Blythewood, SC Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The popularity of bicycles as a means of transportation in Blythewood has been on the rise. However, it has also led to an increase in the number of accidents caused by careless drivers.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, our team can assist you in recovering compensation for your losses. Blythewood has many long stretches of shoreline paths and roads that cyclists have the right to use. However, drivers often fail to exercise caution when sharing the road with bicyclists. When this happens, we are here to help you safeguard your rights and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. We will work closely with you to build a strong case that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case assessment with our Blythewood bicycle accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Blythewood, SC

In Blythewood, cyclists are often subjected to negligence from drivers on the road, who tend to overlook their presence and ignore their right to use the road. Fortunately, if you sustain injuries because of a driver’s actions, our bicycle accident lawyers are available to help you seek justice. Some of the most common types of accidents that lead to bicycle injuries in Blythewood are as follows:

Distracted Driving

Bicycle accidents are a serious concern, and one of the major reasons behind such accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can be classified into three primary types, namely visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. Visual distractions occur when drivers take their eyes off the road while driving. Manual distractions arise when the driver takes their hands off the steering wheel while driving. Cognitive distractions occur when the driver’s focus is shifted from driving to something else.

When drivers get distracted while driving, for instance, when they text, eat, or change the radio station, they are not entirely focused on the road. This lack of concentration increases the potential risk of accidents. In terms of legal liability, if it can be proven that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident and that this distraction was the primary cause of the accident, then the driver can be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused.

Speeding

Speeding is another major cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit might not have enough time to react to cyclists on the road, leading to collisions. Speed limits are put in place to ensure safety on the roads, and when these are violated, the risk of accidents increases.

Suppose it can be established that a driver was speeding at the time of an accident and that the speeding was a substantial factor in causing it. In that case, the driver can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages.

Failure to Yield

When it comes to sharing the road with cyclists, it is essential for drivers to exercise caution and follow the rules of the road. One of the most critical rules drivers must follow is to yield to cyclists when necessary. This is not just a suggestion; it is required by law. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections when changing lanes and in many other situations.

Unfortunately, not all drivers follow these rules. When a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, it can have devastating consequences. Cyclists are much more vulnerable than drivers and are more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death in the event of a collision.

Hit and Runs

The consequences are often severe when a cyclist is involved in a hit-and-run accident. Not only is leaving the scene of an accident a criminal offense, but it can also result in a lawsuit. Suppose the driver responsible for the accident is identified, and it can be proven that they caused the collision. In that case, they might be held accountable legally for any resulting damages in addition to their criminal penalties.

The severity of the punishment depends on the extent of the injuries sustained by the cyclist and any damage caused to their property. It is essential to report any hit and run accidents involving a cyclist to the authorities immediately to increase the chances of identifying the responsible driver. Even if you do not know who hit you, our team has experience investigating these types of cases and has the tools to identify drivers attempting to escape their responsibilities.

Improper Turning

Bicycle accidents caused by improper turning maneuvers of drivers are a common occurrence. To avoid such accidents, drivers must signal their intention and ensure that it is safe before making a turn. In case a driver makes an improper turn, they can be held legally accountable for any resulting injuries or damages.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Ignoring traffic signals is another major cause of bicycle accidents in Blythewood. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put cyclists at risk. If it can be proven that a driver ignored a traffic signal when the accident occurred, then the driver can be held responsible. In some cases, dashcam or traffic footage might show the instant the accident occurred.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a highly dangerous and illegal act that can cause a large number of accidents involving bicycles. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to such accidents, as impaired drivers pose a significant risk to their safety. Drunk drivers do not usually respond quickly and might not notice a cyclist before it is too late. In these cases, you might be entitled to additional compensation in the form of punitive damages, which are usually awarded to punish a defendant for egregious acts like drunk driving.

Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Blythewood, SC

In Blythewood, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident is generally three years, according to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. This means that from the date of the accident, a victim has three years to file a lawsuit against the party they believe to be responsible for their injuries. If a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, the court will likely refuse to hear the case, and the victim’s right to compensation will be lost.

While the three-year limit applies to most bicycle accident cases, there are certain exceptions contained in S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-40. For instance, if the victim is a minor or mentally incompetent at the time of the accident, the clock on the statute of limitations might not start running until the disability is removed, meaning the minor turns 18 or the mentally incompetent person regains competence.

Our Blythewood, SC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

For a free case review with our bicycle accident attorneys, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.

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