803-902-4583
South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Helping Injured Cyclists Seek Maximum Compensation for Their Injuries
Bicycle accidents can have devastating physical and financial consequences, especially those involving a motor vehicle. In South Carolina, victims of negligent drivers can often access compensation through the civil court system.
If you are a bicyclist and have been injured by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. However, insurance companies often try to blame bicyclists for causing accidents to reduce or avoid paying claims.
At Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, we help victims and their families across Bluffton, Beaufort, Fort Mill, Gaffney, Hilton Head, Lancaster, Rock Hill, and York County. If you have questions about your case, our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer will listen and determine your legal options.
What Can a South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Our bicycle accident lawyers in South Carolina understand our client’s challenges after a cycling accident. When you come to us for help, our first step is to evaluate each case thoroughly, ensuring that there is a valid compensation claim. Our attorneys’ knowledge of state-specific traffic laws enables them to assess the accident’s circumstances and identify responsible parties accurately. Our attorneys diligently gather essential evidence to substantiate your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. Our personal injury lawyers aim to construct a robust case that accurately represents your interests.
Our dedicated legal team prioritizes effective communication with insurance companies. We negotiate assertively on behalf of our clients to secure fair settlements that cover medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. When negotiations do not yield a settlement, which is rare, they will prepare your case for trial and advocate passionately, protecting your rights and ensuring the judge hears your claim.
An attorney’s role extends beyond legal representation. Our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer will guide you through the complexities of the legal system by demystifying legal terms and processes and keeping you informed. We aim to relieve you of the legal burden, allowing you to concentrate on recovery and healing.
Why Do Most South Carolina Bicycle Accidents Occur?
Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons. However, in most instances, motor vehicle drivers are to blame for causing collisions. Some of the most common and frequently cited factors that contribute to bicycle accidents include:
- Motor vehicles veering into a bicycle lane
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Drunk drivers
- Road rage
- Adverse weather conditions
- A driver opens a door in the path of an unsuspecting bicyclist
- Drivers fail to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Other actions that can lead to South Carolina bicycle accidents include distracted driving. A driver may often pay more attention to their cell phone or GPS than the road. In other cases, a cyclist may suffer serious injuries by swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid a dog bite from an animal not being controlled by their owner.
Regardless of how your bicycle accident occurred, you need to hire an attorney who can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney who will gladly review your case.
What are the Most Commonly Reported Bicycle Accident Injuries?
If bike riders wear protective gear like helmets, they can still suffer serious injuries. Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection that individuals riding in motor vehicles enjoy, such as seat belts or airbags. Some of the most commonly reported bicycle accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Facial or dental injuries
One of the most dangerous aspects of bicycle accidents is they often lead to catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis that are life-altering for victims and their families.
If you have suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident, you are probably dealing with unexpected medical expenses that may be challenging to pay. Allow our South Carolina bicycle accident attorney to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a bicycle crash, there are several steps that you must follow to protect your well-being and ability to file a personal injury claim. These steps include:
- Stay calm and remain at the scene of the accident.
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Exchange information with the driver or other party involved, including driver’s license or insurance information.
- Gather evidence, including pictures and videos of the damage to your bicycle, other vehicles, road conditions, and lighting.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not believe you are injured, it is best to be examined by a medical professional to ensure you do not have internal injuries
- Do not post about the accident on social media.
- Contact a skilled South Carolina bicycle accident attorney who can assist you with filing a claim.
What Damages Can an Injury Victim Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
In a bicycle accident, victims may incur financial and non-financial damages. These typically include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and loss of enjoyment in life
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace the bicycle and other personal items damaged in the accident
These damages aim to compensate the victim for the losses and hardships from the accident. An accurate assessment is crucial for fair compensation. Our bicycle accident attorney in South Carolina can help quantify these damages effectively, ensuring victims receive the support they need for a full recovery.
What South Carolina Bicycle Laws Should You Know?
Understanding South Carolina bicycle laws is essential for cyclists and drivers to ensure road safety. These laws cater to the unique vulnerabilities of bicyclists and aim to foster a respectful and safe sharing of roadways.
Rules for Drivers
Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with bicyclists, as SC Code Sec. 56-5-3230 mandates. Since bicycles are smaller and less visible than motor vehicles, drivers must be vigilant. As specified in SC Code Sec. 56-5-3435, keeping a safe operating distance prevents accidents. Harassing bicyclists or throwing objects at them is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Rules for Bicyclists
The rules for bicyclists are clear. They must adhere to the same duties and privileges as motor vehicles when on public roadways. Obeying the law includes riding with the flow of traffic and obeying all traffic signs. Bicyclists should ride as far to the right as practical. Still, they can move out of bike lanes for specific maneuvers like passing another bicyclist, turning left, or avoiding roadway obstructions.
If you have questions about potential bicycle law violations, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys will assess the details of your case.
What Steps Promote Safety for Bicyclists in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, bicyclist safety requires individual responsibility and adherence to safety norms. The state’s diverse landscapes offer varied biking experiences, making it crucial for cyclists to be well-prepared and vigilant. In addition to obeying traffic laws and wearing the proper reflective gear, promoting safety involves several key practices:
- Wearing helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries significantly
- Regularly checking and maintaining brakes, tires, and lights for optimal bike condition
- Utilizing bike lanes when available to stay separated from motor traffic
Group riding is common but requires discipline. Cyclists should not ride more than two side-by-side. Visibility is critical, especially at dawn, dusk, or night. Bicyclists should use lights and reflectors after dark to enhance their visibility to motorists. Wearing retro-reflective clothing also helps to reduce the risk of a collision.
These practices are fundamental in minimizing risks and ensuring a safer biking environment. Safety measures greatly diminish the likelihood of accidents and enhance the overall biking experience when diligently practiced.
When Should You Contact Our South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Legal Help?
Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is essential when facing complex legal issues following an accident. Our bicycle accident lawyers provide guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure fair compensation. Their knowledge of specific traffic laws and cyclists’ rights greatly benefits your case, offering peace of mind and professional advocacy.
In the aftermath of a devastating bicycle accident, our legal team at Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm can help you understand the civil process and how the laws apply to your case. We will listen to the details of your accident and determine the next steps in the process that will ensure you receive justice.
Contact Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm today at 803-902-4583 to schedule your free consultation with a South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer in your area.