Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
South Carolina’s subtropical climate means you can ride your bicycle almost any time of the year. From its historic buildings to the Sesqui Mountain Bike Trail, your bike is a healthy and fun way to get around Columbia. Unfortunately, you must sometimes share the road with motor vehicles driven by careless people who are not looking out for your safety.
If you are riding your bike when a reckless motorist crashes into you, you may be eligible for compensation to pay for your recovery. A Columbia bicycle accident lawyers could assess your situation and construct a solid case. With a knowledgeable injury attorney to advocate for you, you could recover the compensation you need to heal.
Bicyclists Must Follow Safety Protocols
Bicyclists should always be attentive and follow road rules while riding. Bicyclists are expected to come to a complete stop at traffic lights and signs and should ride in bike lanes when available. If bike lanes are not accessible, bicyclists must ride as close as possible to the right side of the road. They must also maintain brakes that will allow the bike to skid on dry pavement when engaged.
South Carolina does not mandate bicyclists to wear helmets, but they should consider them the only protection between their heads, crashing cars, and the pavement. A skilled lawyer could explain how distribution of liability in a bike crash caused by another’s carelessness affects compensation.
Comparative Negligence Law
Section 15-38-15 of the Code explains South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws. As long as the injured plaintiff is not more liable for causing the accident than the defendant, compensation can be awarded. The money awarded will be adjusted according to how much fault the plaintiff bears. For example, a motorist runs a red light and smashes into a bicyclist who has another person riding on the handlebars, so the brakes do not work correctly. The court finds the bicyclist 40 percent at fault. The $100,000 damages award will be reduced by 40 percent to $60,000.
Compensation after a Bike Accident
Bicyclists are too often severely injured in accidents involving motor vehicles. Motorists are surrounded by tons of metal, but bicyclists have no defense except helmets. If a motorist is negligent and causes an accident, the motorist or insurance company will be responsible for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages can be calculated and include medical and rehabilitation bills, lost wages, and fixing or replacing the bike. Non-economic damages estimate what it would take to put the injured party back in the position before the accident. They include compensation for disfigurement, loss of the enjoyment of life, and future lost wages. A dedicated attorney can discuss how the courts determine compensation after a bicycle accident.
Get in Touch with Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
The chances are high that you will suffer devastating injuries if a motorist hits you on your bicycle. You may need compensation that lasts your lifetime to pay medical bills and wages while you cannot work.
Our seasoned Columbia bicycle accident lawyers can negotiate with a driver’s insurance company or sue the driver for you if insurance does not cover your losses. Call today.
