Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around, but it can also be dangerous, especially when traveling on busy streets. At Hoffman Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers are here to advocate for bicycle accident victims throughout the Palmetto State.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident in Charleston, Georgetown, or anywhere else in South Carolina, our team has the experience necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our team have deep roots in our community, and we’re always available to offer trusted legal representation to the friends and neighbors we serve. After your accident, we will speak to the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.
The insurance company and their adjusters often do all they can to sidestep accountability and avoid a fair payout. Whether they reject your bicycle accident claim or offer a settlement that’s far less than you deserve, trust that Hoffman Law Firm will fight for you until justice is done. Let our skilled South Carolina personal injury lawyers put our decades of experience and in-depth legal knowledge to work for you.
Read on to learn more, then schedule your free consultation to get started!
Hundreds-to-millions in settlements won for accident victims throughout the Lowcountry, Hoffman Law Firm delivers serious results.
If you are hit by a vehicle or otherwise injured while riding a bicycle, our dedicated team can help. Be sure to follow these steps:
REMAIN ON THE SCENE.
Call the police and report any injuries right away. If you can do it safely, move your bicycle out of the road and wait in a safe location for first responders to arrive.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
Get as many details as possible from every party involved, including the driver, passengers, and witnesses. Do your best to obtain the following:
Name
Contact information (phone number, address, driver’s license number, etc.)
Insurance information (company, policy number, etc.)
Vehicle details (tag number, make/model, etc.)
DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT SCENE.
Take photos and video of the scene, including shots of property damage and injuries. Don’t rely on the police officer’s accident report to include every relevant detail.
RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT.
If you need emergency medical treatment, get it on the scene. If not, visit your doctor as soon as possible – even if you don’t think you are injured. Failing to get checked out after your bicycle accident could negatively impact your health – and your personal injury claim.
CONTACT A BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER.
Call an experienced personal injury attorney, one who has experience handling cases like yours. Do not speak to the insurance company before your lawyer. While the adjuster may chat with you like a friend, it’s crucial to remember that they are not on your side.
These scenarios most commonly result in bicycle accidents:
These scenarios most commonly result in bicycle accidents:
Our Charleston law firm of skilled South Carolina bicycle accident attorneys is ready with trusted legal counsel for your accident lawsuit, so schedule your appointment now!
These injuries occur most frequently as a result of bicycle accidents:
Our personal injury lawyers have provided some statistics* on both the national and state levels.
NATIONAL BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS
The number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased 16% in 2020.
In 2020, the most bicyclist fatalities occurred in August (157) and the fewest in February (53).
Since 2011, an average of 55 additional bicyclists have died annually on U.S. roads.
Adults ages 55-69 have the highest bicycle death rates.
An estimated 34% of Americans ages 3 and older rode a bicycle in the past year.
Adolescents, teens, and young adults have the highest rates of bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency departments. People ages 10-24 account for nearly one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in US emergency rooms.
74% of bicyclists are men and 26% are women.
The death rate is six times higher, and the injury rate is 5 times higher for men than women.
80% of most bicyclists ride in daylight and the remaining 20% ride at night.
Bicyclist fatalities by time of day: 47% daylight, 47% dark, 4% dusk, and 2% dawn.
SOUTH CAROLINA BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS
There were 14 bicyclist fatalities in South Carolina in 2020.
South Carolina’s bicyclist fatality rate declined from 0.50 in 2019 to 0.27 in 2020.
Our state’s 2020 rate was slightly less than the national rate of 0.28.
South Carolina is the fifth most dangerous state for bicyclists, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that spans 10 years.
There are 3.5 bicyclist fatalities per 100,000 bike riders in SC.
There were 178 bicyclist deaths between 2010-2019 amongst a population of 5,084,127 in SC.
*Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Highway Administration and South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book
Our Charleston law firm of skilled South Carolina bicycle accident attorneys is ready with trusted legal counsel for your accident lawsuit, so schedule your appointment now!
