Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Beaufort County

Knowledgeable Legal Counsel with Local Experience

Anyone familiar with Hilton Head Island and Bluffton knows bicycles are enormously popular here. Some locals use bicycles everywhere they go. Families who vacation here rarely use their cars because taking bicycles is easier and more fun. However, as these areas grow in popularity, so does the number of distracted drivers. The result is a dramatic increase in serious accidents between bicycles and cars. Unfortunately, some bicycle accidents prove fatal. 

If you were injured while riding your bicycle, call Bauer & Metro, P.C. for a free consultation with our professional Beaufort County bicycle accident lawyers. We will review your accident in fine detail and explain your rights. Most people do not know that many forms of insurance coverage may help, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Getting educated is the critical first step. 

Don't be fooled by large national law firms and their advertisements proclaiming to help you. Trust local experience like Bauer & Metro, P.C.. Our Beaufort County bicycle accident attorneys are keenly familiar with the local roadways and bike paths, and we live and work here in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. 

Call Bauer & Metro, P.C. today at (843) 920-2844 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our bicycle accident attorney in Beaufort County!

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Beaufort County

Knowing the common causes of bicycle accidents is essential for preventing them and pursuing legal action if you’re involved. Bicycle accidents often result from a combination of factors, including driver negligence and environmental conditions. Below are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Beaufort County:

• Distracted Driving: Distractions can lead to dangerous accidents. Drivers who aren't focused on the road may overlook cyclists, especially in high-traffic areas like Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.
• Failure to Yield: Accidents often happen when drivers neglect to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or stop signs. Cyclists are disadvantaged in these cases, especially when they follow traffic laws while the driver does not.
• Left-Hand Turns: Drivers making left-hand turns may not see an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision when they turn in front of the cyclist. This is particularly common at intersections and on multi-lane roads.
• Speeding: When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to cyclists. In areas where the roads are shared by cyclists and vehicles, such as those around Hilton Head Island, high speeds can lead to dangerous accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Uneven roads, potholes, debris, and poorly maintained bike paths can cause cyclists to lose control of their bicycles and crash. These conditions are especially prevalent on older roads or areas under construction.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to judge distances and react quickly, increasing the risk of accidents with cyclists.
• Lack of Bicycle Infrastructure: In areas where bike lanes are insufficient or nonexistent, cyclists must share the road with vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This is particularly true in areas that have not yet developed robust biking infrastructure.
• Inadequate Lighting or Visibility: Accidents often occur during low-light conditions, such as early morning, evening, or night rides, when drivers may have trouble seeing cyclists. Poor visibility can be due to weather conditions or the cyclist’s lack of proper lighting and reflective gear.

Common Injuries Suffered in Bicycle Accidents 

Below are some common injuries that bicyclists may suffer after an accident:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures.
• Orthopedic Injuries: Fractured bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and pelvis.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle contusions.
• Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis.
• Facial Injuries: Facial fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and thoracic trauma.
• Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• Fatalities: Sadly, accidents can result in fatal injuries for bicyclists due to the vulnerability of these collisions.

Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident in Beaufort County, you could be eligible for compensation to cover the physical, emotional, and financial damages you’ve experienced. The types of damages you may recover will vary based on your case, but they typically include several key categories:

• Medical Costs: You may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and any continued treatment required for your recovery.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you could receive compensation for lost income, including wages you might lose in the future if your ability to work is permanently affected.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional anguish, and any long-term effects on your quality of life caused by the accident.
• Emotional Injury: In addition to physical harm, you may be eligible for damages due to emotional stress, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Property Damage: If your bicycle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, you may be entitled to reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Should the accident cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may seek compensation for medical treatments and the emotional impact of these lasting changes.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries severely impact your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
• Punitive Damages: In severe negligence, such as intoxicated driving, the court may impose punitive damages to penalize the responsible party and deter similar actions.

Every case is different, and the compensation you may be eligible for depends on the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and how it affects your life. Our skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help you explore all possible avenues for compensation, ensuring you get the support needed for your physical and financial recovery.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Injury Suit?

In South Carolina, injury cases typically have a three-year statute of limitations. This implies that you may file a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries within three years of the accident. However, it is essential to remember that, based on the particulars of your case, there might be exceptions to this deadline.

If you or a loved one was recently hurt in an accident involving a bicycle, it is always advisable to get in touch with a qualified bicycle accident injury lawyer in Beaufort County. An attorney can provide you with the most current, accurate information about the statute of limitations and other information that may apply to your situation.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Beaufort County Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Beaufort County, it's essential to know your rights and the compensation types you may recover. Several forms of damages may apply to your case, from medical costs to lost income and emotional distress. At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our dedicated team of local attorneys is ready to help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.  

Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. today for a FREE consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence and care!