Surfside Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike through Surfside Beach, whether for recreational purposes or to get from point A to point B, is honestly a great experience. The town is beautiful, and we even have an extra wide bike lane for extra rider safety along Surfside Drive. Unfortunately, bicycle collisions with vehicles still occur, and they often leave victims trying to figure out how to recover compensation. At Indigo Family Law, we are here to help if you need our Surfside Beach bicycle accident lawyer team by your side. We want to help you get through this, and we know that means recovering compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Why Choose Indigo Family Law for Help With a Bike Accident Claim?

At Indigo Family Law, we understand the unique charm of Surfside Beach, and we also know the dangers cyclists face on our local roads. While the town has worked to become more bike-friendly, bicycle accidents still happen. Whether you were hit while riding on Surfside Drive or navigating the busy restaurant district, our attorneys are here to help.

As a local law firm, we are deeply familiar with the community and its roads, from the heavily trafficked areas around the pier to the quieter streets during the off-season. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients because we understand the flow of traffic and common accident hotspots. We are dedicated to securing the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Surfside is Bike Friendly – But Accidents Still Happen

Surfside Beach prides itself on being a bike-friendly town. With numerous bicycle rental options and dedicated bike lanes, especially along Surfside Drive, the town encourages both locals and tourists to explore by bike. During tourist season, the number of bicyclists on the road increases dramatically as visitors enjoy the beach and nearby attractions.

However, more cyclists on the road also means an increased risk of accidents, particularly near high-traffic areas like the pier and popular restaurants. Even during the quieter off-season, accidents occur when drivers are inattentive or fail to yield the right of way to cyclists. Whether you were struck during peak tourist season or in the off-season, our team of Surfside Beach bicycle accident attorneys is ready to help.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable when they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. With little protection, the injuries sustained can be severe and life-altering. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries. Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer serious head injuries that result in long-term or even permanent cognitive or physical impairments.
Broken bones. Fractures, particularly of the extremities, are common as cyclists attempt to brace themselves during a fall or collision.
Spinal cord injuries. These injuries are more common in bicycle accidents than regular vehicle collisions and can lead to permanent paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
Internal injuries. Damage to organs caused by blunt force trauma may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
Road rash and lacerations. Cyclists frequently suffer deep cuts and abrasions from hitting the pavement or being dragged after impact.

Our team of bicycle accident lawyers in Surfside Beach is experienced in handling these serious injuries and will get to work starting today to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How Can You Determine Liability After a Crash Happens?

Determining liability in a bicycle accident is critical for obtaining compensation, but it can be complex. South Carolina law requires drivers to exercise caution around cyclists, but each case must be investigated thoroughly to establish fault.

Our attorneys will investigate key factors in your case, such as:

Driver negligence. Was the driver speeding, distracted, or failing to yield to cyclists?
Road conditions. Poorly maintained roads or hazardous conditions can also contribute to bicycle accidents.
Third-party liability. In some cases, other parties, such as government entities responsible for maintaining safe roadways, may share responsibility.

We gather evidence, including eyewitness accounts, police reports, and any available surveillance footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Types of Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Claims

Victims of bike collisions in Surfside may be entitled to a range of compensation types depending on the severity of their injuries and property damage as well as the potential long-term consequences of the incident. Common types of compensation include:

Medical expenses. This covers everything from emergency room visits and surgeries to long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Lost wages. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for both past and future lost income.
Pain and suffering. In addition to the physical pain, bicycle accident victims often endure emotional distress and trauma. Compensation for this type of harm is designed to address these intangible losses.
Loss of enjoyment of life. Sever bodily trauma can impact your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, either temporarily or permanently. This type of compensation recognizes that loss.
Property damage. You may also be entitled to compensation for the damage done to your bicycle and any other personal property.

How Much Compensation Will You Receive?

The amount of compensation you may receive for a bicycle accident claim depends on several factors, including:

The severity of your injuries. More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation, especially if they lead to long-term disability or require extensive medical treatment.
Liability. We use a modified comparative negligence system in SC, which could reduce your compensation if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident.
Insurance coverage. The amount of compensation may also be influenced by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits.

Will Your Personal Car Insurance Cover Your Bicycle Accident Losses?

