Bicycle Accident Attorney in Columbia

Did you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident in Columbia? Perhaps you got hit by a car while riding to class at the University of South Carolina? No matter where your bicycle accident occurred, you deserve to have a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights. As the injured party, you have the right to pursue damages for the harm you have suffered.

If someone else caused your Columbia bike accident, contact the experienced Columbia bicycle accident lawyers at Strom Law Firm. Our bike accident attorneys will work diligently towards securing compensation from the people who caused your cycling accident. The injured party should seek compensation by filing a bicycle accident claim to protect their rights and recover damages.

Bicycle accidents can result in both physical pain and emotional trauma, and a lawyer can help address both aspects.

Why Choose Us?

At Strom Law Firm, we understand that our clients are coming to our offices during their most vulnerable and painful moments. Our firm team awaits each client with an open door, and we remain ready to fight for justice, accountability, and compensation on behalf of those harmed by another in a Columbia bike crash.

From the moment you choose Strom Law Firm, our lawyers will get to work investigating your accident and building a case that is designed to collect maximum compensation. To better serve you, our Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer offers free initial consultations so you can review your legal options and choose the best option.

We can assist you immediately with an office located at Barrister Hall at 6923 N. Trenholm Rd in Columbia. We can meet with you in our firm office, in your hospital room, or even in your home. We also offer virtual appointments during this time.

Please get in touch with our office at 803.252.4800 or toll-free at 888.490.2847 to set up your free consultation today!

How to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Columbia

The rules of the road govern bicyclists and motorists, and everyone must always use care when traveling. Filing a bicycle accident claim involves understanding legal requirements and deadlines that can impact your ability to seek compensation.

A driver’s failure to act responsibly can take many forms, such as speeding, running a stop sign, or even driving under the influence. Our attorneys must establish who is to at fault for your accident to win your case. A negligent driver can be held responsible for injuries and damages suffered by injured cyclists. Multiple parties can often share the blame, including government entities responsible for maintaining the roads. Injured cyclists may also have claims against municipalities or third parties, such as bicycle manufacturers, if road conditions or faulty equipment contributed to the accident.

Drivers often have a legal duty to exercise caution and share the road responsibly when bicyclists are involved. If a driver fails to notice a bicyclist or is speeding at the time of the crash, they are responsible for the injuries and harm they cause.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows victims to seek compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as lon

g as their fault is less than 50%. Additionally, the statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident claim in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth? Ask a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer!

Seeking Compensation After a Bicycle Accident using a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle accident in Columbia, South Carolina, depending upon the facts and circumstances, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic compensation with the help of a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Economic damages are primarily financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are harder to value but no less important. After a catastrophic injury, some of the greatest losses are often non-economic because such injuries change the way that victims must live their lives.

Potential damages resulting from a bicycle traffic accident in SC include:

• The cost of all medical bills and expenses related to the accident, such as doctor and hospital bills, rehabilitation, or other long-term medical costs
• Compensation for lost wages from time missed from work for attending medical appointments (and during the recovery period)
• Past, present, and future pain, suffering, and inconvenience
• Past, present, and future mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity in cases of permanent physical or mental impairment
• Compensation for permanent injuries and damages
• Payment of all causally related bills for psychological or psychiatric treatment
• Loss of consortium, companionship, or spousal support
• Compensation for future medical treatment or procedures (including future surgeries and hospital stays)
• Wrongful death

At Strom Law Firm, our Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer has extensive experience representing victims of bicycle accidents. We know that your injuries may require considerable time to heal. In some cases, you may struggle with permanent disabilities as a result of your crash.

From the moment you choose our law firm, you can rest assured knowing that you have a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer who will fight for maximum compensation. We work with your medical team to truly understand how your injuries will affect your life and your future. We are not afraid to take cases to court to obtain the money our clients deserve.

What Causes Columbia Bicycle Accidents?

Under South Carolina law, a bicyclist is treated the same as a driver of any vehicle. The SC Bike Law puts it as follows:

“A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special provisions in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.”

Likewise, motorists have an obligation to treat bicyclists as equal counterparts on the roads. Drivers have a legal responsibility to share the road safely with bike riders, including maintaining safe distances, yielding when required, and following laws designed to protect bicyclists’ safety.

Regrettably, motorists often treat road cyclists as afterthoughts on Columbia roads, which leads to catastrophic bicycling accidents that are sometimes fatal.

