Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Florence, SC. Whether you’re commuting to work, getting exercise, or just enjoying the outdoors, cycling can be fun and healthy. However, it can also be risky. When cars and bicycles share the road, accidents can happen, and unfortunately, the cyclist usually gets the worst of it.
Cyclists in Florence face real dangers from drivers who aren’t paying attention or don’t give enough space. Busy areas like Five Points or Pamplico Highway are especially risky, with heavy traffic and fast-moving vehicles. If you’ve been hit while riding, it’s important to understand your rights. A bicycle accident lawyer in Florence can help you figure out what to do next. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we fight for cyclists who have been injured. You deserve to have someone in your corner. Call us today for a free consultation.
Your Rights as a Cyclist in South Carolina
South Carolina law treats cyclists just like drivers. You have the right to use the road and the responsibility to follow traffic laws. Even so, many drivers fail to respect cyclists’ rights. They might pass too closely, cut you off, or even act aggressively.
When a driver’s carelessness causes a crash, the law is on your side. Getting legal representation for cyclists can make a big difference in recovering damages for your injuries.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many different things can cause a bike accident, but most accidents involve driver errors. Here are some of the most common causes:
Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers change lanes without signaling or checking their mirrors, they may sideswipe a cyclist. Bicycles are smaller than cars and can be harder to spot. This is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas like Five Points in Florence, where vehicles are often jockeying for position. A cyclist riding legally in a lane has the right to expect that drivers will look before moving over. Unfortunately, drivers often fail to double-check, leading to serious collisions and injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distractions are everywhere, from cell phones, GPS devices, and even radios, and they take drivers’ attention off the road. Even glancing at a text for a few seconds can cause a crash. For cyclists, this is particularly dangerous. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, even a low-speed impact can cause broken bones, head injuries, or worse. Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of bicycle accidents across Florence.
Speeding
Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to see and react to a cyclist. It also increases the force of impact if a collision happens. In busy areas like Pamplico Highway, where vehicles often travel at high speeds, cyclists are especially vulnerable. Even if a cyclist is following all the rules, a speeding driver can change everything in an instant.
Failing to Maintain a Clear Distance
South Carolina law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists, but not all drivers follow this rule. When a vehicle gets too close, a cyclist has little room to maneuver. In tight spots or on narrow roads, failing to leave enough space can force cyclists off the road or lead to side-swipe collisions. Maintaining clear distance isn’t just polite – it’s the law, and it saves lives.
Failure to Yield at Intersections
Intersections can be chaotic, with drivers focused on other vehicles and often forgetting to look for bicycles. Cyclists are especially at risk when drivers fail to yield while making turns. In Florence, intersections near busy shopping centers or schools are hotspots for accidents. A driver turning right may not see a cyclist traveling straight through the intersection, resulting in a dangerous crash.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. Without the protection of a car, cyclists often take the full force of a collision. These injuries can affect every part of a victim’s life, from their ability to work to their independence and overall quality of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury can cause problems with memory, concentration, and emotions. Victims may struggle to return to work or school, and everyday tasks can become difficult or frustrating. TBIs can also strain relationships, as mood swings and personality changes often follow. In the most serious cases, a TBI can leave a person needing full-time care for the rest of their life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, which may be partial or complete. Victims may need a wheelchair and require ongoing care, which can create emotional and financial burdens for the entire family. Many people with spinal cord injuries face a lifetime of therapy and home modifications.
Broken Bones
While a broken arm or leg may eventually heal, it can take months of painful recovery and physical therapy. Victims may miss work and lose income while they recover. Some breaks are so severe that they result in permanent disability or limited mobility. Even after healing, victims might deal with chronic pain or reduced strength in the affected area.
Road Rash
Severe road rash can cause permanent scarring and infections. Victims often need painful treatments like skin grafts, and the scars can affect their self-esteem for years. Infections from deep wounds can also lead to further medical complications. In some cases, road rash leaves behind nerve damage that causes lingering pain or sensitivity.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, like organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery. Even after treatment, victims may face long-term health problems that limit their ability to exercise or work. Some may have to take medication for the rest of their lives or undergo additional surgeries down the line.
Facial Injuries
Injuries to the face, including broken jaws or dental damage, can lead to expensive surgeries and lasting disfigurement. Beyond the physical pain, facial injuries can impact a victim’s confidence and social life. These injuries can also affect basic functions like eating, speaking, and breathing.
Why Choose Murphy Crantford Meehan
At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand how life-changing a bicycle accident can be. Our team has been fighting for injured cyclists and accident victims across South Carolina for years.
We’ve earned recognition as members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is a group reserved for lawyers who have won million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our “AV” peer rating shows that our peers respect our work and trust our skills.
But what matters most is how we treat our clients. We know you’re going through a hard time, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. When you work with us, you get a team that’s focused on your needs and ready to fight for the results you deserve.
Past Results
We have a strong record of getting justice for people injured by careless drivers, including:
- $1,225,000 for a car accident victim hit by a wrong-way drunk driver
- $200,000 for a bicycle accident victim injured by a negligent driver
One of our clients, Wilson B., shared this about his experience with us:
“These guys are great. Jerry kept me posted on everything that was going on throughout the entire process and got us everything and more than I even thought possible.”
If you need help after a bike accident, we’re ready to fight for you.
FAQs
After a bike crash, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Here are a few common ones:
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Florence, SC?
The first thing to do is get to safety if you can and call 911. It’s important to get medical attention, even if you think you’re fine, as some injuries show up later. If possible, take pictures of the scene, your bike, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the driver and gather contact details from any witnesses. These steps can help a lot when you file a bicycle accident claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during the accident?
Yes. In South Carolina, not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting compensation. However, the driver’s insurance company might try to argue that your injuries are worse because you didn’t wear one. Having a bicycle crash lawyer can help you push back and protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in South Carolina?
Under the statute of limitations for bicycle accidents in South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering personal injury compensation. It’s important to talk to a Florence, SC, personal injury attorney as soon as you can.
Contact Our Florence Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash, you don’t have to face this alone. Murphy Crantford Meehan is here to help. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Florence are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start working on your case.
We offer free, confidential consultations, and you don’t pay us unless we win for you. Call us today or contact us online to get started.
