Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Thanks to South Carolina’s subtropical climate, bicycle riders can get out on the road just about year-round. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of bicycle riders on the roads in and around Columbia and other cities throughout the Palmetto State, drivers continue to put riders in harm’s way. Collisions involving bicycles and motor vehicles are common, and as you might expect, the riders involved in these collisions are the ones who usually bear the brunt of the harm.
Cyclists are also the ones who are usually following the law. While the dangers of driving recklessly or carelessly in the presence of cyclists are obvious, far too many drivers still choose to ignore the risks. They speed, tailgate, pass too close, read texts and social media posts, and do so without regard for the serious safety risks involved. Request a free consultation with an experienced attorney, Marc Brown, for assistance with your case.
Questions That You May Have Regarding Bicycle Rights In South Carolina
Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for Injuries You Sustained in a Bicycle Accident in South Carolina?
If you were hit by a vehicle while riding your bicycle in South Carolina, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Bicycle riders have clear legal rights, and drivers have clear legal obligations when they are behind the wheel. If you were seriously injured because a driver ignored the risks of driving dangerously, you deserve to be compensated, and attorney Marc Brown can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
What Are Your Legal Rights As A Bicycle Rider In South Carolina?
In South Carolina, bicyclists have the same rights on the road as motor vehicle drivers. Among other things, this means that you have the right to occupy your lane, you have the right (and obligation) to come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic signals, and you have the right to a reasonable buffer at all times. You also have the right to seek just compensation if you are injured as a result of driver negligence, and you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover your accident-related losses.
What Are Drivers’ Legal Obligations When They Encounter Bicyclists On The Road?
Motorists have a number of legal obligations when they encounter bicyclists on the road. For example, under Section 56-5-3435 of the South Carolina Code, motorists are required to “maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle” at all times. Additionally, under Section 56-5-3230 of the law, motorists must “exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle [i.e., a bicycle] and shall give an audible signal when necessary.”
With these obligations (among others) in mind, government authorities in South Carolina recommend that drivers take a number of precautions to avoid causing collisions with bicycle riders. These recommendations include:
- “Give cyclists space to take the entire lane when hazards, road width, or traffic speed dictate.”
- “[R]educe speed to allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections.”
- “Look for cyclists when opening car doors.”
- “Reduce speed and leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing.”
- “Wait until road and traffic conditions allow [you] to pass safely.”
What Types Of Bicycle Accident Injuries Are Covered By Insurance?
Just as auto insurance covers all types of injuries resulting from vehicle-on-vehicle collisions, it provides full coverage for bicycle accident injuries as well. If you have suffered any type of serious injury in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free initial consultation. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Back injuries
- Bone fractures (including collar bone, rib, limb, and pelvis fractures)
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Severe road rash
- Soft tissue injuries (ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
Get Legal Help Today – Contact A Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you would like more information about your legal rights after a bicycle accident in South Carolina, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with attorney Marc Brown.
