In Hilton Head, bicyclists face significant risks of serious collisions despite the benefits of eco-friendly transportation. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, navigating the legal process can be challenging.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has dedicated Hilton Head bicycle accident lawyers ready to provide comprehensive legal support and fight to recover your settlement. While you focus on your recovery, our Hilton Head personal injury lawyers will offer the necessary assistance and support to help you secure the financial compensation you deserve during this difficult time.
Our law firm will guide you through the options of filing a claim or pursuing a civil suit, ensuring you receive aggressive representation and valuable guidance for your physical and financial recovery.
How Can Our Hilton Head Bicycle Accident Attorneys Assist You After a Bike Accident?
Injured in a bike crash? Even minor accidents can result in severe injuries, and you’ll need time to focus on your recovery.
Guiding a complicated injury claim on your own could jeopardize your healing process.
Hiring one of our Hilton Head bike accident attorneys allows you to concentrate on getting better while increasing your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will fight to deny or devalue your claim. Our attorneys can counter their tactics and advocate for your rightful compensation.
- Assigning Fault: Others involved in your bike accident might try to shift blame onto you. A lawyer will gather evidence to establish fault accurately and protect your interests.
- Identifying Multiple Liable Parties: More than one party might be responsible for your accident and injuries. Our attorneys can identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable.
- Determining Case Value: You might not know the true worth of your case. Relying on an insurance company’s valuation could result in unfair compensation. Our lawyer can accurately assess your damages.
We treat you like family at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. When you get hurt, we fight for your rights with the same dedication we would for our family members.
We take a strong approach to your bicycle accident case, striving for a meaningful settlement or verdict.
Get Legal Support With Our Hilton Head Bicycle Accident Law Firm
Hiring a lawyer protects your interests. The other party’s insurance company will likely have its legal team experienced in negotiating settlements for as little as possible.
Working with our experienced Hilton Head bicycle accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm improves your chances of receiving a fair, equitable settlement that covers your injuries and recovery.
Don’t fear high attorney fees deter you from seeking legal counsel. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a cent unless we win you a monetary settlement or judgment award.
Our bike accident lawyers advocate for victims of bike accidents to hold negligent drivers accountable. We want to make our streets a safer place for all cyclists.
Call our Hilton Head personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
What Is a Bicycle Accident?
In Hilton Head, bicycles are legally considered vehicles, and cyclists must adhere to the same traffic regulations as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals stop signs, and yielding the right of way.
While there is no statewide helmet law for cyclists, helmets are strongly recommended for all riders, especially children under 14. Bicycles must have a white headlight visible from at least 500 feet, a red taillight, and a red reflector for night riding.
Cyclists are generally required to ride in the same direction as traffic on the right side of the road. They may, however, use the left side of a one-way street.
When a bike lane is available, cyclists must use it unless they are preparing to turn or avoiding an obstruction.
Before turning, cyclists must signal and pass to the left of other vehicles or bicycles. Overtaking a vehicle on the right is illegal unless the vehicle is turning left.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators. They are entitled to the full use of the lane and have the right of way in appropriate situations.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents in Hilton Head
Numerous injuries, with varied degrees of severity based on the circumstances of the incident, can result from bicycle accidents.
Common injuries include:
- Brain and Head Injuries: Brain injuries are a significant concern in bicycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. These injuries can vary from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), potentially causing long-term effects on cognitive function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
- Fractures and Bone Breaks: The impact of a bicycle accident can result in fractures or breaks in various bones, such as the arms, legs, wrists, collarbones, ribs, or pelvis. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require medical intervention, including casts, surgery, or physical therapy.
- Road Rash: Road rash refers to abrasions and lacerations when a cyclist’s skin contacts the road surface during an accident. This can cause painful scrapes, cuts, and burns, which vary in severity depending on the speed of the accident and the type of protective gear worn by the cyclist.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: In more severe cases, bicycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-term, life-altering effects, necessitating extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The force of impact in a bicycle accident can drive internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding or damage may not be immediately apparent and could require medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Suppose you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident. In that case, it is important to pursue medical attention promptly and consult with a Hilton Head personal injury attorney to understand your rights and potential legal options.
What You Need to Know About Hilton Head, South Carolina Laws
Understanding Hilton Head, South Carolina bicycle laws is essential for cyclists and drivers to ensure road safety. These regulations are designed to address the special vulnerabilities faced by cyclists and promote safe and courteous sharing of the road.
Understanding and Observing South Carolina Bicycle Laws:
- Right to the Road (Section 56-5-3420): Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. This includes adhering to all traffic signals and road markings.
- Bicycle Lane Usage (Section 56-5-3425):
- Motor vehicles must not obstruct bicycle lanes and should yield to bicyclists within them before crossing or entering these lanes.