You might be surprised to learn that your personal car insurance could help cover some of the expenses associated with a bicycle accident, even though you were not in a vehicle at the time. Depending on the type of coverage you carry, your car insurance policy could provide benefits in the following ways:

Personal injury protection (PIP). In South Carolina, some auto insurance policies include personal injury protection (PIP), which can cover medical costs and the income you lose after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you carry PIP coverage, it may extend to your bicycle accident injuries, offering immediate financial relief for medical costs.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the driver who hit you does not have enough insurance to cover your damages or if they fled the scene and cannot be identified, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may come into play. This type of coverage can help ensure you receive compensation even when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Medical payments coverage. Another type of coverage that may apply is medical payments coverage. This type of insurance can pay for medical expenses related to injuries from a collision, no matter who is at fault. If you have medical payments coverage, it could help offset your medical bills after a bicycle accident.

What a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Surfside Will Do to Help

Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer in Surfside Beach is one of the most important steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve. When you work with a skilled attorney, they will handle the complexities of your bike accident claim in Surfside so that you can focus on recovery. Here are the key ways a bicycle accident lawyer will help:

Investigating the accident. Your attorney will go over ever detail of your collision, gathering essential evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and surveillance footage. This helps establish liability and provides a clear picture of how the accident occurred.
Proving liability. Determining fault in bicycle accidents can be complicated, particularly if the driver disputes their responsibility. Your lawyer will analyze traffic laws, road conditions, and driver behavior to build a strong case, showing how negligence led to the accident.
Negotiating with insurance companies. Dealing with insurance companies (not just the other party’s, but also yours) can be stressful, as they often try to minimize or deny claims. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
Calculating damages. Your lawyer will assess all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. By fully understanding the scope of your damages, your attorney can pursue maximum compensation.
Litigating if necessary. While many cases settle out of court, some may require litigation if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial, presenting evidence and advocating for your rights in front of a judge or jury.

With a local Surfside Beach bicycle accident attorney by your side, you will have the legal support and experience needed to handle every aspect of your claim.

What Happens if More Than One Party is At-Fault?

In some bicycle accidents, more than one party may be at fault. For example, a driver may have caused the accident, but poor road conditions could have also contributed. In South Carolina, under the comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

If multiple parties share liability, our team will work to ensure that each responsible party is held accountable, maximizing your chances of receiving full compensation.

How Long Do You Have to File Your Bicycle Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in South Carolina, including bicycle accident cases, is three years from the date of the accident. It is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and avoid missing this crucial deadline. Our Surfside Beach bicycle accident attorneys will ensure your claim is filed on time and help you navigate the legal process.

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Bicycle Accident in Horry County?

The vast majority of bicycle accident claims are settled out of court, but there are some cases where litigation may become necessary. Whether or not your case goes to trial depends on several factors:

Settlement negotiations. Many bicycle accident cases are resolved through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurer offers a fair settlement that adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, you may not need to go to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, litigation may be the best option.
Disputes over liability. In some cases, the at-fault driver may dispute their liability, claiming that you were partially or entirely responsible for the accident. If fault is contested, going to court might be necessary to resolve the issue and establish who was responsible.
Severe or long-term injuries. If your injuries are particularly severe or if they result in long-term or permanent disability, the stakes are higher. Insurance companies may be reluctant to offer full compensation in such cases, and taking the case to trial can increase your chances of recovering the maximum amount of damages.

Even if your case does go to court, having a skilled Surfside Beach bicycle accident attorney on your side will ensure that you are fully prepared. Your lawyer will represent your interests, gather evidence, and present a compelling case to a judge or jury if necessary.

Steps You Can Take to Help With Your Claim Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your claim:

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Internal injuries or concussions can develop later, so it is essential to have a medical professional evaluate your condition right away.
Document the accident scene. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle that hit you, if possible. Capture any relevant details like road conditions, weather, and traffic signs that could support your case.
Gather contact information. Speak to any witnesses and collect their contact details. Their accounts could be vital in corroborating your version of the events.
Report the accident. Ensure that a police report is filed, as this will be crucial evidence in your case. This report often includes important details that can back up your claim.
Contact a Surfside Beach bicycle accident attorney. The sooner you reach out for legal help, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation. An attorney can guide you through each step and handle negotiations on your behalf.

Call Our Surfside Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Team Today

If you or a loved one have been harmed in a bicycle accident in or around the Surfside Beach, South Carolina, area, turn to the team at Indigo Family Law as promptly as possible. We understand the challenges associated with these claims, particularly when dealing with aggressive insurance carriers. We want to make sure you recover the compensation needed to make a full recovery. Let us help when you need our Surfside Beach bicycle accident lawyers team by your side. You can reach out to us for a free consultation of your claim by completing our contact form or calling us at (843) 279-2330.