From the Lakefront Trail to neighborhood sidewalks and busy downtown streets, Chicago residents are increasingly sharing space with electric-powered devices capable of traveling at speeds far greater than traditional bicycles. Unfortunately, when riders operate these vehicles recklessly or without experience, the consequences can be devastating.

The bike injury lawyers of  Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., have seen firsthand how serious pedestrian injuries can change lives. As e-bike and e-scooter use continues to increase, so does the importance of understanding the risks and knowing your legal rights after an accident.

A recent analysis performed by the New York Times in an article entitled “The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and SUVs” and reported by Car and Driver found that the increasing height of vehicle hoods and front ends has contributed to thousands of avoidable pedestrian deaths in the United States. Researchers estimated that between 2,624 and 3,077 pedestrian lives could have been saved between 2016 and 2024 if vehicle front-end designs had remained closer to those commonly seen in the early 2000s. The New York Times study found that every additional inch of hood height increased the risk of a fatal pedestrian crash by approximately 2.8%. (Car and Driver)

Other research has reached similar conclusions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans with hood heights greater than 40 inches are approximately 45% more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities than lower-profile vehicles. (IIHS)

Illinois lawmakers have taken another step in the fight against distracted driving by advancing legislation that would prohibit drivers from wearing AI-powered smart glasses while operating a motor vehicle. The bill, championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, would add smart glasses to the list of electronic devices already prohibited while driving under Illinois law. (Chicago Sun-Times)

The reason is simple: distracted driving continues to cause devastating crashes and life-changing injuries.  The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have seen these damages first hand.

The Sun-Times article also reported two heartbreaking fatalities involving teenagers this year. A 17-year-old and a 15-year-old were both killed after being struck by motor vehicles while riding e-scooters on Chicago’s South Side. Those tragedies prompted the City of Chicago to launch a new e-scooter safety campaign. (Chicago Sun-Times)

E-Scooters Are Not Toys

A tragic bicycle fatality in Bridgeport has once again highlighted one of the most overlooked dangers facing Chicago cyclists: “dooring.”

According to recent reports, 35-year-old Riley O’Neil, a Chicago Department of Transportation employee and advocate for safer streets, was riding his bicycle in a marked bike lane when a parked vehicle’s door was opened directly into his path. The impact threw him into traffic, where he was struck by an oncoming truck and killed. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Recognizing these dangers, Illinois lawmakers recently passed legislation that would establish new statewide regulations for high-speed electric bikes, electric scooters, and similar micromobility devices. If signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation creates important distinctions between traditional low-speed e-bikes and faster devices that operate more like motorcycles. Among other requirements, certain high-speed electric bikes will now require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. They will also be prohibited from operating on bike paths and bicycle lanes.

For individuals injured in e-bike crashes, these changes could have a significant impact on liability claims and financial recovery.  The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. on how devastating it is for a person who is seriously injured by a uninsured person on a high speed electric bike to also be burdened with medical bills and lost income from not being able to work

The experienced bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer are often asked:

“What if the accident was partially my fault? Can I still recover compensation?”

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., our Chicago dog bite injury lawyers help people understand their rights after serious dog bite injuries. Illinois law is generally favorable to dog bite victims, but there are important exceptions and defenses that may affect a case.

Illinois Dog Bite Law: The Animal Control Act

But what happens if a pedestrian is hit by a car while crossing mid-block? Does the pedestrian automatically lose the right to bring a personal injury claim?

Under Illinois law, the answer is no.

Part 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations governs inspection, repair, and maintenance. It requires motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain commercial motor vehicles under their control. It also requires parts and accessories to remain in safe and proper operating condition at all times.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., our Chicago trucking attorneys evaluate unsafe equipment claims by asking a basic question: Did the carrier put a vehicle on the road that federal law required it to inspect, repair, or remove from service?