- Bicyclists must use the bicycle lane provided and only leave it to overtake another cyclist or avoid obstacles.
- Safe Distance (Section 56-5-3435): Drivers must always maintain a safe distance when overtaking a bicyclist, ensuring not to endanger their safety.
- Protection Against Harassment (Section 56-5-3445): It is illegal to harass or throw objects at bicyclists. Violations can result in fines of at least $250, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
- Handling Restrictions (Section 56-5-3460): Bicyclists should not carry items that hinder their ability to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
What Damages Can a Victim of a Hilton Head Bicycle Accident Claim?
Every case is unique, and each victim will have different medical needs and circumstances. For instance, children might require different treatment plans than adults.
Our Hilton Head bicycle accident law firm can demand various core damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: If a driver strikes them negligently, accident victims are entitled to reimbursement for the cost of surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medical equipment, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Bicyclists should be compensated for their lost income when another person’s negligence causes injuries and inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Injured victims often endure daily physical pain and emotional suffering from their injuries. This includes the impact on their ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy time with their families. They deserve compensation for these hardships.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross misconduct by the driver, a lawyer at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm may seek punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the driver for their egregious behavior.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one is tragically killed due to a bicycle accident, the family has the right to sue the responsible party for the loss of society and services, as well as other related damages.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our dedicated team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who’s Liable for My Injuries After a Hilton Head Bike Accident?
Under Hilton Head, SC state law, anyone who directly or indirectly contributes to an accident involving a bicyclist can be financially responsible. The extent of their contribution determines the degree of their liability.
Potentially Liable Parties:
- Drivers of Passenger Cars: Individuals driving cars can be held liable if their negligence or recklessness caused the accident.
- Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies: Both the driver and the trucking company may be responsible if a truck is involved.
- Bus Drivers and Bus Companies (including the MTA): If a bus is involved, liability can extend to both the driver and the company.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians who act negligently, such as by jaywalking or stepping into a bike lane, may be liable.
- Other Cyclists and Motorcyclists: If their actions contributed to the crash, fellow cyclists or motorcyclists can be held accountable.
- Government Agencies: These entities may be liable if defective road design or hazards on the road played a role in the accident.
- Manufacturers and Sellers: Companies that manufacture or sell unsafe bikes, vehicles, or related products could be held responsible.
- Employers of Negligent Parties: If an employee’s actions during work hours contributed to the accident, their employer might also be liable.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Hilton Head?
Experiencing a bicycle crash can be both shocking and disorienting.
Suppose you ever find yourself in this situation while riding in Hilton Head. In that case, it’s important to know the steps to take immediately following an accident to ensure your safety and protect your rights.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a bicycle crash in Hilton Head:
1. Check for Injuries
Immediately after a crash, assess yourself for any injuries. Your health and safety are paramount. If you are seriously injured, remain still and ask someone to call 911.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If you can move and it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your bicycle out of the road to avoid any further accidents. This helps ensure your safety and that of other road users.
3. Contact the Authorities
Call the police even if the accident seems minor. A police report can be invaluable when dealing with medical bills or legal matters.
Ensure to get the responding officers’ names and badge numbers and ask how to obtain a copy of the accident report.
4. Exchange Information
If other parties are involved in the crash, exchange contact and insurance details with them. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle license plate numbers.
If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well, as their statements could be crucial in verifying the details of the incident.
5. Document the Scene
Use your smartphone or camera to take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your bicycle and other vehicles involved. These photos can provide crucial evidence for insurance claims or legal action.
6. Do Not Admit Fault
Keep your conversations with other parties involved and the police objective and factual. Avoid admitting fault or blaming others at the scene.
The determination of fault should be left to the police and insurance companies.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Accurate information and documentation can help them process any related claims.
8. Consult a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents, especially if you have sustained significant injuries or there is a dispute about who is at fault. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
9. Follow Up with Medical Care
Follow up with additional medical care if necessary. Some injuries from bicycle accidents can develop or worsen over time.
Keeping up with your medical appointments and treatments is important not only for your health but also for documenting your injuries properly in case of legal action or insurance claims.
10. Repair or Replace Your Bicycle
Once everything else is sorted out, assess whether your bicycle can be repaired or replaced. Consult with a professional bike mechanic for an expert opinion on its condition.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Experienced Hilton Head Bicycle Accident Law Firm
You need a strong advocate on your side while you recover from your bicycle accident injuries. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping Hilton Head accident victims navigate the challenges of obtaining fair compensation after an accident.
Speaking with a skilled personal injury lawyer is free. Contact our Hilton Head Bicycle Accident Lawyer at (864) 664-3865 to schedule a 100% free case evaluation.
