(843) 380-8350
Following a bicycle accident where you suffered serious injuries, recovering compensation from the liable party can be critical for rebuilding your life. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Rock Hill can help you determine liability and file a claim so you can secure the money you need and deserve for your losses.
At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, we have secured millions of dollars for our injury clients. Our experienced team will work around the clock to help you build your case and recover damages. Reach out to The Thumbs Up Guys today to set up your free initial case consultation with one of our Rock Hill personal injury lawyers and learn more about how we can help after an accident.
Available Financial Compensation Following a Bicycle Accident in Rock Hill
After suffering severe injuries in a bicycle accident, there are several types of damages you will likely be able to pursue. It’s important to remember that every bicycle accident case is unique, which means that the available damages will vary from case to case.
All of the compensatory damages you will be eligible to pursue can be split between the categories of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages You Can Pursue
Economic damages compensate injury victims for any losses they incurred that directly impacted their finances. Some of the economic damages most commonly available in bicycle accident cases include:
- Property damage
- Ambulance transportation
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical cost
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning ability
Non-Economic Damages You Can Claim
Any other losses you incur in relation to your bicycle accident are categorized as non-economic damages. Some of the non-economic damages most commonly available in bicycle accident cases include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, a Rock Hill wrongful death lawyer can help you recover damages not available in standard personal injury cases, such as funeral and burial expenses.
In extreme cases, the court may award punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are only awarded if the liable party acted with the intention of causing harm or if they were criminally negligent. These damages are not meant to compensate an accident victim for their losses like the compensatory damages listed above but are instead meant to punish the at-fault party.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer serving Rock Hill offers numerous advantages. Not only will it enhance your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries, but it also allows you to concentrate on your recovery while your lawyer deals with your legal case.
When you enlist the help of a bicycle accident attorney, they will likely take several key steps on your behalf, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your accident to establish liability and gather crucial evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and consulting with experts
- Obtaining a copy of the police report related to the accident
- Evaluating your damages and determining the overall value of your claim
- Filing an insurance claim or initiating a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party
- Constructing a solid case to support your claim
- Managing negotiations with the insurance company or the attorneys representing the liable party
- Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Your attorney will also protect you from manipulative tactics often employed by insurance companies to minimize or deny your claim.
Establishing Liability in a Bicycle Accident
Once you hire an attorney, one of their primary tasks will be to determine who is responsible for your injuries. You cannot seek compensation until you identify the party from whom you are trying to recover damages. Establishing liability can be complicated, as multiple parties may share varying degrees of responsibility.
Fortunately, a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney serving Rock Hill will know precisely what evidence to seek and how to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to pinpoint who is at fault for your damages.
Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
When assessing how much compensation you can receive for your injuries, it’s important to understand South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws. This framework allows for multiple parties to share responsibility for a bicycle accident. If you are deemed partially at fault for the incident that caused your injuries, your potential recovery will be reduced accordingly.
The amount you can claim will be directly related to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you would only be eligible to recover 80% of your total claim value. Similarly, if your fault is assessed at 40%, you could recover 60% of your claim’s full value.
However, if your level of fault exceeds 50%, you will be barred from seeking compensation for your damages. In this scenario, you may instead face claims from others trying to recover damages from you and your insurance provider.
The Cost of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
One of the primary concerns that block accident victims from seeking legal representation is worries about the cost of hiring an attorney. However, financial considerations should not prevent you from obtaining legal assistance after an accident.
At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, our bicycle accident lawyers in Rock Hill operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect payment if we secure compensation for our clients.
With a contingency fee arrangement, you won’t need to pay any upfront fees or hourly charges. Instead, your attorney will take a set percentage of the amount you recover as their payment. This fee structure ensures that all accident victims can hire an attorney, regardless of their financial situation.
Connect With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Serving Rock Hill Today
When hiring a bicycle accident lawyer in Rock Hill, it’s crucial to select someone with experience in cases like yours. Known as The Thumbs Up Guys, our team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward have been assisting accident victims in securing the compensation they deserve for many years.
Reach out to us today by phone or through our online contact form to arrange a free consultation and check out our testimonials from past clients to get a better idea of the type of service you can expect when working with our team.
