More people have turned to cycling these days as a form of both fitness and transportation. In Greenville, a lack of bike lanes and other safety measures to protect bicyclists from careless drivers contributes to serious bicycle accidents throughout the county each year.
These bike accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be able to sue the responsible driver. Contact Jordan Law Center to learn more about your legal rights.
Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
In bicycle accidents, often there is only a helmet between you and the pavement. Thus, bicycle accidents tend to have a high rate of serious injuries and even fatalities.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Brain injuries are perhaps the most serious result of a bicycle accident. A bike accident victim may permanently lose the ability to speak, process, or move. Many brain injury patients will have a reduced life expectancy.
Greenville County Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, in 2021, there were 33 accidents in Greenville County that involved bicycles, down from 35 crashes in 2020. Three people died and three were seriously injured in these bicycle accidents. All but six bicyclists involved in accidents suffered some type of injury, reinforcing the serious nature of these incidents.
Although there were no bicycle accident fatalities in 2020, nearly every single bicyclist who was in an accident was injured, with seven, suffering suspected serious injuries.
Whose Insurance Pays for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you can file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance policy. South Carolina law requires drivers to have a specified minimum amount of insurance coverage.
If the driver was uninsured or they did not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries, a bicycle accident could be covered under your own underinsured motorist coverage. If you have reached the driver’s policy limits, you would then file a claim against your own car insurance coverage.
How to Prove a Bicycle Accident
To receive a settlement check, you must prove that someone else was negligent. This is your duty as the claimant who is seeking money.
In a bicycle accident case, it is not what you know about what happened that is important. It is about what you can prove. You must prove that the driver did something that would be considered unreasonable under the circumstances.
It is very difficult for you to investigate your own bicycle accident. Aside from being injured, you do not have the legal skill to perform a full investigation. You should hire an attorney to handle your case and compile the necessary evidence.
Your attorney may use the following to prove what caused your bicycle accident:
- Testimony from objective third-party witnesses who saw the accident
- Pictures from the scene of the accident
- Dashboard or traffic camera footage
- Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert
- The police report (to submit to the insurance company)
Your bike accident attorney would follow up on leads to compile the strongest possible case to both prove liability and protect you from allegations that you may have been at fault.
Bicycle Safety Tips
It is up to you to do your part to remain safe when on the road. The insurance company may claim that you were biking unsafely and you were to blame for the accident. They may try to deny or reduce your compensation entirely.
Precautions you can take to increase your own safety on a bike include:
- Always follow the law and wear a helmet when riding your bicycle.
- Use hand signals at all times to alert drivers when you are preparing to turn.
- Avoid riding your bicycle after dark or during other times when visibility may be reduced.
- Check your equipment before you get out on your bicycle.
- Wear bright clothing and reflective gear to increase your own visibility.
- Follow all traffic laws (bicyclists are treated like drivers under many traffic laws).
- Stay fully alert and focused when you are out on your bike (not listening to music or checking your phone)
Why Hire Jordan Law Center for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
Jordan Law Center has recovered millions of dollars for our clients since we opened our doors. We provide aggressive legal representation while taking the time to hear your concerns and listen to you.
Insurance companies have learned that our bicycle accident lawyers mean business when they see our name on a claim or lawsuit. We offer free consultations where we can learn more about your case and you can get to know us. You also do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. We create a personalized case strategy should you hire us.
Call a Greenville Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you need skilled legal representation to deliver results in your insurance claim or lawsuit. Jordan Law Center is here to protect you.
To schedule your free initial consultation, call us today at 864-808-1810 or contact us online. If you cannot call a bicycle accident attorney yourself, have someone do it for you because the call is crucial.