South Carolina law also requires the use of bike lights at night. Proper bike lights are essential for visibility and safety, helping bike riders comply with legal requirements and reducing the risk of accidents. Using bike lights not only improves a cyclist’s chances of being seen by motorists, especially in the presence of oncoming traffic, but also strengthens their position in seeking compensation if a collision occurs.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Columbia include:

• Aggressive drivers. Rushed drivers tend to become irritated with cyclists on the road. This behavior risks causing cyclists to lose their balance, or worse, leading to terrible accidents.
• Failure to yield a right-of-way is a common cause of cycling collisions. This involves a vehicle altering its route or shifting lanes into a bicyclist’s path. Drivers should always be on alert for all types of shapes and objects while driving.
• “Dooring.” Anybody who rides bikes on a parallel parking Columbia street probably realizes the threat of being “doored.” This action occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door directly in the path of a riding bicyclist. Cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries from this seemingly minor occurrence.
• Malfunctioning equipment. Some bicycle equipment can have misleading claims that would lead to an accident or the equipment could just be faulty or defective. This may result in a bicycle recall. If a defective bicycle component caused your accident, the manufacturer could be responsible for the harm their product caused.
• Impairment. This may go without saying, but impaired drivers, those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are far more likely than unimpaired drivers to get in a car accident, including an accident with a bicyclist.
• Passing accidents. These frequently happen when the passing car does not allow enough room for the bicyclist.
• Rear-ending. A rear-end collision happens when a car or a bicycle is following too closely or is not paying attention and cannot stop. These accidents often happen at stop signs or on slippery roads. Studies show that 40 percent of bike crashes involve a car rear-ending the bicyclist.
• Crossing in front. These accidents happen at intersections, driveways, and alleys when a vehicle crosses the bicyclist’s path. The car driver may not be paying attention or may fail to see the bicyclist.
• Right turns. Many drivers fail to check their mirrors and their blind spots before making a right turn. If a bicyclist travels on the right side of the car, the car may hit the bicyclist.

Common Cyclist Injuries in Columbia

Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer-Helping Injured Columbia Bicycle Accident Victims Is What We Do

According to a study of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) data, from 2009 to 2017, South Carolina had 4570 reported bicycle accidents. These accidents resulted in 4147 injuries and 146 deaths.

Bicyclists are at major risk on Columbia roads. Unfortunately, a helmet is a cyclist’s only real line of defense against serious injury in an accident.

A cyclist involved in a Columbia bicycle accident could suffer from a multitude of injuries. Unfortunately, in any bicycle accident, whether bike versus car or bike versus bike, severe, life-changing injuries are all too common.

At Strom Law Firm, our Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer has handled claims involving a wide array of injuries, including:

• Severe road rash occurs when the cyclist’s momentum causes friction between the skin and the road’s asphalt or concrete. Such an injury causes significant burn-like wounds to the body and can ultimately lead to infection and disfiguration. Road rash causes cuts and scrapes, bruises, and even burns, which can take weeks, months, or years to heal.
• Spinal cord damage. A spinal cord injury can change a cyclist’s life forever. Such an injury can result in numbness, weakness, or even permanent paralysis.  These injuries are often caused by cyclist being thrown over their handlebars in a crash or colliding with the road, trees, or vehicles. A cyclist who suffers such an injury will likely take on tremendous expenses while seeking medical care.
• Breaks, fractures, and tears. Often the best-case scenario for a bicyclist in an accident is a series of breaks, tears, and other orthopedic injuries.  As anybody knows who has suffered such an injury, the medical bills for treating this type of harm can be incredibly high. Many times, surgery is necessary to fix the issues.
• Traumatic brain injury. A TBI can occur when the brain suffers damage from a collision or shock to the head. A TBI can cause a victim to suffer long-term cognitive, physical, and mental impairments. Often, a TBI can cause temporary or permanent unconsciousness. A concussion is a form of TBI, and can cause a cyclist to suffer life-long headaches, confusion, and tiredness well into the future.

No matter the extent of harm a bicycle crash causes you or a loved one, the Columbia bicycle accident lawyers at Strom Law Firm have the passion, experience, and most importantly the resources to assist you in recovering the compensation owed to you.

Rights of Bicyclists in Columbia

Bicyclists in Columbia, South Carolina, are granted the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles under South Carolina law. This means that cyclists have the legal right to use most public roadways and are protected by the same traffic laws that apply to cars and trucks. Importantly, motor vehicle drivers are required to respect these rights by maintaining a safe operating distance when passing or approaching a cyclist and by exercising due care at all times.

A Columbia bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand how these rights apply to your specific situation, especially if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident. For example, while cyclists are generally expected to ride as far to the right as practicable, they are not obligated to use the shoulder or a bike lane if it is unsafe or unavailable. Motor vehicle drivers must yield to bicyclists when required and are prohibited from blocking bike lanes or endangering cyclists through reckless or negligent behavior.

If you feel your rights as a cyclist have been violated or you’ve been injured due to a driver’s failure to follow South Carolina law, an experienced accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. Understanding your rights is the first step toward ensuring your safety and seeking justice after a bicycle accident.

