Bicycling offers a healthy, eco-friendly way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Mauldin and the larger South Carolina. Yet, when cars and bikes collide, riders often suffer serious injuries. If you have been hurt in a Mauldin bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to know your legal rights. The dedicated Mauldin bicycle accident lawyers at Smith & Jones Law, LLC have over 35 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured cyclists in South Carolina. We are here to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
The Dangers Facing Mauldin Bicyclists
While riding a bicycle comes with inherent risks, many bike accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Some common causes of collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Opening a car door into a bicyclist’s path
- Unsafe passing or following too closely
- Turning in front of or into a bicyclist
Even when cyclists take all proper safety precautions like wearing a helmet, using lights and reflectors, and following traffic laws, they are extremely vulnerable in a crash with a multi-ton vehicle. Bicycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, seatbelts, and airbags, so they frequently suffer severe trauma like head injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and lacerations in an accident. These injuries can lead to staggering medical bills, lost income from missed work, physical pain, emotional suffering, and lasting impairments. Some bike accident victims find their lives permanently altered.
Seeking Justice After a Serious Bike Accident
When a motorist’s careless actions cause harm to a bicyclist, the at-fault driver can and should be held accountable. Under South Carolina law, bicycle accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of their losses by filing an injury claim against the liable party’s auto insurance. However, getting fair compensation is rarely easy.
Insurance companies are ultimately most concerned with protecting their bottom line. They will look for any opportunity to minimize payouts by shifting undue blame onto the bicyclist, downplaying the severity of injuries, or pressuring victims to accept lowball settlement offers.
Without strong legal representation, injured cyclists run the risk of being unfairly denied the financial recovery they are owed.
This is where having a skilled Mauldin bike accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we know the common tactics insurers use to limit their liability in bike accident cases – and we do not stand for it. Our bike lawyers have the knowledge, resources, and fierce courtroom skills to stand up to the insurance giants and fight for the maximum compensation our clients need to heal and move forward with their lives.
What To Do After a Mauldin Bike Accident
The aftermath of a bicycle crash is often painful, stressful, and overwhelming. However, the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can have a significant impact on your health and your potential injury claim. If possible, be sure to:
- Call 911 and request police and emergency medical responders to the scene.
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even in cases where you feel like your injuries are not serious. Some serious conditions may not show immediate symptoms.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Collect contact and insurance details from the driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, the vehicle involved, and your injuries.
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Hold onto your damaged bike, clothing, and gear as evidence.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as anything you say could be used against you.
- Contact an experienced Mauldin bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options.
Our Mauldin Bike Accident Lawyers Are Here for You
With decades of experience and a track record of successful results, Smith & Jones Law, LLC has earned a reputation as a law firm that gets justice for clients. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a serious bike accident can have on victims and their families. You do not have to face the aftermath on your own.
When you work with us, we will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your health and recovery. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into your Mauldin bike accident to determine liability, gather and preserve vital evidence, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. We will also handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company, working tirelessly to secure full and fair compensation for you.
Our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyers know that many injured riders and their families face financial strain. We also offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk in speaking to us about your Mauldin bike accident and learning your legal options. We are interested in learning about your bicycle accident case and its effects on your life and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Trusted South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Mauldin is a wonderful place to bike, but unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. If you have been seriously hurt in a South Carolina bicycle accident that was not your fault, turn to the dedicated legal team at Smith & Jones Law, LLC, for the strong advocacy you need and deserve. Our Mauldin bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping injured cyclists pursue the justice and compensation they are owed under the law.
Contact our Mauldin law office today to arrange your free consultation with a compassionate Mauldin bicycle accident lawyer.