Every year, hundreds of vulnerable bicyclists sustain injuries in collisions with vehicles. Some never recover from these injuries, leaving behind devastated families. Most bicycle accidents are preventable and stem from negligent drivers or dangerous city crosswalks. If you or a loved one was in a bicycle accident in the Charleston area, come to HawkLaw in Mount Pleasant for legal counsel. You may be eligible to recover your losses by filing a claim against the party responsible for your accident.
Bicycling is an excellent way to get around the city, but it can be dangerous as well. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist in South Carolina can keep you out of legal trouble and avoid an accident altogether. Always talk to a Charleston bicycle accident lawyer about the applicable laws and rules in your specific case. Here are a few general rules to keep in mind while cycling in the city:
Negligent drivers can cause bike accidents by ignoring roadway rules, failing to yield right of way, texting and driving, and through a number of other errors. If a driver breaks any roadway rules or other applicable laws, resulting in a collision with a bicyclist, the injured victim has the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company or through the South Carolina civil courts can result in compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Directly after a bicycle crash, it’s important to look after your health. Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Even if you don’t feel injured, visit a doctor and explain what happened. You may have suffered an injury with delayed symptoms, such as a concussion.
Once you’re on the mend from your injuries, look into the legal aspects of your crash. If it was a hit and run, find out if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance through your car insurance company. This can cover your damages in spite of the other driver failing to stick around and give you his/her information. If the other driver stopped and filed a claim, you will likely hear from his/her insurance company within a day or two of the incident.
An insurance claims adjuster will likely try to get you to settle your case for as little compensation as possible. You may want to accept the settlement to avoid the court claims process, but consult with a Charleston bicycle accident lawyer first. Often, a personal injury lawsuit can result in greater compensation in negligence-related accidents.
At HawkLaw, we offer confidential, free consultations* after bicycle accidents in Charleston. You can explain what happened and hear your legal options. Call (843) 429-5529 to get in touch with our local attorneys in Charleston and throughout South Carolina today!
