FAQs: Bicycle Injuries

FAQs: Bicycle Injuries in South Carolina

Bicycles are a fun and economical source of transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, many people are injured each year while riding a bike. We hope the following information will be helpful to you if you or someone in your family has been the victim of such an accident.

How common are bicycle accidents in South Carolina?
Do bicycle riders have the same rights as motorists?
Do I have to ride on the shoulder of the road?
What should I do if a car or truck causes me to have a bike accident?
Should I call a lawyer?
How much money can I hope to collect?
Can I claim damages from a source other than a driver?
Will I be compensated for my medical expenses?
Why should I call the Louthian Law Firm?

How common are bicycle accidents in South Carolina?

Figures from the SC Department of Public Safety reflect the sad fact that one bicyclist is killed in our state every 28.1 days. In fact, South Carolina is in the top 5 states in the U.S. for bicycle fatalities. Numbers of deaths tell only part of the story, of course — for every bicycle accident that causes a death, there are hundreds that cause injuries, and many of those are serious and incapacitating.

Do bicycle riders have the same rights as motorists?

Bicyclists have many rights, but they also have many responsibilities. The S.C. Code puts it this way: “A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to [special provisions and exceptions].”

Do I have to ride on the shoulder of the road?

A bicyclist is supposed to stay to the right in the right-hand lane and going in the same direction as other traffic. Many accidents are caused by motor vehicles that don’t give a bike sufficient room and either sideswipe it or cause it to run off the road and crash.

What should I do if a car or truck causes me to have a bike accident?

Hopefully you or a passerby will have a cellphone to immediately call the police and EMTs. Try to obtain the license plate number of the vehicle if it leaves the scene. Take pictures of the scene, including your bicycle, if at all possible. Of primary importance, of course, is that you get medical attention, even if you think your injuries are not serious.

Should I call a lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer who has experience in bicycle accidents will understand the complexity of S.C. laws in this area and will be able to advise you as to your next steps. At the Louthian Law Firm in Columbia, we do not charge for the initial consultation, so you need not be concerned about wasting money just to ask questions. Feel free to call (803) 454-1200 to schedule a visit to our office.

How much money can I hope to collect?

Every accident is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. What we can do is assure you that the 80 years of experience we have in our firm will be focused on obtaining full and fair damages for you, based on your particular circumstances. Our representation will be personalized and persistent as we seek compensation from every available source.

Can I claim damages from a source other than a driver?

If your injuries resulted from a collision with a motor vehicle, or because a motorist forced you to take evasive action which then caused you to crash, your claim will be against the driver and his or her insurance carrier. In some situations, however, others may be at fault. If the accident was due to a dangerous condition on the roadway or failure of private property owners to maintain their site, the applicable entities may be held liable. If your accident resulted from a defect in the bicycle or one of its components or a repair that was negligently handled, damages may be sought from the manufacturer, retailer or bike shop.

Will I be compensated for my medical expenses?

A bicycle accident lawyer from the Louthian Law Firm may be able to help you collect compensation for what you have paid to doctors and therapists, hospitals and clinics, pharmacies and medical suppliers. You may also seek payment of future medical bills related to your injuries. If you have lost time from work, you may claim lost wages as well as loss of future earning ability, if any. Finally, you may seek compensation for the damage done to your bicycle.

Why should I call the Louthian Law Firm?

We’re located in Columbia, but we handle accident cases all over the state of South Carolina. In fact, we’ve been doing so since 1959. We know the law and we know the area. Bert Louthian is a bicycle enthusiast himself, so he can discuss the joys and dangers of biking from firsthand experience. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, you’ll find that the entire Louthian Law staff is dedicated to making you feel comfortable and secure. For hands-on help and exceptional results, call (803) 454-1200 or use our online contact form.