Greenville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Practice Areas

Bicycle riders face significant risks on the road, even when equipped with helmets and protective gear. Collisions with cars often result in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or even death.

With the rise in bicycle accidents nationwide and South Carolina’s growing population, the incidence of bicycle-car collisions is expected to increase.

Suppose you or a family member has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident due to a motor vehicle driver’s negligence or recklessness. In that case, you have the right to pursue compensation.

This can cover medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain, suffering, and other related damages. Contact our Greenville Bicycle Accident Lawyer to understand the compensation you may be entitled to.

Our Greenville Bicycle Accident Attorneys Have the Experience & Knowledge

Greenville is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live. It boasts a vibrant downtown with specialty shops, a thriving restaurant scene, a public park, and majestic waterfalls.

Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in the area, but unfortunately, accidents are common and can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.

According to crash reports from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), nearly 450 bicycle accidents occur yearly in the state. Due to heavy local traffic and major highways intersecting the area, bicyclists in Greenville face significant risks.

If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, our Greenville bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. Our Greenville bicycle accident lawyers have the chops to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common types of bicycle accident injuries include:

Severe lacerations, resulting in scarring and disfigurement
Excruciating road rash and burn injuries
Complex bone fractures affecting multiple body parts
Severe back and neck injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord or columns
Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

How Our Greenville Bicycle Accident Law Firm May Assist You After a Bicycle Accident?

No matter the specific circumstances of your bicycle accident case, our law firm is dedicated to seeking justice. The financial burden from accumulating bills, combined with the physical and emotional stress of the incident, can be overwhelming.

Our knowledgeable Greenville bicycle accident lawyers can assist you in various ways, including:

Gathering the necessary evidence of liability to build your case
Informing you of your rights and the relevant laws for your situation
Providing reassurance that your case is being handled effectively
Offering individualized attention to your case
Defending your claim in front of a jury, if necessary
Handling all legal aspects of your injury claim
Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a maximum settlement

Liability determines your eligibility for compensation in a bicycle accident. Although you may have been involved in an accident with a motorist, the evidence must show that the driver breached their duty of care and caused your injuries.

It’s important to note that bicyclists in South Carolina must follow traffic laws similarly to drivers, with some exceptions. If cyclists violate traffic rules or specific bicycle laws, they may be held accountable, and compensation could be reduced.

If you or a loved one have suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident caused by negligent driving, you do not need to go through this alone. Our Greenville bicycle accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can provide the personalized legal representation you need.

How Drivers Cause Greenville Bicycle Accidents

Due to their smaller size and relatively slow speed, drivers often overlook cyclists unless they are actively looking for them. Many bicycle accidents occur simply because the driver fails to notice the cyclist.

Distractions, failure to check for cyclists, and inattention can lead to deadly crashes.

Our bicycle accident lawyers in Greenville frequently encounter cases where drivers act negligently and cause bicycle accidents through the following actions:

Distracted driving
Texting or talking on the phone
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Careless or inattentive driving
Changing lanes without signaling
Changing lanes without checking blind spots
Failing to give cyclists enough clearance when passing
Failing to yield right of way when turning
Failing to look for cyclists before turning
Failing to look for bicycles in the bicycle lane before pulling over to park
Failing to look for bicycles before opening a car door while parked on the street

While these are some of the top causes of Greenville bicycle accidents, there are many other ways a motorist’s negligence can result in a crash. If we can prove that the motorist who hit you acted negligently, we may be able to hold them liable for your damages.

With a strong case against any liable parties, we can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for the full range of your damages. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Types of Damages You Could Be Awarded

Bicycle accident victims are entitled to extensive damages. Contrary to what you might think, there are no strict limits on the amount of compensation you can be awarded. You have the right to be repaid for every loss to help make you whole again.

Our bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive fair compensation by thoroughly inventorying your damages. We will categorize them as either economic or non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include:

Home accommodations for medical reasons
Costs of medical equipment, including prosthetic limbs
Costs of ongoing medical treatment and future medical care
Costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle
Childcare expenses
Costs of household maintenance
Damage to your credit score and report
Costs of increased insurance premiums
Diminished earning capacity and loss of income

In addition to economic damages, you could be entitled to various non-economic damages.

Examples include:

Disfigurement
Skin scarring
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium
Psychological distress
Pain and suffering
Inconvenience
Embarrassment
Shame, shock, and fear
Reputational damages

We aim to ensure that every aspect of your suffering and loss is accounted for. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

How You Can Determine Your Claim’s Worth

As your bicycle accident attorney, our team will manage your case every step of the way. We will examine your case and gather evidence, including photos, videos, witness statements, and police reports. This evidence will be used to prove liability and negligence.

We will file your claim in court once we have sufficient evidence against the other party. We will provide a detailed account of all your damages, including medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, etc.

Our team will represent you in court to demonstrate that the other party engaged in negligent behavior and that you deserve compensation.

After your free consultation, a Greenville bicycle accident lawyer can determine the possible value of your claim. By understanding the worth of your claim, we can negotiate the best possible settlement for you.

The value of your claim depends on several factors:

The severity of your injuries
The extent to which you were at fault
Your out-of-pocket expenses
Your lost income
Your future lost income
The cost of future medical care

Every case is unique, and there may be other factors to consider based on your situation. The best way to determine the true value of your claim is to seek guidance from a lawyer.