Wrongful Death Claims in Columbia Bicycle Accidents

When a bicycle accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, families are often left facing not only emotional devastation but also significant financial burdens. In these heartbreaking situations, a Columbia bicycle accident attorney can provide compassionate guidance and help families pursue a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law.

Wrongful death claims allow the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased to seek fair compensation for their loss. These claims can help cover medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages that the deceased would have provided, and compensation for the pain and suffering experienced by the family. It’s important to note that South Carolina law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within three years of the date the accident occurred.

Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex and emotionally challenging. A dedicated Columbia bicycle accident lawyer will handle the legal details, advocate for your family’s rights, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve during this difficult time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Columbia Bicycle Accident

After a bicycle accident, the steps you take can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. One of the most common mistakes is failing to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries are not immediately apparent. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can have serious long-term effects.

Another frequent error is speaking to the insurance company or providing a recorded statement before consulting with a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. It’s also crucial not to overlook the importance of documenting the accident scene—take photos, gather witness information, and preserve any evidence related to the crash.

A Columbia bicycle accident attorney can help you avoid these and other pitfalls, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the strongest possible case for compensation. By working with an experienced accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team handles the complexities of your claim.

Importance of Acting Quickly After a Bicycle Accident

Time is of the essence after a bicycle accident in Columbia. Prompt action can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Seeking medical attention right away is critical, not only for your health but also to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Delays in treatment can give insurance companies an excuse to question the severity or cause of your injuries.

It’s equally important to document the accident scene as soon as possible. This includes taking photographs, collecting contact information from witnesses, and preserving any physical evidence, such as damaged equipment or clothing. The sooner you contact a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer, the sooner your legal team can begin a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

A Columbia bicycle accident attorney will ensure that all necessary steps are taken promptly, helping you avoid missed deadlines and giving you the best chance at a fair settlement. Don’t wait—acting quickly protects your rights and strengthens your personal injury claim.

What to Look for in a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right Columbia bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Look for an accident lawyer with extensive experience handling bicycle accident claims and a deep understanding of South Carolina law. A proven track record of success in similar cases demonstrates that the attorney knows how to navigate the complexities of bicycle accident litigation and negotiate with insurance companies.

Compassion and communication are also key qualities—your lawyer should listen to your concerns, keep you informed, and treat you with respect throughout the process. An effective Columbia bicycle accident attorney will offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions, giving you the confidence to move forward. Additionally, working with a law firm that operates on a contingency fee basis means you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.

By selecting a knowledgeable, dedicated, and client-focused bicycle accident attorney, you can trust that your case is in good hands and that your rights will be vigorously protected every step of the way.

Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

Bicycling is a popular activity for transportation, exercise, and pleasure. South Carolina is exceptionally bicycle-friendly, with its warm weather and beautiful scenery.

In Columbia, bike riders can explore approximately 31 miles of trails, including the Sumter Cypress Trail or the Three Rivers Greenway. The University of South Carolina is nationally ranked as a “Bicycle Friendly University” due to its free bike repair shop and bicycle recycling program. However, bike riders face significant risks on Columbia roads, including sharing the road with vehicles and the need for drivers to respect safe distances and yielding rights.

Unfortunately, in South Carolina, like anywhere, bicyclists face risks. If you get hit by a car, the force of the impact may cause serious injuries to the bicyclist. If a bicycle accident injured you, injured cyclists can benefit from the expertise of an SC bicycle accident lawyer. The dedicated attorneys of Strom Law Firm, LLC have helped bicyclists recover the compensation they deserve after being injured by someone else’s negligence.

How many bicycle accidents take place here in Columbia, South Carolina?

In recent years, the number of bicyclists in the U.S. increased to an estimated 47.5 million. An increase in bike accident injuries across the country and Columbia has accompanied this increase in bicyclists.

According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, one bicyclist died every 16.6 days in the state due to injuries sustained in a bike accident.

What bike law applies in Columbia according ?

As a vulnerable road user, you need to know your rights when bicycling in Columbia. Bicyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers also have specific legal responsibilities to protect bike riders, including maintaining safe distances, yielding the right of way, and following laws designed to ensure the safety of bicyclists.

In Columbia, SC, bicyclists may not:

• Bike while clinging to motor vehicles
• Carry more individuals than the number for which the bike’s design permits
• Carry any items that may prevent the biker from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars

While helmets are proven to help prevent injuries in bike accidents, helmet laws vary throughout the country.

• South Carolina does not have a state-wide requirement for helmet use; however, cyclists should understand that properly fitted helmets reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries for bicyclists of all ages by 66 to 88 percent.

Alcohol:

• In South Carolina, the law doesn’t permit the state to charge you with DUI for simply operating a bicycle under the influence, unlike in many other states. However, public intoxication is a misdemeanor offense.

