Were You Injured in a Bicycle Accident in South Carolina?
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, our bicycle accident attorneys understand that when a motorist is not paying attention, it only takes a second to collide with a rider on the street, in a parking lot, or even in a bike lane.
Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, whether it is a distraction inside or outside the car, can cause a catastrophic collision without notice.
Unfortunately, when a motorist collides with a bicyclist, the rider has extraordinarily little protection to absorb the impact, which often results in catastrophic injuries that can change their life in seconds.
If you have been hurt, or tragically lost a loved one in a bicycle accident in South Carolina, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in South Carolina today to learn more about how we can help you hold the negligent driver accountable for your financial recovery by calling 803-258-6199.
Our South Carolina personal injury law firm provides consultations and will never charge our clients for our legal fees if we do not produce a positive outcome for their cases.
How Many People Are Injured or Killed in South Carolina Bicycle Accidents Each Year?
Since so many of our South Carolina residents ride bikes, either for exercise, pleasure, to commute, or to enjoy spending time with their families, bicycle accidents occur often throughout the state.
Last year, bicycle accidents in South Carolina accounted for:
- 488 total vehicle collisions
- 395 bodily injuries
- 49 catastrophic injuries
- 28 fatalities; one fatality every nearly every two weeks
If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys today to learn how we can help you build a unique legal strategy to pursue a successful financial outcome.
Is Driver Negligence the Most Common Cause of Bicycle Accidents in South Carolina?
As with any traffic accident, drivers who are paying attention, searching their surroundings, and abiding by our South Carolina traffic laws while behind the wheel rarely cause collisions on our roadways.
Unfortunately, even when bicyclists and most other motorists are doing everything right, it only takes one negligent driver to change their lives.
Bicycle accidents in South Carolina are commonly caused by:
- Drivers failing to allow enough room for bicyclists to share the roadway
- Aggressive or reckless drivers overtaking the bicyclist’s position
- Failing to look for bicyclists entering/exiting parking lots, sidewalks, or driveways
- Impaired drivers
- Speeding drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists
Many South Carolina bicycle accidents occur in our very own neighborhoods when drivers suddenly become relaxed or comfortable enough to start reading text messages or emails before pulling into their driveways.
Unfortunately, it is often younger children and teenagers who are hurt during these circumstances, because not only are they hard to see under normal circumstances, but they are also impossible to see when drivers do not have their eyes on the road.
If you have been injured or lost a child or another loved one in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our compassionate personal injury lawyers in South Carolina today to learn how we can take the lead in your case, so you can focus on putting your life back together.
Why Do South Carolina Bicycle Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries & Fatalities?
When cars, trucks, or SUVs collide with someone on a bicycle, the impact and rider’s lack of protection can cause life-changing injuries.
Because a bicyclist is no match for a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle, no matter how fast the car is going, the riders often suffer from multiple broken bones, neck and spine injuries, internal bleeding and organ damage, and Traumatic Brain Injuries even when they are wearing protective gear.
When bicycle accident injuries or the loss of life occur on our South Carolina roadways or neighborhoods, our personal injury attorneys are committed to doing everything we can to hold the driver liable for our client’s full financial recovery.
What Can Drivers Do to Keep Bicyclists Safe on Our South Carolina Roadways?
Motorists play an integral part in keeping bicyclists safe everywhere they share the roadways, including their very own neighborhoods where riders often get their starts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are several things motorists can do to help maintain a safe environment for bicyclists.
They include:
- Avoiding turns before the bicyclist passes
- Yielding to bicyclists just as they would motorists
- Searching their surroundings before parking, opening car doors, or exiting parking lots
- Double-checking sidewalks and bike lanes before turning right on red to ensure a bicyclist is not passing
- Obeying speed limits and reducing speed for weather or road conditions that make it difficult to see bicyclists
- Providing enough room for the bicyclist to comfortably navigate and ride
Remember, people on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle, and sharing the road will help keep them safe from potentially life-threatening injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys in South Carolina for a consultation Today
Our experienced personal injury attorneys in South Carolina know all too well how difficult it is to physically and emotionally recover from the severe injuries that can occur during a bicycle accident. That is why we are committed to pursuing the best financial outcome available for each of our clients by pursuing the negligent party for the complete compensation needs so they are never left paying for their medical care and lost wages out of their own pockets.
If you have been hurt while riding your bike, contact our dedicated bicycle accident attorneys in South Carolina today at 803-258-6199 to schedule a consultation to discuss your complete financial recovery needs, so we can start building your case for success.
If you cannot come to us, we will come to you. If we are unable to achieve a positive outcome for your case, you will not be responsible for your legal fees. That is our promise. Call us now to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions for South Carolina Bicycle Accident
After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention if needed, it’s crucial to document the accident scene, gather witness information, and contact law enforcement to file a report. Then, reach out to our bicycle accident attorneys at David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers for guidance on your next steps.
Establishing liability often involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage. Our legal team has experience in investigating bicycle accidents to determine fault and build a strong case on your behalf.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. Our attorneys will assess the full extent of your damages and fight vigorously to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Yes, South Carolina has a statute of limitations that typically allows injured parties three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s essential to act quickly and consult with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Even if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance coverage, you may still have options for recovering compensation. David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers can explore alternative sources of compensation, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
Yes, under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence system, you can still seek compensation, though your damages may be reduced based on your fault. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and guide you on the best course of action.
The timeline for resolving a bicycle accident claim depends on factors like case complexity, injury severity, and the insurance company’s willingness to settle fairly. David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to resolving your claim efficiently while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation. We will keep you updated throughout the process.
Be cautious and don’t accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements for less than you may deserve. Our legal team can review the offer and negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.