South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a bicycle, e-bike, scooter, e-scooter, or similar accident, we are so sorry. Our South Carolina bicycle accident attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC have decades of experience handling these types of cases and understand the pain these accidents cause for everyone involved. We’re here and ready to get you the justice and compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve been forced to go through. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on what matters most: healing. Call our office today at (803) 888-2200 for a free case evaluation.
What Types of Bicycle Accidents Does Your Law Firm Handle?
The reputable personal injury lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC handle many different forms of bicycle accidents throughout the state of South Carolina. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cyclist hit by vehicle accidents
- Cyclist hit by truck claims
- Doored injury claims
- Blue bike accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- Intersection collisions
- Scooter accidents
- Electric scooter accidents
- E-bike accidents
- Defective E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
- And more.
While this list highlights some typical accident claims that our firm is experienced in and equipped to handle, every case is unique. To learn how our team may be able to help you based on the specifics of your case, contact our office today for a free case evaluation by calling (803) 888-2200 or submitting our secure online form.
How Will a Lawyer Help Me?
You may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer following a bicycle accident. We encourage you to at least speak with an experienced attorney if the accident led to any sort of injury, or worse. Speaking with a lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and can help you understand the true value of your case.
Hiring a lawyer has many benefits – with Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC you can expect our team to:
- Ensure you are not taken advantage of through common insurance company tricks or lowballed offers.
- Work with professionals to survey and document the accident scene.
- Identify and interview key witnesses.
- Obtain and organize all medical bills related to the accident.
- Prove negligence pursuant to South Carolina law, ensuring you can receive compensation and holding the at-fault party accountable.
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters to get you the entirety of what you’re owed.
- Optimize your claim, ensuring you are receiving the best future outcome possible for you and your case.
- Keep you posted every step of the way.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can trust that you and your case are in good hands with our team.
Common Causes of South Carolina Bicycle Accidents
In South Carolina, bicycle accidents are quite common. Frequently, accidents involving bicyclists are caused by negligent motor vehicle operators.
South Carolina has laws regulating how cars should share the roads with cyclists.
For example, vehicles must:
- Exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3230)
- Maintain a safe operating distance from a bicyclist (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3435)
- Refrain from harassing or throwing objects at bicyclists. (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3445)
When a driver fails to follow these rules and causes an accident, they can be found negligent and therefore responsible for the accident and resulting damages. These accidents frequently boil down driver error, such as failure to yield, failure to look before opening a door, failure to use turn signals, blocking a bike lane, distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and other forms of negligence.
Understanding who was at-fault for the accident may seem simple. However, proving it under South Carolina law can become tricky without a lawyer. If you think you have a case, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.
Common Injuries Resulting From Bicycle Accidents
Many bike accidents result in serious injury, especially due to the size and minimal level of protection of cyclists versus what they are commonly hit by – vehicles.
Some common injuries resulting from a bicycle accident include:
- Head Injuries – South Carolina does not have a law requiring bicyclists to wear a helmet, meaning that head injuries are a serious risk in these accidents and can range from cuts to traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
- Broken Bones – Such as broken arms, legs, shoulders, and wrists.
- Road Rash – Which can cause infection and scarring.
- Facial Injuries – Including burns, jaw injuries, nasal injuries, and eye injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – In some cases, these accidents can result in numbness or even paralysis, a form of catastrophic injury.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
The bicycle accident lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC fight to ensure our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve for the physical, financial, and emotional damages these accidents cause. We will fight for you inside and outside of the courtroom to ensure you are protected. For a free case evaluation directly with an experienced attorney, call our office at (803) 888-2200. We are available for you via phone 24/7 and look forward to hearing from you.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Following a Bike or E-Bike Accident in South Carolina?
Following a bicycle, e-bike, or scooter accident, you should first seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority following any accident. You will want to ensure that you or someone at the scene calls the police and reports the accident. At the scene, if possible, you should take photos of the scene and get contact information for any witnesses. Once you are able to, it is then in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney.
What Compensation Can I Seek in my Claim?
Your lawyer will work with you to ensure that your personal injury claim is fully optimized and seeks compensation for all past, present, and future damages related to the accident, including but not limited to:
- Medical Expenses
- Injury Rehabilitation Costs
- Lost Wages
- Reduced Earning Capacity
- Property Damage
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Trauma
- And more.
What you qualify for and how much your case is worth is heavily dependent on the specifics of your case. For more information, please contact our office to speak with a qualified attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Typically, you have three years to file a lawsuit following a bicycle accident that left you or a loved one injured in South Carolina. However, there are exceptions to this that reduce that timeline by up to a full year.
There are many benefits to acting fast. Your lawyer can secure and preserve critical evidence, get accurate recounts of the accident, ensure you meet the Statute of Limitations, and much more.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bike Accident Attorney in South Carolina?
The team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC does not charge any up-front or out-of-pocket fees. Instead, our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we collect a percentage of the total compensation earned on your behalf at the end of your case.