Bicycle accidents can happen in an instant, transforming a routine ride into a life-altering tragedy. Whether commuting along Coleman Boulevard, enjoying the scenic paths of Shem Creek, navigating the busy corridors of Highway 17, or cycling through the growing neighborhoods of Carolina Park and Park West, cyclists in Mount Pleasant can face serious risks from distracted drivers, aggressive motorists, and inadequate infrastructure.
At our firm, The Arndt Law Firm, located in Mount Pleasant, we are dedicated to representing bicycle accident victims throughout Charleston County and across South Carolina. Our team passionately advocates for our clients, holding negligent drivers accountable and striving to secure fair compensation for their injuries. With a focus on supporting victims through every step of their recovery, our founder and experienced attorneys are committed to providing the guidance and care needed during this challenging time.
Pursuing justice for those harmed can help promote safer roads, encourage municipalities to improve cycling infrastructure, and make the community safer for everyone on two wheels.
Cyclists have little protection when a vehicle hits them. The force of a collision can cause serious, life-altering injuries. These accidents often result in broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and other long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents. Helmets substantially reduce the risk of head and brain injuries, according to the CDC, although they cannot prevent all traumatic brain injuries. Even cyclists wearing helmets can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and brain trauma when struck by vehicles or thrown to the pavement.
Severe TBI can result in cognitive impairments, memory problems, personality changes, seizures, and permanent disability. Victims may require lifelong care and lose the ability to work or live independently.
Mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions still cause significant problems, including headaches, dizziness, concentration difficulties, and emotional changes that persist for months or years.
The force of vehicle impacts or falls onto pavement can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can cause:
Paralysis: Complete spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, permanently robbing victims of mobility and independence.
Incomplete Injuries: Partial spinal cord damage may leave some function intact but still cause significant disability, chronic pain, and mobility limitations.
The impact of bicycle accidents commonly causes fractures, including:
Sliding across pavement can cause road rash, a severe abrasion that removes layers of skin. Deep road rash may require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring. The risk of infection is high, requiring careful wound management.
Soft-tissue injuries include muscle tears, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries. These may require surgery.
When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the impact can cause serious internal injuries that aren’t always visible right away. Blunt force trauma can damage organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, and may lead to internal bleeding. These injuries can become life-threatening if not treated quickly, which is why prompt medical attention is critical.
Facial impacts often result in knocked-out teeth, fractured teeth, and jaw injuries requiring extensive dental work, implants, or reconstructive surgery.
Beyond physical injuries, bicycle accident victims frequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and phobias about cycling or being near traffic. The psychological impact can be as disabling as physical injuries, affecting quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.
Understanding the laws governing bicycles and cyclists' rights helps riders stay safe and protect themselves after an accident.
South Carolina law treats bicycles as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Cyclists may use public roads and have the right to occupy traffic lanes when necessary for safety.
South Carolina (under S.C. Code 56-5-3420) establishes rules for bicycle operation:
South Carolina law imposes specific obligations on drivers regarding cyclists:
When cyclists and drivers understand their rights and responsibilities, they can reduce accidents and ensure victims have stronger legal recourse in the event of a crash.
South Carolina law allows comprehensive recovery for losses resulting from bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers or dangerous conditions.
Bicycle accident victims can secure compensation that addresses both immediate losses and long-term impacts, helping them recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
Pursuing a bicycle accident claim involves several steps, and an experienced attorney can guide victims through the process to protect their rights and maximize recovery.
Meeting with a skilled bicycle accident attorney in South Carolina early helps protect rights and preserve evidence. Jonathan Arndt can evaluate the circumstances, identify potential defendants, assess available insurance coverage, review medical records, and explain legal rights and options. This consultation helps victims understand whether they have valid claims and what to expect throughout the process.
Thorough investigation establishes liability and damages. Attorneys can:
Bicycle accident cases may involve multiple defendants:
Identifying all liable parties maximizes potential compensation sources.
When settlement negotiations fail, attorneys file lawsuits in the appropriate courts. Complaints outline legal claims, identify defendants, describe how negligence caused injuries, and specify damages sought.
South Carolina's statute of limitations requires that most bicycle accident lawsuits be filed within 3 years of the accident. Missing this deadline permanently bars claims.
Discovery is the formal process of exchanging evidence. Both sides use interrogatories, document requests, and depositions to gather information. Depositions are sworn testimony where attorneys question parties, witnesses, and experts.
Courts often require mediation before trial. Neutral mediators help parties negotiate settlements. While non-binding, mediation usually results in settlements when both sides realistically assess the strengths and weaknesses of their cases.
Even without formal mediation, settlement negotiations typically continue throughout litigation as evidence develops and trial approaches.
When cases cannot settle, they proceed to trial. Jury selection begins the process, followed by opening statements outlining each side's case. Evidence presentation includes witness testimony, medical records, photographs, accident reconstruction, and expert opinions.
Both sides cross-examine opposing witnesses to challenge credibility and opinions. Closing arguments summarize evidence and ask juries to return favorable verdicts.
Juries determine both liability and damages. In bicycle accident cases, juries often sympathize with vulnerable cyclists who are struck by negligent drivers, resulting in substantial verdicts when the evidence supports the claims.
Either party can appeal verdicts, though appeals review legal errors rather than retry cases. Appeals can extend timelines but sometimes result in increased awards when trial courts made errors unfavorable to victims.
South Carolina's statute of limitations requires filing most bicycle accident lawsuits within three years of the date of the accident. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines. Consulting a Mount Pleasant, SC bicycle accident lawyer immediately ensures deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
South Carolina does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent recovery, though damage may be reduced if head injuries result from the lack of a helmet. The at-fault driver’s negligence remains the primary cause of the accident.
Yes, a cyclist can recover damages if partially at fault, as long as their fault is less than 50%. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation by the cyclist’s percentage of fault.
If a driver leaves the scene, the cyclist can still recover damages. Police may identify the driver, and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on the cyclist’s own policy may provide compensation even if the driver remains unidentified.
Cyclists without health insurance can still get treatment. Attorneys often arrange care on a lien basis, where medical providers agree to be paid from the case settlement.
If the driver’s insurance is insufficient, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on the cyclist’s own auto policy may provide additional compensation. Attorneys identify all available insurance sources to maximize recovery.
Bicycle accident case timelines vary. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within months, while complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple defendants can take one to three years to resolve.
Yes, a cyclist can file a claim as long as it falls within South Carolina’s statute of limitations. Filing early is recommended because evidence deteriorates, witnesses’ memories fade, and documentation may be lost over time.
Yes, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. South Carolina law allows spouses, children, or parents to recover damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, medical expenses before death, and funeral costs.
Bicycle accidents cause devastating injuries and life-altering consequences. When driver negligence causes these injuries, victims deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the profound impact accidents have on every aspect of life.
For Mount Pleasant residents and visitors who have suffered bicycle accident injuries due to negligent drivers, dangerous road conditions, or defective equipment, The Arndt Law Firm offers guidance, advocacy, and a path toward justice and recovery.
Call today at 843-469-8777 for a free consultation with an experienced Mount Pleasant, SC bicycle accident lawyer.