What Are South Carolina’s Bicycle Laws?

South Carolina has specific laws and regulations for bicyclists to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Given the potential severity of bicycle accidents, it is essential for bicyclists to adhere to these rules:

Working Brakes: All bicycles must be equipped with functional brakes.
Use of Bicycle Lanes: Bicycle riders must use bicycle lanes when available. If there are no bicycle lanes, cyclists should ride as close to the right side of the road as possible.
Riding Side by Side: No more than two riders can ride side by side in the same lane except on designated bicycle paths or trails.
Carrying Items: Bicyclists are prohibited from carrying any item which prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
Hand Signals: Cyclists should always use proper hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
Lights and Reflectors: Bicycles must have reflector lights and headlamps when riding at night.

Penalties for Endangering Cyclists:

Drivers who endanger bicyclists’ safety can face a fine of up to $500.
If a driver causes serious bodily injury to a bicyclist, the court may impose a fine of $1,000. These fines are paid to the court and do not go to the accident victim.

Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accident Claims in South Carolina

Like other types of personal injury claims in South Carolina, there is limited time to resolve your bicycle accident case. Generally, you have up to three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If your case is unresolved before the statute of limitations expires and you haven’t filed a lawsuit, the court will likely bar you from recovery.

It’s important not to inadvertently miss this filing deadline.

However, while three years is the general deadline, it is not the same in every case. Certain circumstances could reduce or extend the filing time.

Speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in Greenville is essential to confirm the statute of limitations that applies to your case. This ensures you do not miss critical deadlines and preserves your right to gain compensation.

What Are the Five Most Common Types of Bicycle Accidents?

Right Cross Bicycle Accident

A right cross-bicycle accident is the most common cause of bicycle accidents. This type of accident occurs when a car pulls out from the right side of a street, parking lot, or driveway, either hitting the cyclist or causing the cyclist to hit the car.

You can help avoid a right cross-bicycle accident by using a headlight to make your presence known, especially at night or in low visibility, and by riding further left in the lane to increase visibility and give yourself more space to react.

Left Cross Bicycle Accident

A left-cross bicycle accident happens when a car from the opposite direction of a cyclist turns left in front of or into the cyclist. To avoid a left-cross bicycle accident, increase your visibility to oncoming traffic using a headlight, do not pass motorists on the right to avoid being in a driver’s blind spot, and make eye contact with drivers preparing to turn to ensure they see you.

Right Hook Bicycle Accident

A right-hook bicycle accident is one of the most common bicycle accidents. It occurs when a car passes a cyclist on the left and immediately turns right in front of or into the cyclist.

To avoid this type of accident, ride fully in the lane rather than on the far left or the sidewalk to ensure you’re visible and drivers pass you safely.

Door Prize Bicycle Accident

A door prize bicycle accident happens when a parallel-parked car opens its door in front of a cyclist, causing the cyclist to hit the door or swerve into traffic. To avoid a door prize bicycle accident, ride further left in the lane to position yourself away from the door zone of parked cars.

Rear-Ending Bicycle Accident

A rear-end bicycle accident occurs when a cyclist riding far right in the lane moves left to avoid an obstacle and is hit from behind by a motorist. To avoid a rear-end bicycle accident, ride further left in the lane to increase your visibility and give yourself more maneuvering space, use a mirror to keep an eye on traffic approaching from behind, and stay consistent by avoiding weaving in and out of traffic.

Red Light Bicycle Accident

A red light bicycle accident can occur when a cyclist stops to the right of a waiting car at a red light. When the light turns green, the car may turn right, hitting the cyclist.

To avoid a red light bicycle accident, stop behind cars instead of stopping to their right at red lights or stop signs.

Wrong Way Bicycle Accident

A wrong-way bicycle accident occurs when a cyclist rides on the wrong side of the road, and a car pulls out from the left, hitting the cyclist. To avoid a wrong-way bicycle accident, always ride in traffic, follow traffic laws, and ride on the correct roadside.

Following these safety tips can reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident.

Reach Out to Our Greenville Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Help Today

You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed or intimidated by bringing your bicycle accident case to court. Many injury victims experience anxiety about pursuing their cases. However, having a dedicated legal advocate can make a significant difference.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are committed to bringing the at-fault party to justice and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. To get started on your case, schedule a free consultation with a reputable Greenville bicycle accident attorney today.

Call our office or use our online contact form. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Call our firm at (864) 664-3865 or schedule a complimentary initial consultation. Our legal representatives will gladly discuss your case and provide the guidance you need.

FAQs

How long does it take to recover from a bicycle accident?

Minor injuries may heal in less than two months. However, each individual’s recovery process is unique, so it’s important to avoid pushing yourself beyond your comfort level. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are crucial for optimal recovery.

How common are bicycle accidents?

Over 130,000 bicyclists are injured in crashes on roadways every year in the United States. Additionally, approximately 1,000 bicyclists are killed in road accidents annually.

What is the trauma after a bicycle accident?

Bicycle crashes can have a profound psychological impact on the victims. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological consequences. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can assist in the healing process and promote mental well-being.