Riding a bicycle is a wonderful way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the outdoors. However, sharing the road with cars and trucks can also be dangerous. When careless drivers cause collisions, cyclists often suffer severe injuries. If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in Lexington or anywhere in South Carolina, the dedicated legal team at Smith & Jones Law is here to help. With over 35 years of combined experience, our Lexington bicycle accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge to protect your rights after a crash.
We understand the unique challenges cyclists face and fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. You can count on us to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation every step of the way.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Numerous bicycle accidents happen because of negligent motorists. Some of the most frequent causes of crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, or not paying attention often fail to see cyclists.
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle is going, the less time the driver has to react to avoid a collision.
- Failing to yield: Many crashes occur when drivers don’t yield the right-of-way to bicycles at intersections or when turning.
- Passing too closely: South Carolina law requires drivers to leave a safe distance when passing cyclists. Unfortunately, many motorists crowd or sideswipe bicycles.
- Opening car doors: Riders can be seriously injured if a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door in their path.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Impaired drivers pose a threat to everyone on the road, especially vulnerable cyclists.
These careless behaviors put bicycle riders at unacceptable risk. When negligence leads to injuries, our Lexington bicycle accident lawyers are ready to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident Case
To recover compensation, you need to show that someone else was at fault for the crash. Proving negligence in a bicycle accident case often requires prompt investigation to gather crucial evidence like:
- Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your bike
- Video footage from traffic cameras, dash cams, or surveillance cameras
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Cell phone records that can show if the driver was texting
- Blood test results if drunk driving is suspected
It’s critical to act quickly before evidence disappears. When you hire our law firm, we get to work right away.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a bicycle accident, you will probably have to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurers are supposed to handle claims in good faith, but the sad reality is they often put profits ahead of people. Insurance adjusters may try to:
- Get you to accept the blame for the crash
- Pressure you to give a recorded statement
- Argue your injuries aren’t that serious
- Offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your losses
Don’t fall for these tricks. The smartest thing you can do is let an experienced South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer handle the insurance company for you. At Smith & Jones Law, we manage every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurer. We know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Compensation for South Carolina Bicycle Accidents
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to payment for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and other factors.
Our goal is to recover every dollar you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Bicycle Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
Because cyclists have so little protection, they often suffer severe trauma in a crash. Some of the most common injuries we see in bicycle accident cases include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash and lacerations
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
Many of these injuries have lifelong impacts. Some bicycle accident victims never return to work or the activities they love.
We fight to make sure clients have the financial security to move forward after a devastating collision.
Helping Families After Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Tragically, many bicycle accidents in South Carolina result in fatalities. If you lost a family member in a crash, we offer our heartfelt condolences. While no amount of money can ever make up for what you’ve lost, filing a wrongful death claim can provide a measure of justice. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Funeral and other related costs
- The medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased’s care, companionship, and guidance
Taking legal action can also help prevent other families from suffering similar losses. We’re committed to holding reckless drivers responsible and making Lexington roads safer for cyclists.
Why Choose Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
There are plenty of law firms, but not all have the right experience to handle complex bicycle accident claims. Here are a few reasons why Smith & Jones Law stands out from the crowd:
- Deep understanding of South Carolina traffic and bicycle laws and regulations
- Personalized service and attention
- Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
We treat every client like family. You’ll work directly with your lawyer and always be kept in the loop about your case. We’re here to answer your questions and ease your worries during this difficult time.
Get a Free Bicycle Accident Case Review Today
Take the first step right now by contacting Smith & Jones Law for a consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and map out a plan for moving forward. Call us today to schedule your free no-obligation case review.