A cyclist has died after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday, July 21 in Mount Pleasant.
According to WCBD-TV Charleston, the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to the accident in the area of Rifle Range Road and Ben Sawyer Boulevard around 4:36 p.m.
The cyclist, later identified as 64-year-old David Murray, was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The accident shut down lanes of Sullivan’s Island causeway for nearly three hours while officers investigated the collision, Live 5 News reported.
The MPPD Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, Live 5 News reported, “but there has been no word on whether any charges are expected.”
Accidents between Bicycles and Motor Vehicles
If you’ve ever experienced the roadways in South Carolina, it may come as no surprise they present the most risk for pedestrian and bicycle crashes across the United States.
In a Safety Action Plan developed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, officials stated bicycle fatalities increased by 155% from 2009 to 2019. In conjunction with pedestrian fatalities, bicycle fatalities comprise more than 20% of all highway deaths in South Carolina in 2019, “despite contributing to less than 1% of all crashes.”
In 2020, the last year this data was available, fatalities in South Carolina’s bicycle and pedestrian community ranked among the worst in the nation.
On a general scale, the National Safety Council reported that the number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased by 10% in 2022 and nearly 50% in the last decade.
Of the 1,360 bicyclist deaths reported in 2022, 928 died in motor-vehicle crashes, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
South Carolina continues to work towards making roadways safer for pedestrians and bicyclists by examining select roadways and intersections in various counties and their subsequent crash frequency and severity.
Of the top 100 high-crash segments and 94 high-crash intersections outlined in the action plan, 31 roadway segments and 46 intersections are in Charleston County, respectively.
Causes of Motor Vehicle- Bicycle Accidents
The causes of a bicycle accident can vary, but fault is often found with the motorist. However, factors such as road conditions, weather patterns, population age, tourism and congestion level may come into play.
Dooring
Occurs when a motorist parked on the street opens a door without checking their blind spots and hits a passing cyclist.
Distracted Driving
The driver is occupied with their cell phone, GPS device, or other object and fails to see a bicyclist on the road, resulting in a collision.
Failure to Yield
Bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers. Failing to yield to a bicyclist, believing that the driver of the motor vehicle has the right of way, will almost certainly result in a crash.
Unsafe Weather Conditions
Failing to adjust for possible ice, snow, rain, or bad road conditions may cause a crash.
Sideswipe
Often, cars overtaking bicycles may misjudge the space between the bicyclists when passing them. If they misjudge the clearance, the motorist may hit the bike on its side, causing an incident.
If you believe you may have been injured due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to a legal claim and compensation. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm, conveniently near you, to discuss your options and what to do following a car-bicycle accident.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Bicycle accidents can be a tricky and often overwhelming experience. Suffering from broken bones may be the least of your worries, as falls and vehicle accidents are leading causes of traumatic brain injury – even if you’re wearing a helmet.
Dealing in the aftermath of a negligent driver to understanding insurance policies, all on top of recovery can weigh on your overall well-being.
At Hoffman Law Firm, we understand that injured bicyclists and their families are most concerned with making a full recovery. For that reason, the last thing we want you to worry about is dealing with insurance adjusters and filing claims. By having a bicycle accident attorney on your side, we can help evaluate who is rightfully at fault, handle insurance claims and help you get the compensation you deserve if dealing with a driver’s negligence when you were struck.
Contact a Lawyer You Can Trust– Only at Hoffman Law Firm
At Hoffman Law Firm, we understand the impact of a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle–and we want you to know you don’t have to go it alone. From handling insurance carriers to seeking compensation, we will fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Our Charleston personal injury lawyers proudly support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State, relying on our extensive experience to fight for the results you deserve.
Plus, you only pay if we win your case!
We have established a reputation for success, as well as great service! To meet with one of our car accident lawyers in Charleston, South Carolina, schedule your free consultation today.
