Whether you’re riding your bike for exercise or to get from place to place, cycling can be fun and relaxing. However, bicyclists are always at risk, and bicycle accidents happen frequently. Bicycle accident statistics speak for themselves. Almost 1,000 bicyclists die, and over 130,000 more are injured in bicycle accidents every year in the United States. If you experience a bicycle accident and sustain injuries, contact our bicycle accident lawyer at Lowcountry Law, LLC to receive the legal guidance you need.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often occur for the same reasons other types of accidents happen, including:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Improper lane changes
- Turning without looking
- Running stop signs or red lights
Bicycle accidents may also occur for other reasons not involving other drivers, including uneven roads or dangerous potholes.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Can Be Serious
Because bicycle riders have no protection in an accident, injuries can be particularly severe. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Back injuries
Head and brain injuries are especially common after a bike accident, particularly because South Carolina has no law requiring bicycle helmets.
In the worst cases, bicycle accident injuries leave victims facing life-altering effects. Some victims even succumb to their injuries.
Liability for Bicycle Accidents
Generally, the person responsible for causing the bicycle accident would be financially responsible for the victim’s injuries. Determining liability, however, can be tricky in some cases.
In a majority of cases, the responsible party is another driver. If another driver causes your bicycle injury, you would need to establish their negligence to pursue compensation from them or their insurance.
Some cases don’t involve other drivers, though. If your bicycle accident was caused by unsafe roads, for example, you might be able to hold the city responsible.
Determining liability is a necessary part of pursuing justice and compensation for your injuries. Because liability can be challenging, a bicycle accident lawyer is best equipped to handle it.
Financial Recovery for a Bicycle Accident
You can win damages and get compensated for your injuries and other losses experienced with the help of a bicycle accident lawyer. The exact damages and amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive will depend on the value of your case.
Damages for a bicycle accident in South Carolina could include any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Evidence is critical for bicycle accident cases, as it helps prove your tangible and intangible losses. A bicycle accident lawyer will gather strong evidence that can include police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can leave you physically injured and mentally drained, unsure of what to do next. After a bicycle accident, it’s best to do the following:
- Call 911
- Seek medical attention
- Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer
Additionally, after a bicycle accident, it’s common to hear from the driver’s insurance company. They’ll ask questions and request a recorded statement, but it’s important that you avoid speaking to them without first talking to an attorney.
A bicycle accident lawyer can take over your claim and help pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Speak to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Lowcountry Law, LLC has experience helping clients injured in bicycle accidents in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We know the significance compensation can make after sustaining serious injuries and incurring financial losses, and we want to help get you on the path to financial recovery.
Attorney Matthew Breen is a graduate of the Citadel Military College of South Carolina, which instilled in him the importance of honor, discipline, hard work, and integrity. He carried these principles with him to his law firm.
Contact us today to request a complimentary consultation.
