The number of bicycle accidents is increasing, both in South Carolina and nationally, as drivers have become more reckless these days. Bicycle accidents in Charleston are almost always serious, and if you’re involved in one, the event could cause lasting injuries that change the course of your life.
If you have been injured in a bike crash, you need an experienced Charleston bicycle accident attorney in your corner. Attorney Frank Hartman stands up for cyclists. The Hartman Law Firm, LLC will provide you with responsive and compassionate legal representation while taking the fight to the insurance company. To learn how our bicycle accident attorney can help you, call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Charleston Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2021, there were 139 total bicycle accident victims in Charleston County. All but ten of these accident victims suffered some type of injury, making bicycle accidents among the most dangerous types of crashes.
Ten of these accident victims suffered serious injuries, while seven lost their lives in the bicycle accident.
There’s a serious need to protect the lives of bicyclists throughout South Carolina and an even greater need to hold negligent drivers accountable.
What Frank Can Do For You
Most of all, you need a guide to the legal process and someone who will fight for you. Before you can even file a claim or lawsuit, you need to understand your legal rights and what they may be worth.
Frank built a reputation in the Charleston area due to his aggressive and successful representation of his clients. When you hire him to handle your bicycle accident case, he will do the following:
- Investigate the circumstances of your bicycle accident and compile the evidence you need to prove fault
- Estimate the full value of your damages
- File a claim or lawsuit on your behalf against the other driver
- Negotiate fair compensation with the insurance company
- Advise you throughout the legal process and give you advice when you need to make decisions
- Mitigate your bicycle accident case in court if we cannot reach a settlement agreement
Most of all, you should remember that, as your attorney, Frank’s job is to both help you and fight for you while you heal.
Causes of Charleston Bicycle Accidents
Charleston-area drivers are not well-versed in bicycle safety. They are merely concerned with where they need to go and what they want to do behind the wheel. Thus, they put you at risk every time you go out of your home on your bicycle.
The following are common contributors to bicycle accidents in Charleston:
- Distracted driving
- Not allowing enough space when passing a bicyclist
- Tailgating too close behind a bicyclist
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Opening car doors into the path of a bicycle
- Right-hand turns when a bicyclist is crossing the street
Whatever happened to cause the accident, once you hire Frank as your attorney, he will conduct a full and immediate investigation of the crash to determine exactly what caused it.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Bicycle Accident
If you were hit by a car on a bicycle, you should immediately:
- Seek the medical help that you need to diagnose and treat your injuries, following up on every recommendation that a doctor makes.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer who has a track record for delivering results for clients.
- Avoid speaking with the insurance company or saying anything publicly about your accident because it could be used against you.
Whose Insurance Pays for a Bicycle Accident in South Carolina?
If you can prove that the driver was negligent, their car insurance company would need to pay for your damages. You could be entitled to full compensation for your injuries up to the amount of the policy limit.
If you have a car insurance policy, you can file a claim against your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If the other driver did not have insurance at all or did not have enough coverage, your insurance company would pitch in to pay for the damages.
The fact that the insurance company is “yours” does not mean that they will be any easier to deal with than that of the other driver. You would still need to negotiate compensation with them because they may either try to blame you for the accident or underplay your claim. That’s where Frank can come in.
Damages in a Charleston Bicycle Accident Claim
The rule of thumb in any personal injury case is that the responsible party must restore you to your position before the accident, using money as a measuring stick.
Here, you would be legally entitled to both your actual financial costs and compensation for the experience that your injuries have forced you to endure.
The bicycle accident compensation we can fight for includes:
- Hospitalization and medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Loss of consortium damages for a spouse
If your loved one died in a bicycle accident, your family could receive wrongful death damages that represent your family’s losses when a family member passed away.
Contact a Charleston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Frank is an attorney who means business; the insurance companies know this to be true after their first interaction. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, one of the first calls that you as a family member should make is to Frank to learn how he can help you.
He can speak directly with you in a free initial consultation, where he will listen to you and learn about what you’re up against. To schedule some time to speak with Frank, you can send us a message through our website or call us today at 843.300.7600.
Bicycle Accident Case FAQs
Is a bicycle a vehicle in South Carolina?
For many purposes, a bicycle is considered a vehicle under South Carolina law. Bicyclists must follow certain laws when they are occupying a lane in traffic. At the same time, the bicyclist is entitled to their lane in traffic.
Are there equipment requirements for a bicycle?
Yes. Bicycles must have front and rear reflectors that make them visible from a certain distance at night. In addition, the bicycle must be equipped with a break that allows the wheels to stop on wet pavement. There is no statewide law that requires bicyclists to wear a helmet, although it makes sense from a safety standpoint.