Bicycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but not when a careless driver turns your enjoyable ride into a terrifying situation, potentially causing a painful injury. Bicycle accident injuries can limit mobility, disturbing your ability to live, work, and continue daily routines. Living with a painful injury can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness, making life seem impossible. If you’re suffering from a bicycle accident injury, you need experienced legal help with a Summerville bicycle accident lawyer.

The experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Summerville from Crantford Meehan can handle your claim while you focus on your medical care. Our compassionate team can help you move forward during this upsetting time by providing the support you need to feel empowered. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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Understanding South Carolina Bicycle Laws

Bicyclists should know and understand the various South Carolina laws governing cycling to safely share the road with other vehicles. These laws include:

Bicycles as Vehicles: Bicycles must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, and cyclists must obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.
Road Position: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic and stick to the right-hand side unless they are overtaking another vehicle, avoiding hazards, or making left turns.
Bike Lane Usage: Bicyclists should use designated bike lanes whenever possible, but ride on the roadway if there is no bike lane.

Bicycle riders must understand local bike regulations and the complexities of proving negligence in personal injury claims, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal authorities.

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Common Causes Behind Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, often involving interactions between cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, and environmental conditions. Common causes behind bicycle accidents include:

Failure to Yield

Motorists often fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections and crosswalks, creating unsafe road conditions. Motor vehicle drivers in South Carolina are legally required to have vehicle insurance, which can assist in covering damages in the event of a bicycle accident.

Speeding

Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.

Distracted Driving

Drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can easily overlook cyclists until it’s too late.

Road Debris

Gravel, leaves, and other debris on the road can be slippery and hazardous for cyclists.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, or hail can make roads slick and reduce bicycle traction, potentially leading to an accident.

Dooring Opening Accidents

When a motorist or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, failing to check for approaching cyclists first, it can lead to severe injuries.

Unsafe Passing

Drivers might misjudge the distance needed to pass a cyclist, leading to side-swipe accidents.

Turning Without Checking

Motorists turning right or left without checking for cyclists can cause collisions, especially in intersections.

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Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to serious injuries that are life-threatening. Typical bicycle accident injuries include:

Facial Injuries: Cuts, abrasions, lacerations, facial fractures, or dental injuries can occur in a bicycle accident and require time to heal completely.
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions or skull fractures can result from bicycle accidents due to the lack of external protection. These injuries can cause long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
Neck and Spine Injuries: Sudden jolts to the body from the impact of colliding with a car or object can cause whiplash, herniated or slipped discs, or spinal cord injuries, potentially limiting your mobility.
Upper Body Injuries: Injuries to the shoulders, collarbone, or ribcage, such as fractures, dislocations, or rotator cuff tears, can require long-term rehabilitation to heal completely.
Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage from blunt force trauma to the body or a penetrating object can puncture critical organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injury types aren’t always apparent but can be life-threatening when left untreated.
Lower Body Injuries: Knee injuries such as ligament tears, dislocations, or broken bones can take time to heal, possibly preventing you from working.

What To Do after a Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident can leave you scrambling to decide what to do next. There are immediate and thoughtful actions you should take to ensure your safety and well-being, including:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Exchange Information: Get the contact details, drivers’ license numbers, and insurance information of any involved drivers. It is important to communicate with the insurance company to initiate the claims process and address any negotiation challenges.
Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident site, including visible injuries, property damage, and involved vehicles.
File a Police Report: Call the police if they’re not at the scene to report the accident. Get a copy for your records to support your claim.
Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or responsibility for the accident when talking to law enforcement or other involved parties. Stick to the facts of what happened and avoid speculation.
Call a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Summerville: Talk to a personal injury lawyer about the accident and your injuries. They can handle your claim and offer legal advice while you concentrate on your recovery and adjusting to post-accident life.
Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting pictures, videos, comments, or statements about the accident on social media platforms. Only discuss the accident with your lawyer.

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Who Is Usually At Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Determining an at-fault driver in a bicycle accident involves identifying involved parties, examining their actions, and collecting evidence. Possible liable parties can include:

Motorists: Drivers frequently cause accidents by failing to yield, speeding, driving distracted, or operating their vehicles under the influence.
Government Entities: A government entity can be liable if a car, truck, bus, or other motor vehicle owned or operated by the county or state is involved in a bicycle accident.
Pedestrians: In rare cases, pedestrians can cause accidents by stepping into bike lanes without looking or crossing streets illegally.

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Contact a Summerville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You might feel frustrated and alone after a bicycle accident, but help is available. At Crantford Meehan, we have years of experience with South Carolina bicycle accidents and helping injured cyclists with their bicycle accident claims. Let our team of personal injury attorneys worry about your legal concerns so you can focus on your health. Learn more about how our Charleston bicycle accident attorneys and Summerville bicycle accident attorneys can help you at your free consultation. Call us to schedule today at (843) 832-1120 to get the compensation you deserve.

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“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

What are common injuries in bicycle accidents in Summerville, SC?
Bicycle accidents can lead to various injuries, including:
- Facial Injuries such as cuts, fractures, and dental injuries.
- Head Injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which could cause cognitive impairments.
- Neck and Spine Injuries, including whiplash, slipped discs, and spinal cord injuries.
- Upper and Lower Body Injuries like fractures to the collarbone, ribs, or legs.
- Internal Injuries due to blunt force trauma or organ damage.
Who is usually at fault if a bicycle is involved in an accident in Summerville?
Liability in bicycle accidents typically lies with:
- Motorists who fail to yield, speed, drive distracted, or act recklessly.
- Pedestrians in rare cases where they cause accidents by stepping into bike lanes.
- Government Entities if unsafe road conditions or poor maintenance contribute to the accident.
What compensation can I seek for a bicycle accident injury in Summerville?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages if your injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your hobbies or activities are impacted.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Summerville, SC?

In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Make sure to act promptly to avoid missing any deadlines.
Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident in Summerville if the insurance company has already made an offer?

Yes, even if an offer has been made, it’s always wise to consult with a lawyer. Insurance companies often offer less than what you truly deserve. A lawyer can help ensure you get fair compensation and negotiate a better deal if needed.