Where to ride in SC:

• A bicyclist may, but is not required, to ride on the shoulder of the roadway.
• Bicyclists must ride with traffic flow as closely as reasonably possible to the right side of the road.
• Riding on the sidewalk is permitted unless local ordinances prohibit it. Bicyclists riding on a sidewalk must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Bicyclists must use bike lanes if available.
• If there is only an adjacent recreational bicycle path available instead of a bicycle lane, bicyclists may ride on the roadway.
• Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

Traffic control signs and devices:

• Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic control signs, lights, and signals.
• Cyclists must signal when turning or stopping.
• A bicyclist must use due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction when on a roadway.

Equipment:

• South Carolina law states: “A bicycle, when in use at nighttime, must be equipped with a lamp on the front which must emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear that must be visible from all distances from fifty feet to three hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of the lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.”
• A bicycle must have properly operating brakes.
• Bike lights are not only required by law for nighttime riding, but they are also crucial for visibility and safety. Using proper bike lights can help reduce fault in accidents and may improve your chances of receiving compensation if you are involved in a collision.

Electric-assist bikes:

• In South Carolina, electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) are considered vehicles and thus are subject to the rules of the road that apply to vehicles.
• A motor with a power output of fewer than 750 watts is exempt from the e-bike requirements for mopeds, such as licensing and registration.

In addition to the safety requirements for bicyclists, South Carolina has laws to ensure that motor vehicle drivers operate safely around bicycles. For instance, motor vehicle drivers must drive safely from bicyclists and maintain a safe operating distance when passing bicyclists. If there is a bicycle lane adjacent to the roadway, motor vehicles may not block the bicycle lane and must yield to a bicyclist before entering or crossing the lane. It is against the law to yell at or harass a person on a bicycle or throw anything in the bicyclist’s direction. Violations of bike accident law may result in fines or imprisonment.

What other factors place Columbia cyclists at risk?

Driving responsibly and paying close attention at all times can prevent many accidents. The following factors are a risk for everyone on the road:

• Distracted driving means driving while performing another activity that takes your focus away from driving. It has become a serious problem because people think they can multitask while driving. Every day, about eight people in the United States die in crashes involving a distracted driver.
• People think of speeding as driving above the posted speed limit, but it also refers to driving too fast for road conditions. A speeding driver may react slowly to a hazard or fail to stop in time to prevent a crash.
• Nobody likes to ride in bad weather, but bicyclists on the road in fog, snow, sleet, heavy rain, and blinding sun glare are often hard to see.
• Intersections are especially dangerous for cyclists due to the risk of oncoming traffic, which can pose serious hazards if drivers are not alert and aware of cyclists crossing or turning.
• Everyone knows that impaired driving can lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Drugs and alcohol cause, on average, one out of three motor vehicle-related fatalities. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable because of their lack of protection.

What can car drivers do to avoid crashing into me?

Nobody ever expects or wants an accident to happen on SC roads. Always stay alert for cars approaching from the rear or side when biking. Accidents often occur due to the actions of a negligent driver who fails to exercise proper care around cyclists. Nationwide, 58 percent of bicyclist fatalities take place at non-intersections, and 45 percent occur in dark conditions, most often between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Approximately 75 percent of fatal accidents occur in urban areas. Poorly maintained roads are also a risk for bicyclists.

What should I do after a Columbia bicycle crash?

If you are injured in a bike accident in Columbia, you should:

• Move out of danger and seek medical care right away. It is important to obtain treatment promptly because some injuries do not show up until days or even weeks after the accident. Also, you may need medical records later to establish your injuries.
• Especially if you are riding alone, carrying a cell phone, personal identification, and emergency contact information.
• Call the police. Even if the accident is minor, an official police report may help identify witnesses as well as provide an initial analysis of how the accident occurred.
• If possible, leave your bike in its damaged state and where it fell. It is best if the police see the accident scene undisturbed.
• Get the driver’s name and his or her insurance information, along with the names of any passengers. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
• Take photos of any visible injuries, your bicycle, and the accident scene, as clear documentation of visible injuries can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Make no statement to insurance representatives or any other people until you talk to a lawyer.

How can a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer help me?

As bicycle use becomes more popular, you need to stay safe on the roads. If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident, you need to speak with an experienced, caring Columbia bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer can guide you through the bicycle accident claim process, helping you understand the legal requirements, potential damages, and important deadlines. Columbia bicycle accident lawyers also assist clients in gathering evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, to support their claims. South Carolina has strict time limits for bike accident cases, so contact our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers without delay.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Strom Law Firm, LLC, today.

Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Strom Law Firm

Strom Law Firm is experienced in representing victims of bicycle accidents and other traffic accidents. Our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers are ready to meet with you in person at your convenience. You can also contact us online or by phone at (803) 252-4800 to schedule a time to talk with a member of our team.

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