(150+)Cycling is a popular way to commute, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors, especially in the beautiful scenery we enjoy in the Mt. Pleasant area. Unfortunately, cycling in the Mt. Pleasant area may can also be dangerous with roads congested with so many drivers. At Elliott Frazier, our bicycle accident lawyers understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be. We are here to help you seek justice and full compensation during your recovery or while you are mourning a loved one.
South Carolina Bicycle Laws You Should Know:
If you ride a bike on Mt. Pleasant area, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities under the law. These rules are designed to keep cyclists and motorists safe, and it establishes a clear expectation on the road.
- Cyclists must ride as if they are a vehicle. This means cyclists must ride with traffic, obey traffic signals and signs, and signal when turning or stopping.
- Cyclists must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable. This law does not apply when they are turning left, avoiding hazards, or passing another vehicle.
- If a bike lane is available, cyclists must use it unless their destination is in a different direction.
- In groups, bikes should not be positioned with more than two bikes side-by-side.
- Cyclists should use lights and reflectors to reduce their chances of getting hit at night.
https://scdps.sc.gov/bicyclesafety
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents:
Bicycle accidents often result from driver negligence, including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers not paying attention to the road may fail to see cyclists. Examples of this include texting, eating, using a GPS, or otherwise not paying attention.
- Failure to Yield: Motorists may not yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or when turning.
- Unsafe Passing: Drivers may pass too closely, violating the safe distance requirement.
- Opening Car Doors: “Dooring” occurs when a parked driver opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Excessive speed shortens a driver’s reaction time and can increase the likelihood of severe injuries in the event of a collision with a cyclist.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents especially when the city or municipality fails to maintain safe roadways or provide proper signage of road construction or other unsafe conditions.
Identifying the cause of the accident is essential for building a strong personal injury claim. We thoroughly investigate every case to uncover exactly what happened and who is at fault. We also strive to make sure that we determine the full extent of your injuries and damages so that we can make sure you are fairly and reasonably compensated for any personal injury related to a bike crash or bicycle accident.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident In Mount Pleasant?
- Call 911 and seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are hurt, injuries can worsen or appear later. Get a full medical evaluation and keep all your medical records.
- Document the scene by taking pictures of your bike, your injuries, the road conditions, and of any vehicle that hit you.
- Get any contact information from the driver and any witnesses. For example, their names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
- Do not admit any fault. Do not apologize or make any statements that could be used against you later.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better. We can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and start building your claim immediately.
How Can Our Mount Pleasant Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help You?
Right now, you are likely dealing with physical injuries, emotional distress, medical bills, potential lost wages and uncertainty. At this time, insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts or shift blame, so it is important to have an attorney! At Elliott Frazier – Family, Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, we will provide you with helpful legal advice, aggressive representation, and support during the entire process. We take on the insurance companies and negligent drivers so that you don’t have to.
Don’t wait, act now!
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for bicycle accidents in South Carolina is three years following the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (such as your bicycle and gear)
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages (monetary awards meant to punish defendants for their misconduct and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior), may also be awarded if the at-fault driver acted recklessly. For example, in cases where the motorist was driving under the influence or intentionally endangering a cyclist.
Why Choosing the Right Mt. Pleasant Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matters
Not all attorneys have experience handling bicycle accident cases. These cases often involve difficult legal and technical issues like bike lane rules and specific state statutes. At Elliott Frazier-Family, Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, we know how to build strong bicycle accident cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and a deep knowledge of South Carolina traffic law.
Start Your Bicycle Accident Case with a Free Consultation
We know how stressful it is to deal with an injury, especially when it wasn’t your fault. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing.
Call [Phone] our Mt. Pleasant office to speak with one of the personal injury attorneys and learn more about your case.
Message us online to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and get started on your bicycle accident case.
Visit Our Office in Mount Pleasant, SC
1156 Bowman Road, Suite 200, Office 251, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464
Our office is located near the intersection of Bowman Road and Highway 17.
Our office is easily accessible from I-526.
Free parking is available at the front of the building.
Our offices are a part of the Charleston Executive Center, also known as the Mt. Pleasant Executive Center
Offices. Look for the “Charleston Executive Offices” sign.
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