For cyclists, the Midwest is a haven of scenic routes and vibrant communities. From the winding paths of the Great River Road between Wisconsin and Minnesota to the wide-open fields along Iowa’s High Trestle Trail or the bustling bike lanes of Minneapolis and Madison, this region offers something for every type of cyclist. Whether you ride for recreation, sport, or as a greener commuting option, there’s a unique sense of freedom and joy in cycling that is hard to match.
However, sharing the road with motor vehicles poses serious risks for cyclists. Accidents caused by inattentive or negligent drivers can lead to life-altering injuries and emotional trauma. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are here to help after your cycling accident. Our compassionate attorneys will stand by your side to ensure you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
When the unthinkable happens, call on the Midwest Cycling Lawyers. We’ll fight for your rights so you can recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Meet Christopher Welch
Attorney Christopher Welch knows the dangers cyclists face every day on the road because he has lived through them himself. After being involved in two collisions with distracted drivers in 2018—one as a driver in his truck and the other as a cyclist navigating bike lanes in the city—Christopher decided to dedicate his career to helping injured individuals fight for justice.
These experiences gave him firsthand insight into how quickly life can change after an accident. He knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by medical bills, loss of mobility, and uncooperative insurance companies. This deeply personal connection is what fuels his determination to protect cyclists and other accident victims in their most vulnerable times.
Christopher’s work at Nicolet Law is not just a profession, it’s his passion. He tirelessly works to hold negligent drivers and corporations accountable, taking on powerful insurance companies to secure fair compensation for his clients.
Outside the office, Christopher is an avid cyclist who spends his weekends exploring Midwest trails or leading community yoga classes. He understands how cherished hobbies like cycling shape our identities and bring us joy, which is why he fights so hard to protect the rights of individuals who choose life on two wheels. On any given day, you’ll find him accompanied by his rescue dog Farley, whose boundless energy serves as a reminder of the simple joys in life.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, Christopher Welch and the rest of the Nicolet Law team are ready to help.
- Christopher Welch, The Midwest’s Cycling Lawyer™ and Personal Injury Attorney
Why Choose Our Midwest Cycling Lawyers
Choosing the right attorney after a cycling accident can make all the difference. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we don’t just bring legal expertise to the table—we bring empathy, commitment, and an in-depth understanding of cycling culture across the Midwest.
We know how tough it is to recover from a serious biking accident. Medical bills pile up, you might be unable to work, and on top of this, insurance companies often try to undervalue or deny your claims altogether. That’s where we step in.
Our team provides more than just legal representation; we offer unwavering support during one of the most challenging times of your life. Whether your accident happened on the bustling streets of Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis or on a quiet stretch of country road near Eau Claire, we understand the unique legal and geographical factors involved in Midwest cycling accidents.
We can handle every aspect of your case, from dealing with stubborn insurance adjusters to building a strong argument for your claim. Our priority is to win you the compensation you need to cover medical costs, lost wages, disability expenses, and emotional suffering.
When you choose Nicolet Law, you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares. We’ll guide you through the legal process so you don’t feel alone, and we’ll fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Midwest Bicycle Companies and Events
The Midwest is home to a vibrant cycling community, with a range of companies and events that celebrate the spirit of riding. Here are a few notable mentions:
- Salsa Cycles: Known for their high-quality adventure bikes, Salsa Cycles is a staple in the Midwest cycling community.
- Quality Bicycle Products (QBP): Based in the Twin Cities, QBP is one of the largest distributors of bicycle parts and accessories in the United States.
- Surly Bikes: Also located in the Twin Cities, Surly is renowned for its durable and innovative bike designs.
- Trek Bikes: Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek is a global leader in bicycle manufacturing and a strong supporter of cycling advocacy.
Common Causes of Cycling Accidents in the Midwest
Unfortunately, many cycling accidents boil down to negligence on the part of motor vehicle drivers. Sharing the road requires awareness and respect, but too often, cyclists are overlooked. Recognition and prevention are key, so it’s important to understand what typically leads to these collisions.
Some common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on their phones, or adjusting their GPS can easily miss a cyclist.
- Failure to Yield: This often occurs at intersections when drivers fail to respect cyclists’ right of way, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Unsafe Passing: Drivers who don’t leave the required three feet of clearance can force cyclists off the road or clip them with side-view mirrors.
- Open Door Accidents: Sudden car doors opening into bike lanes can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting cyclists.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are a hazard to everyone, especially cyclists who already face limited protection on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident caused by a negligent driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Nicolet Law are here to help you fight for justice.
What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Cyclists?
Under Midwest laws, operators of motor vehicles have certain obligations to ensure the safety of cyclists sharing the road. These laws include:
- Yielding to Cyclists at intersections and when merging into bike lanes.
- Maintaining a Safe Passing Distance of at least three feet to avoid sideswiping or startling cyclists.
- Exercising Caution When Turning near bike lanes or crossing intersections to avoid colliding with a cyclist.
