle accident caused by another party's negligence, there are certain measures you can take. First, you must inform the authorities to create an official record of the incident. Second, collect evidence of the accident by noting the scene, taking photos of injuries and bike damage, and obtaining witness contact details. Third, only have your bike repaired after your insurer has inspected it. Finally, maintain all relevant paperwork, including documents from doctors, insurers, and the police, to assist your attorney in building a strong case.

• How much compensation should a bicycle accident victim in Joliet expect to receive?

  Calculating a bicycle accident settlement offer in Joliet is challenging due to the individualized nature of each case. Generally, personal injury attorneys assess claims based on factors such as medical expenses, emotional pain, lost wages, future earning potential, and pain and suffering. In case of serious injury, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for losses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or permanent disabilities. Therefore, the more damages one incurs, the higher the possible compensation value is.