Bicycle Accidents

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Our South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers Explain Helpful Bike Crash Information

In 2017, Smart Growth America ranked South Carolina as the seventh worst place for pedestrians and bicyclists in the nation. Between 2009 and 2017 there were 4,570 reported bicycle crashes in the state, averaging 508 incidents a year. Of these crashes, more than 90 percent resulted in an injury to the cyclist.

The majority of bicycle accidents in South Carolina occur in urban areas and at non-intersections. Poor infrastructure, distracted drivers, and rapid urban growth are partly to blame for the increase in bicycling accidents over the years.

Sadly, injured cyclists face an uphill battle when trying to collect compensation from insurance companies. Insurance companies know that bicycle injuries can be severe and can result in permanent disability. As such, they often offer bicycle accident victims a quick lowball settlement that is just a fraction of what they may need. They do this quickly – even before the full extent of their injuries is realized.

At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our bicycle accident attorneys have seen it all. We know the tricks and tactics insurance companies use to reduce their payouts and we fight aggressively to prevent our clients from being taken advantage of during this difficult time. With over 35 years of experience, our track record of success speaks for itself.

Photo of a Bicycle Accident in Rock Hill

Bicycling Accident Injuries

Bicycles do not offer any protection to their riders. Even when cyclists wear helmets, they can suffer serious and fatal injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Yet even minor injuries such as fractures or road rash can cause significant trauma to a bicyclist and can result in months or even years of pain and suffering and disability. Some of the most common cycling injuries include:
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Road rash
  • Disfigurement and amputation
  • Fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Hemorrhaging
  • Soft tissue injuries

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in South Carolina

There are many causes of bicycle accidents across the state, but according to Bicycling Magazine, the most common include:
  • Motorist fails to see the bicyclist and turns into the cyclist at intersection
  • Motorist passes cyclist and turns right into the cyclist’s path
  • Car driver opens door into oncoming cyclist
  • Motorist pulls out of a parking space or driveway and into a bicyclist
  • Motorist rear-ends a cyclist at a stop light or intersection
  • Distracted drivers run off road into a bicyclist
  • Drunk drivers fail to see the bicyclist on the road

No matter how your bicycling accident occurred, you need experienced legal help from the start. Bicycling accident victims often need maximum compensation to pay for lengthy surgeries and hospitalizations, rehabilitation, long-term care, and decreased quality of life. They may have missed work and may even be unable to return to work in the same capacity after their accident. When this occurs, the experienced and aggressive bicycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, will fight for you.

Can I Sue for a Roadway Defect?

Many bicycle accidents occur due to collisions or near-collisions with vehicles. However, there are also cases where a cyclist crashes due to a defect in the roadway or on another person’s property. You may be able to hold the property owner responsible for your damages if a roadway defect caused your crash and resulting damages.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?

If your bicycle accident resulted in an injury or death, then you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. There are exceptions to this rule. We encourage you to contact us for more information about how the statute of limitations applies to your case. Our South Carolina bicycle accident attorneys offer free consultations.

Contact Our South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in South Carolina, it is important to know that you are not alone. These accidents often cause significant injury and insurance companies are reluctant to pay cyclists what they need to truly recover.

At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, we know that bicycle accidents often result in serious and life changing injuries. That’s why we fight aggressively for maximum compensation for our clients. Call The Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson today at (803) 324-7200 (Rock Hill), (803) 289-7202 (Lancaster), (803) 396-5200 (Fort Mill), (864)466-5170 (Union) or fill out our confidential contact form. With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lancaster, and Union we are here when you need us. Call us today for a free case evaluation and let the locals handle it.