- Checking Blind Spots regularly, especially when backing up or changing lanes.
- Avoiding Aggressive Behavior, like tailgating, honking excessively, or attempting to “share” bike lanes with cyclists.
When these responsibilities are ignored, lives are put at risk. If a driver’s actions have caused your injury, we’ll hold them accountable for their negligence.
How Our Lawyers Prove Negligence in Midwest Cycling Accidents
To win a cycling accident case, your lawyer must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of others, which is unfortunately a common factor in cycling accidents.
There are four key elements we must establish for a successful claim:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to act responsibly—for example, by following traffic laws and respecting cyclists’ safety.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this duty, whether by speeding, driving while distracted, or violating other safety rules.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as a result of the incident.
Our skilled attorneys will collect evidence such as accident reports, eyewitness testimonies, surveillance footage, and expert analyses to build a compelling case. With Nicolet Law on your side, you don’t have to worry about proving anything alone—we’re here to do the heavy lifting while you focus on healing.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?
Cyclists aren’t always entirely without fault in accidents. Perhaps you were riding outside the marked bike lane, didn’t have reflective gear, or failed to stop at a traffic light. While these actions may have contributed to the crash, they don’t necessarily bar you from seeking compensation.
States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota follow versions of comparative negligence laws, meaning your recovery isn’t automatically denied if you share some responsibility. Instead, your total compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your final award is reduced by that amount.
At Nicolet Law, we’re here to ensure that unfair blame doesn’t derail your case. Insurance companies love to exaggerate cyclist “fault” to diminish claims, but we’ll fight back against these tactics and ensure liability is accurately determined. No matter the circumstances of your case, we’ll work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer, Should I Take It?
If an insurance company has made you a settlement offer after your cycling accident, it might be tempting to accept it quickly. After all, you want to move forward and take care of your recovery. However, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney before agreeing to anything.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line—not your best interests. While the offer may seem fair at first glance, it often falls far short of covering your full and future financial losses. Once you accept an offer, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation—even if your injuries worsen or additional expenses arise.
Insurance adjusters are trained to deploy tactics that can undervalue your claim, including:
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries or questioning whether they were caused by the accident.
- Rushing you to settle before you understand the full extent of your medical and financial needs.
- Exploiting your lack of knowledge about the legal process to minimize payouts.
- Using recorded statements or unrelated past incidents against you to shift blame elsewhere.
With a dedicated lawyer from Nicolet Law on your side, you won’t have to face these pressure tactics alone. We’ll assess any offer against the true value of your case and fight to maximize your compensation. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Compensation Available to Midwest Cycling Accident Victims
Cycling accidents can have devastating consequences—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. At Nicolet Law, our mission is to ensure you’re fully compensated for what you’ve endured.
Here are some of the damages you may be entitled to pursue:
- Medical Expenses (past, ongoing, and future care, including rehabilitation and therapy).
- Lost Income (for time missed from work during recovery).
- Loss of Future Earnings (when your injuries impact your ability to work).
- Pain and Suffering (physical pain and emotional distress).
- Mental Anguish (including trauma associated with the accident).
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life (when injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved).
- Property Damage (such as repairs or replacement for your bike and gear).
- Costs of Long-term Care (including medication, in-home care, or assisted living if needed).
- Wrongful Death Damages (if the accident tragically claimed the life of a loved one. These can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and support for surviving family members.)
Every case is unique, and our lawyers will carefully evaluate your situation to identify every type of compensation available.
Midwest Cycling Accident FAQs
After a cycling accident, it’s normal to feel confused and unsure about your next steps. Here are answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask after an accident.
Q: Do I have to speak to the other party’s insurer?
A: No. You are not legally required to provide a statement or sign anything for the other driver’s insurance company. It’s best to speak with your lawyer first to protect your rights.
Q: I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still file a claim?
A: Yes, you can still pursue compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Lack of a helmet might reduce your claim amount under comparative negligence laws, but it doesn’t eliminate your right to recover damages.
Q: How long do I have to file a cycling accident claim?
A: This timeframe is called the statute of limitations. It varies by state but is typically two or three years following the accident. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.
Q: How much will hiring a lawyer cost me?
A: At Nicolet Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Reach out to our team for personalized answers during your free consultation.
Contact Our Trusted Cycling Accident Lawyer Today
When a cycling accident changes your life, you need someone in your corner who understands your struggle and has the skills to deliver justice. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless cyclists across the Midwest reclaim their lives after devastating accidents. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Investigate your case thoroughly, collecting evidence like crash reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Negotiate forcefully with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement.
- Represent you in court if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
- Provide honest advice and regular communication, so you always know the status of your case.
- Offer compassionate support while you focus on what really matters—your recovery.
It’s time to take the next step toward healing and justice. Contact Nicolet Law today at (715) 377-2141 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and start building a plan to pursue the compensation you deserve.
