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Riding a bicycle is an economical and healthy mode of transportation. Unfortunately, since bicyclists are required to share the road with motor vehicles, severe accidents often occur. Bicyclists often sustain serious injuries such as broken bones, severe head trauma, as well as spinal and neck damage. When another party’s reckless and careless actions cause a collision, they may be required to pay the injured victims compensation.
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash while riding a bike, a Bluffton bicycle accident lawyer could help your case. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney may be able to help you file a claim against the motorist who hit you and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Understanding Negligence in a Bike Crash Case
Bicycle accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries have many different underlying causes. An experienced Bluffton bicycle accident lawyer could investigate the incident and determine the exact cause.
What are the Common Forms of Motorist Negligence?
Negligent driving behavior can take many forms, although in each case, it presents a significant danger to cyclists who are on or near the road. The common types of negligence include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Texting while driving
- Failing to abide by traffic signs and signals
Despite being required by state law to remain a safe distance away from people on a bike, far too many drivers in South Carolina fail to adequately share the road.
Can the Cyclist be Considered Negligent?
Like motorists, cyclists are obligated to follow certain rules of the road, such as always using a bike lane if one is available, not riding more than two abreast, and increasing their visibility at night with the aid of lights, reflectors, and bright clothing. Running a stop sign, riding the wrong way on a one-way street, and turning abruptly into moving traffic are all examples of cyclist negligence that can result in a collision with a motor vehicle.
In South Carolina, an injured cyclist who is found to be 50 percent or less at fault, they may be eligible to recover compensation damages under the principle of contributory negligence per South Carolina Code § 15-1-300. If the injured cyclist is found to be more than 51 percent at fault, they may be unable to recover compensation.
Reach out to a skilled Bluffton bicycle accident lawyer to learn about the rules of contributory negligence and how it could affect an individual’s case.
Types of Recoverable Damage
With the help of a diligent bike crash attorney in Bluffton, injured bicyclists may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide variety of damages.
The most common types of damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
Speak to a Bluffton Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
A bicycle accident could have devastating consequences. Besides the physical hardships, bicyclists are often left with severe emotional and financial burdens. Fortunately, injured bicyclists may be eligible to recover compensation for their damages.
Call Schiller & Hamilton today to schedule a consultation with a Bluffton bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.