Free Case Evaluation
South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Strong advocacy when you are injured while riding your bike
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyers have successfully negotiated settlements and obtained jury verdicts worth millions on behalf of our clients. Riding a bicycle should be a relaxing way to get exercise and enjoy nature – not a reason to be transported to a hospital or a grave. Let us help you understand your legal options. We will work to get you full compensation when you are injured.
Free Case Evaluation
How Can We Help?
How often are bicyclists killed and injured in the United States?
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 938 pedal-cyclists were killed in 2020, and close to 38,886 were injured as a result of a motor vehicle impact. Further, “In 2020 there was a 9-percent increase in pedal cyclists killed (938) from the 859 pedal-cyclists killed in 2019.”
Each person who is injured in a bicycle accident may suffer severe and often permanent injuries. These injuries can create long-lasting physical and emotional pain, even after years of medical treatment. Tragically, the bills to pay for medical care and financial hardship due to lost wages can be staggering.
What types of injuries occur in bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, which can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some of these injuries include:
- Brain and head injuries. Brain injuries are a significant concern in bicycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. These injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects on cognitive function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
- Fractures and bone breaks. The impact of a bicycle accident can lead to fractures or breaks in various bones, such as the arms, legs, wrists, collarbones, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries can require medical intervention, including casts, surgery, or physical therapy, depending on the severity.
- Road rash. Road rash refers to abrasions and lacerations that occur when a cyclist's skin makes contact with the road surface during an accident. This can cause painful scrapes, cuts, and burns, which may vary in severity depending on the speed of the accident and the type of protective gear worn by the cyclist.
- Spinal cord injuries. In more severe cases, bicycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-term and life-altering effects, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries. The force of impact in a bicycle accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding or damage may not be immediately apparent and could require medical attention to diagnose and treat.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and consult with a South Carolina personal injury attorney to understand your rights and potential legal options.
What damages can a victim of a South Carolina bicycle accident claim?
Every case is different. Each victim will have different medical problems. Children may require different treatment plans than adults. The core damages our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyers may demand are:
- Payment for medical expenses. Accident victims have the right to be reimbursed for the cost of surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medical equipment, and medications if a driver strikes them negligently.
- Lost wages. Bicyclists should be compensated for their lost income when another person causes their injuries and inability to work.
- Pain and suffering. Injured victims suffer daily from the physical pain of their injuries and the emotional suffering of not being able to do daily tasks or enjoy their families. They should be compensated for these sufferings when they were in the right.
- Punitive damages. In some cases, a lawyer at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, may seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the driver for gross misconduct.
- Wrongful death lawsuits. When a loved one is tragically killed due to a bicycle accident, the family has a right to sue the wrongdoer for the loss of society and services and for other damages.
What if I’m partially at fault for my bicycle accident?
South Carolina is a modified comparative fault state. In bicycle accident cases, that means injury victims may still be entitled to recover compensation, even when they are partially at fault. The law is complicated, which is why it is wise to consult with an experienced South Carolina bike accident attorney. Insurance companies may place disproportionate blame on victims to deny their compensation. Bicycle accident cases require the skill of an experienced attorney who fights for you.
Do you have a bicycle accident attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Contact the South Carolina attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, for help
The South Carolina bicycle accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have a proven track record of success in bike accident cases. Our lawyers are dedicated, driven, and committed to delivering results. Your personal injury case matters to us. Let us help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, today. Please call our offices at 803-327-7800 and schedule a free case evaluation by a South Carolina bicycle accident attorney or fill out our contact form from any device.