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(864) 582-0416 (864) 582-0416 If you’re an avid cyclist, you know the wonderful feeling of the wind in your face and the warmth of the bright sun. Cycling is a passion and a lifestyle, as well as a reliable mode of transportation. As a biker, you have just as much right to the road as motorists. However, collisions between bikes and vehicles still occur, and it’s usually the cyclist who gets injured the worst.
If you’re a biker and have been hit by a car, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries. You may also have questions about how to do this, how much you could get, and whether there are limitations. An attorney can answer these questions. A Spartanburg bicycle accident lawyer at Holland & Usry can provide guidance on your legal options so you feel supported on your road to recovery. Call to schedule a free* case review.
Bicycles and motor vehicles must share the road. Despite the differences in size and speed, bicycles are considered vehicles and have every right and responsibility afforded to cars. This includes having the right of way in certain situations.
The right of way determines which vehicle has priority in a given situation. For example, when two cars are stopped at a stop sign, the right of way belongs to the car that arrived there first, and the other car must yield. If a bicycle arrives at a stop sign before another vehicle, that vehicle must yield the right of way to the bike. Many collisions are due to motorists failing to yield the right of way, and this could be the basis for finding fault.
Drivers owe a duty of care to all other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road. Failing to yield the right of way is a breach of this duty, and the driver could be at fault for causing a biker to get hurt. Unfortunately, bike riders have little to no protection from the impact of a collision. As a result, the rider will typically end up getting more severely injured, while the driver is unharmed.
An injured biker could have a claim for financial compensation from the at-fault driver. This may include monetary damages for hospital bills, ongoing medical treatment, and lost wages if they’re unable to work. It may also be possible to get compensation for emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life, which could be significant if the victim is unable to ride their bike again.
No two cases are the same, so the type and amount of compensation available will depend on the situation. An attorney can help bike riders understand their legal options after a crash in Spartanburg.
Since bicycles are vehicles, riders also have responsibilities while on the road. This is important because South Carolina uses comparative negligence, meaning that compensation could be reduced if the bike rider was partially responsible for the accident. For example, if the cyclist was found to be 25% responsible, then they would receive 75% of the compensation award.
Much like finding fault with the driver, fault with the biker will heavily depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident. A knowledgeable lawyer in Spartanburg can review the case and provide rigorous representation for bikers who have been injured in a crash.
If you’ve been hit by a car while on your bike, it’s understandable that you might feel lost and unsure of what to do next. A Spartanburg bicycle accident lawyer can answer your questions and provide support while you heal from your injuries.
Holland & Usry can guide you through your legal options so you have a better understanding of your situation and what to expect. Call to schedule a free* case review with an attorney.
