Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney

Protecting The Rights Of Those Injured In Bicycle-Related Accidents

The Columbia personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, frequently assist individuals who have been injured in bicycle-related accidents. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but when they do, riders are typically subject to serious injuries or death—as they are afforded little to no protection when they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. For this reason, it is important for anyone who has been injured in a bicycle accident in South Carolina to speak up about the harm they have suffered.

Many times, the bicycle accident victim is entitled to some form of compensation, but this cannot be determined until the case has been reviewed by a Columbia injury attorney. To learn more about how the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC can help, call our office for a free initial consultation.

How Bicycle-Related Injuries Happen in South Carolina

Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and when they do, riders may become seriously injured. With a knowledgeable Columbia bicycle accident attorney at your side, a case can be built on your behalf to promote your need and right for compensation. We encourage you to speak with us today to begin building a strong case.

Circumstances that can cause these accidents include:

• Distracted drivers attempting to text, talk, or surf the web while they drive
• Improperly designed bicycle roadways or paths
• Drivers crossing into bicycle lanes or failing to yield the right of way
• Cars or trucks passing too closely
• Impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs

What Happens If a Driver Hits a Cyclist and Leaves the Scene?

If a driver leaves the scene of an accident, including hitting a cyclist with a car, the driver could face felony charges if the accident resulted in injuries or death. The severity of the injury dictates the criminal charge. If the accident involves a fatal injury or serious injury, then it is a class 2 felony. If a driver did not cause the accident but fled the scene, the charge is a Class 3 felony. If the accident resulted in a non-serious injury, the charge is generally a Class 5 felony. Drivers may also be charged with a crime if they remain at the scene of an accident but fail to offer reasonable assistance or refuse to exchange the required information. If you hit the cyclist while drinking, you could be charged with a DUI.

Bicycle vs. Car Door Accidents

One of the most common causes of injury to urban bicycle riders is a collision with a car door. Usually this is caused by the vehicle’s occupant not checking to make sure that it is clear before opening the door. This type of collision is frequently called being “car-doored.”

This can be one of the most difficult accidents for a bicyclist to avoid. Frequently, if you turn right, you are going to go directly into the car. If you turn left you would go into traffic. Also the doors can swing open within just a fraction of a second making braking or otherwise avoiding the collision impossible.

What the South Carolina Statutes Say

South Carolina law is very clear that when a vehicle occupant opens a car door that they can only do so when it is safe. In fact the legislature even enacted specific legislation on this topic back in 1978. S.C. Code § 56-5-3822 makes it a misdemeanor crime to negligently open up a car door. When someone is injured as a result of a car door accident, this law can be used to clearly establish liability (legally called negligence per se), and can also be used as a basis for punitive damages.

So what type of compensation is a cyclist who is “car-doored” entitled to? When the accident is substantial, the legal compensation can include:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Disfigurement/ Scar Compensation

• Permanent Impairment

• Punitive Damages

Compensation would be the responsibility of the insurance company for the owner of the vehicle. The law is also very clear that even in the event a car door is opened by a small child, or just purely “accidentally”, the insurance company still has legal payment obligations.

Why Hire The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC?

Our office is centrally located in Columbia, and we are experienced in representing clients injured in a variety of accidents related to product defects and negligent highway collisions. When you work with us, your case will be handled by a licensed South Carolina attorney and not referred out to a non-lawyer "case manager." Our accolades are testimony to the quality representation we provide to those who have suffered from a bicycle accident. We are members of the South Carolina Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice.

If you would be better off trying to settle your case yourself, we will be happy to give you that advice, as well as let you know the approximate value of your case. At the end of the day, our only goal is to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries—whether this is done with or without the help of our firm.

Contact Our Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Need to hire a lawyer for a bicycle accident case in Columbia, South Carolina? There is no cost and no obligation to meet with us to see if you have a case. All consultations are on a strictly confidential basis, meaning that what you discuss with our office during an initial consultation will remain private. If you decide to retain us for your case, we will not require any money from you upfront. There are no hidden fees charged by our office. If your case settles or goes to Court, you will pay the same percentage for our services. Same or next-day appointments are usually available, so there is no reason why you should hold off on this necessary step any longer.