Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Case On Behalf of Young Bicyclist Injured in a Hit-and-Run Settled for Insurance Policy Limits


This week the Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices settled a difficult case for a young bicyclist injured in a hit-and-run for the policy limits of the applicable insurance policy. As the bicyclist approached an intersection on his way home from school to his home a motorist struck the bicyclist in a head on collision.  

The case presented two unique challenges:  One, because the bicyclist could not remember the crash due to a head injury. Two, the only eye witness was a young child. This very young eyewitness reported to the police that the bicyclist was at fault.

However, all of the physical evidence and circumstantial evidence showed that the most probable cause of the collision was the motorist's failure to yield to the bicyclist and keep a proper lookout. The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices successfully argued that based on the damage to the car and bicycle the motorist must have been at fault for causing the bicycle crash. Most significantly, the motorist fled the scene but the car was later located by the local police department. The owner of the vehicle denied being the driver involved in the collision. Ironically, this denial led credence to our version of events and put the credibility of the motorist in great doubt.
 

As a result of the crash the bicyclist suffered a fractured pelvis and femur. His injuries resulted in a hospitalization and several weeks of missed school. Keating Law Offices obtained a substantial insurance policy limit settlement on behalf of the injured cyclist by arguing the insurance company had a legal duty to pay valid claims. Specific terms of the settlement and facts of the case are confidential pursuant to the settlement agreement. The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers take pride in resolving cases for maximum value as efficiently as possible. The final settlement in this matter was reached within three months of the injured bicyclist retaining the Illinois Bicycle Lawyers. 

If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.