T
Themoonstone
Guest
So, about 6 months ago I was waiting to turn right onto a main road in a business district in Chicago (it is illegal to ride your bicycle on a sidewalk here I believe if you are over the age of 12 and I am also a biker). I looked on the sidewalk for pedestrians, saw none, and when 2 cars stopped (for the traffic light, but gave me space to pull onto the road from the side road), I started to proceed slowly. All of a sudden a man on a bike was in front of my car and I hit him (very,very slowly since I was clearly pulling onto a roadway from a small street). I obviously stopped, and it so happened that there was a detective in a car 2 cars from where I was so he stopped. We both asked the guy if he was okay. I was totally in shock because he came out of no where biking the wrong direction down the sidewalk when that is illegal! The guy ripped his pants, but seemed fine otherwise. I offered to call an ambulance and the actual cops, but he insisted he was fine, just a little shaken. He then got back on his bike and biked off on the sidewalk again! I just got served a notice today from his lawyer. I am at a loss. This was 6 months ago, we do not have a police report. I do not believe I am at fault. I did my due diligence as a driver, I believe. I checked both sides of the sidewalk, proceeded slowly into the road and as far as I am concerned, this man ran into me. What should I do? I called his attorney as soon as I got the notice. He didn't take photos or anything as far as I know. Not sure what proof he could even have. It's his word against mine, I think. Any advice for me?