Thousands of bicyclists are injured each year on South Carolina roadways, with injuries ranging from minor to very severe. To protect bicyclists, our state has put several laws and regulations in place, including these:
When a driver’s violation of the law results in a bicyclist’s minor injury, the driver may be fined up to $500. When the driver’s violation causes “great bodily injury,” the driver may face a higher fine, but no more than $1,000. If a personal injury lawsuit is filed, the driver must pay the fine in addition to any damages awarded to the injured bicyclist.
In many bicyclist-vehicle collisions, both parties are partially responsible. South Carolina is a comparative negligence state, meaning that you may be eligible for compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. For example, if you are 40% responsible for causing the accident and the driver is found to be 60% responsible, you may receive compensation – but it will be reduced by 40%. Other states, however, observe contributory negligence laws that may prevent you from recovering damages if you are partially to blame.
Yes, the at-fault drivers’ insurance coverage is available to pay for the damages that result from a bicycle accident. There are two types of insurance often involved: uninsured insurance (UM) and underinsured insurance (UIM).
UNINSURED MOTORIST INSURANCE
Uninsured insurance coverage provides compensation to an insured driver if their accident was caused by an uninsured driver. Uninsured insurance also provides a payout to a hit-and-run accident victim if the at-fault driver’s identity cannot be determined.
UNDERINSURED MOTORIST INSURANCE
Underinsured insurance will compensate accident victims for their losses, up to the policy limit. The injured parties will then recover the rest of their compensation from their insurance company, from the UIM insurance policy.
POSSIBLE COMPENSATION THROUGH BOTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
Injured bicyclists may be able to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company as well as their own insurance company. To learn more about maximizing the settlement you receive, consult your local bicycle accident lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm!
Our Charleston law firm of skilled South Carolina bicycle accident attorneys is ready with trusted legal counsel for your accident lawsuit, so schedule your appointment now!
I loved working with the staff at Hoffman Law Firm, and I loved that they were willing to take on our case even though it was a small claims case and still provided us with respectful and professional services. They really guide you through every step of the process and make sure you understand what your options are in order to get the best results.
-Teresa W.
Very thorough with the case and responsive within having to switch paralegals. Want to thank y’all again for all your help and wish y’all the best of luck in the future with your personal lives and the clients as well.
-Brandon W.
I just love them. They are Awesome and so sweet and nice. Very respectful they are awesome sauce I would tell everyone I know to come here.
-Kay
Our personal injury law firm welcomes referrals for cases that arise anywhere in the state of South Carolina. We are always proud to assist deserving clients offered by a fellow attorney, so contact us today!
Our Charleston law firm of skilled bicycle accident attorneys are ready to help with trusted legal advice, so schedule your appointment now!
What percentage of bicycle accidents result in head injuries?
What if my bicycle is damaged due to the city or on government property?
You may be able to file a legal claim in pursuit of compensation, but you must be able to prove that the at-fault party breached their duty to maintain a safe environment. Keep in mind that, even if a breach occurred, you must show that your injury was the direct result.
What type of lawyer handles bicycle accident cases?
Bicycle accident cases are handled by personal injury lawyers, like the ones you’ll find here at Hoffman Law Firm. Our team has proven experience managing cases like yours, so contact us today!
How many bicycle accidents occur each year?
There are almost 1,000 bicycle accident fatalities and over 130,00 accident injuries nationwide each year.
Does auto insurance cover bike accidents?
Yes, the at-fault drivers auto insurance will provide compensation for the injured bicyclist’s medical bills and bike repair/replacement costs. If the driver is uninsured, the bicyclist’s health insurance company will step in to cover medical expenses.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover bike accidents?
Because bicycles are considered personal property, they are covered under standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies. Coverage will reimburse you (minus your deductible) if your bike is stolen or damaged in a disaster listed in your policy (fire, hurricane, etc.).
What is the main cause of bicycle accidents?
Failing to yield results in the most fatal bicycle accidents. Bicyclists not being visible is the second leading cause.
Do helmets really help prevent bicyclists from suffering head injury in an accident?
Helmets have proven to be very effective in preventing head injuries. With head injuries accounting for 62% of bicycle-related deaths and 67% of bicycle-related hospital admissions, helmet use is key to staying safe.
Who faces the highest risk of a fatal bicycle accident?
