Chicago has had its seventh victim killed in a bicycle accident this year. Authorities say a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant has become the seventh person to die in a bicycle accident on September 20. According to a fire department spokesman, the 56-year-old man was struck by a vehicle as he was biking home from his shift at the firehouse near Evergreen Park on 93rd Street. Police say he was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he died weeks later from multiple injuries on October 11.
Police say the SUV that struck the firefighter was driven by a 33-year-old Chicago woman. The driver told police she did not see the bicyclist in the intersection until he hit the side of her SUV. Police say the SUV had the right-of-way. A witness told police it looked like the bicyclist assumed the SUV was going to stop for him. Police report the bicyclist hit the side of the Jeep, flew off the bike and onto the SUV's hood and fell to the ground. Emergency responders reported the man was unconscious when they arrived at the scene.
The Chicago Department of Transportation reports six others have died this year while bicycling in the city. Authorities say despite the city’s attempt to constantly add miles of bicycle lanes, Chicago has statistically had about sixth bicycle accident deaths every year. Authorities say it will be the 11th death in the Cook County area.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, know the many challenges you are facing. For trust and dedicated support, please contact our downtown St. Louis office to schedule a free bicycle accident case review.