You enjoy riding your bike and exploring West Ashley and its surrounding communities. One day, a motorist is negligent, does not see you on your bike, and crashes their vehicle into you. After you treat your injuries, discuss your legal options with a West Ashley bicycle accident lawyer.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward understand how your bicycle accident can affect you moving forward. We have helped our clients secure millions in damages in personal injury lawsuits and are here to assist you with your case. Schedule a consultation with our West Ashley personal injury lawyers.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Your first instinct may tell you to scream and yell at the party responsible for your accident. If possible, avoid doing so since this will not help you treat your injuries and recover from the incident. Here are some of the best things to do following your accident:
- Get medical care. Dial 911, and medical professionals will ensure that you and others involved in your accident receive prompt treatment.
- Tell the police what happened. Police officers will use the information you and others at the accident scene provide to prepare a report that you can use as evidence.
- Ask the driver for their contact information. Without the motorist’s full name, driver’s license number, and insurance information, you cannot file a claim against them.
- Take photos and videos. You only get one chance to capture photos and videos at the scene, so get as many as you can during this limited time frame.
In addition to these things, consult with a West Ashley bicycle accident attorney within days of the incident. The Thumbs Up Guys can review your accident and look for ways to help you get the most value out of your Charleston personal injury case. Get in touch with us.
Who Is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?
In most cases, a negligent driver is at fault for a bicycle accident. If a motorist takes their eyes off the road or does anything else outside of the law, they are violating their duty of care to cyclists and others. As such, this driver can be held financially responsible for an accident.
There are times when pedestrians, government entities, bike manufacturers, and other parties are liable for cycling accidents. A bicycle accident lawyer serving West Ashley can help you determine who is at fault in your case. Once they do, they can seek damages accordingly.
Your lawyer will explain how long personal injury cases take in South Carolina and answer any legal questions you have. They can represent you in negotiations with a liable party’s insurance company. Also, they will prepare an argument designed to help you secure maximum compensation.
Damages You Can Get in a West Ashley Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
You may receive economic and non-economic damages from an at-fault party. A judge or jury will provide economic compensation for quantifiable losses and non-economic damages for subjective harm. Reasons why a judge or jury will give you damages include:
Bike Repairs or Replacement
You have a high-end bike customized to meet your specific requirements. In your accident, your bike is damaged or destroyed. Fortunately, a bicycle accident attorney serving West Ashley can ask for compensation to cover your bike repair or replacement costs.
Medical Bills
You suffer broken bones, head trauma, and other injuries. To address these, you need physical therapy and other extensive medical treatments. Your lawyer will examine your medical bills carefully, making sure you request damages to cover them in full.
Lost Wages
In the weeks and months after your accident, you cannot work, which puts a financial strain on you and your family. Your attorney will ask you to track your pay stubs and other documents relating to your lost wages. That way, you can pursue compensation for your current and future lost income.
Pain and Suffering
To achieve your desired case results, consider your pain and suffering. Your lawyer will look at how your injuries affect you emotionally, physically, and psychologically. This helps your attorney determine what is fair compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
South Carolina has bicycle laws that apply to cyclists and drivers. Partner with a lawyer if a motorist or someone else violates these or other state laws and causes an accident that leaves you with damages. Together, you and your attorney can gather medical records, accident scene photos and videos, and other proof to show you deserve compensation.
Our West Ashley Bicycle Accident Lawyers Focus on Getting You Case Results That Matter
You wear a helmet, travel in designated bike lanes, and do other things to protect yourself when you ride your bicycle. In spite of your best efforts, you are involved in an accident. If someone else is responsible for this incident, work with a West Ashley personal injury attorney to hold them accountable.
The Thumbs Up Guys protect your rights and provide comprehensive legal services and support. Let our lawyers help you with your bike accident case. Request a consultation with our attorneys.