Why Bicycle Accidents in Charleston Are So Dangerous

Charleston’s historic streets, busy intersections, and growing cycling infrastructure create a complex environment for riders. From the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge bike lane to downtown bike routes along King Street and Meeting Street, cyclists share the road with heavy traffic every day. Unfortunately, when a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist, the results are almost always catastrophic for the rider.

South Carolina consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for cyclists in the nation. In 2024, the state saw a significant increase in bicycle fatalities, with Charleston County accounting for a disproportionate share. Common causes of bicycle accidents in the Charleston area include:

Distracted drivers — Texting, phone use, and GPS navigation cause drivers to miss cyclists in their path, especially at intersections along US-17 and Savannah Highway.
Failure to yield — Drivers turning right on red or making left turns across traffic regularly cut off cyclists who have the right of way.
Dooring accidents — In downtown Charleston and areas like Upper King Street, parked cars along narrow streets create dangerous dooring hazards when occupants open doors into bike lanes.
Unsafe passing — South Carolina law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, but many drivers violate this rule on roads like Folly Road, Coleman Boulevard, and Highway 61.
Drunk and impaired driving — Charleston’s active nightlife scene contributes to impaired driving incidents that endanger cyclists, particularly in the downtown and West Ashley corridors.
Poor road conditions — Potholes, uneven pavement, missing signage, and inadequate bike lane markings throughout Charleston County contribute to preventable crashes.

Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3430, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. When a driver fails to respect those rights and causes a collision, the injured cyclist has the legal right to pursue full compensation. At Crantford Meehan, our bicycle accident attorneys understand the unique dynamics of these cases and know how to build claims that hold negligent drivers accountable.

We represent injured cyclists throughout the Charleston metropolitan area, including downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, North Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach. If you were hit while riding your bike anywhere in Charleston County, call us at (843) 376-4030 for a free case evaluation.

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Compensation Available After a Charleston Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accident injuries are often severe because riders have virtually no protection against the force of a motor vehicle. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and road rash are common — and the medical bills add up fast. South Carolina law allows injured cyclists to recover compensation for the full scope of their losses, including:

Medical Expenses

This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to your injuries. Bicycle accident victims frequently require long-term orthopedic treatment or neurological care, and your claim should account for every dollar of projected future treatment.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working — whether temporarily or permanently — you can recover the income you’ve lost and the future earning capacity that has been diminished. This is especially critical for victims who suffer traumatic brain injuries or spinal injuries that change the trajectory of their careers.

Pain and Suffering

South Carolina does not cap pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases. This means you can pursue full compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma caused by the accident. Bicycle accidents often leave lasting emotional scars, particularly for riders who develop a fear of returning to cycling or experience PTSD from the crash.

Property Damage

Your bicycle, cycling gear, electronics, and any other personal property damaged in the crash should be fully compensated. High-end road bikes and e-bikes can cost thousands of dollars to replace.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Road rash, facial injuries, and surgical scars from bicycle accidents can result in permanent disfigurement. South Carolina juries take these damages seriously, and compensation can be substantial when scarring affects a victim’s appearance or self-confidence.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, South Carolina’s wrongful death statute (Section 15-51-10) allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. These cases demand aggressive advocacy, and our attorneys are prepared to fight for maximum accountability.

Insurance companies routinely undervalue bicycle accident claims. They may argue that the cyclist was partially at fault, wasn’t wearing a helmet, or that injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. At Crantford Meehan, we don’t let insurers get away with lowball offers. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free consultation to learn what your case is worth.

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Why Charleston Cyclists Trust Crantford Meehan

The attorneys at Crantford Meehan have built a reputation for delivering results in personal injury cases throughout the Lowcountry. Our firm understands the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face — from biased insurance adjusters who blame cyclists to complex liability questions involving multiple parties. We’ve successfully recovered compensation for cyclists hit on Charleston’s busiest roads and quietest neighborhoods alike.

What sets us apart is our willingness to go the distance. We don’t settle cheap just to close a case. If an insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That approach sends a message to insurers and consistently produces better outcomes for our clients. When you hire Crantford Meehan, you get attorneys who ride for you as hard as you ride your bike. Call (843) 376-4030 today.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Charleston

The steps you take immediately after a bicycle crash can make or break your injury claim. Here’s what our attorneys recommend:

1. Call 911 and Get Medical Attention

Always call the police, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or hairline fractures. A police report creates an official record of the accident that becomes critical evidence in your case. Get checked at MUSC, Roper Hospital, or your nearest emergency facility right away.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, license plates, traffic signals, road conditions, and any skid marks. Get contact information from witnesses. This evidence can disappear quickly, especially on busy Charleston roads.

3. Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize

It’s natural to say “I’m sorry” after an accident, but anything you say can be twisted by the insurance company and used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking to police and do not discuss fault with the driver or their insurance company.

4. Preserve Your Bicycle and Gear

Do not repair or discard your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, or cycling accessories. These items serve as physical evidence of the impact force and can help prove the severity of the collision. Store everything in a safe location.

5. Call Crantford Meehan Before Talking to Any Insurance Company

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to contact you quickly — often within 24 to 48 hours. Their goal is to get a recorded statement and settle your claim for as little as possible before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Do not give any recorded statements. Call our Charleston bicycle accident lawyers at (843) 376-4030 first. We’ll handle all insurance communications and protect your right to full compensation.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Bicycle Accidents

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. South Carolina does not have a mandatory bicycle helmet law for adults. The absence of a helmet cannot be used as a legal defense by the driver who hit you. However, insurance companies sometimes try to argue that lack of a helmet contributed to head injuries. Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments and protect your claim.

What if the driver says the accident was my fault?

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Section 15-38-15. You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident (Section 15-3-530). However, waiting too long to take action can weaken your case as evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What if a hit-and-run driver struck me on my bicycle?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in Charleston. If the driver fled the scene, you may still have options for compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. South Carolina requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage unless specifically rejected in writing. Our attorneys can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?

Insurance companies take bicycle accident claims less seriously when victims represent themselves. Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation — even after attorney fees — than those who handle claims on their own. At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free consultation.

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