Were you or a loved one injured while riding your bike in Rock Hill, SC? You may be entitled to seek compensation from the responsible parties. An experienced Rock Hill bicycle accident lawyer at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you stand up to the insurance companies and fight for a full financial recovery.
Collectively, our lawyers have over 150 years of experience handling complex personal injury law matters. We’ve recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts by taking an aggressive approach to maximizing the value of every case we take on.
If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you can count on our Rock Hill bicycle accident attorneys to help you recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Contact our law offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina at 803-324-7574 to schedule a free consultation today.
How Can Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Help Me Recover Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Rock Hill?
You’re already struggling in the aftermath of a serious injury. Medical bills are probably piling up. Maybe you can’t work–and the future might seem entirely uncertain.
Fighting with the insurance company will only make things more difficult. Even if they seem sympathetic, you might not know if you’re getting the full amount you deserve. An experienced Rock Hill personal injury attorney can handle the legal aspects of your case in Rock Hill, SC.
Our team at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has been handling claims like yours since we opened our doors in 1980.
We’ll fight to maximize the amount you take home after a crash by:
- Launching our own investigation into your accident
- Compiling all evidence to prove your case
- Working to disprove any allegations that you share blame
- Determining the actual value of your personal injury claim
- Rejecting lowball deals and minimizing the impact of insurance scare tactics
- Negotiating with the insurance companies for every dollar you deserve
You don’t have to handle your case alone. Reach out to our Rock Hill bicycle accident lawyers to get the legal representation you deserve today.
Statistics on Bicycle Accidents in South Carolina
Cycling is a great way to get around Rock Hill. The city maintains beautiful trails for biking, walking and hiking. Still, the roads can be incredibly dangerous for cyclists who are sharing the road with motor vehicles.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety keeps track of motor vehicles accidents involving bicycles in South Carolina. 434 car accidents involving bikes were reported statewide in 2021. At least 383 people were injured in those accidents and, sadly, another 23 people were killed.
If you were involved in a bike accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. Contact our law firm in Rock Hill today to speak with a lawyer who will stand up for you.
How Much Compensation Should I Expect By Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Rock Hill?
No two personal injury cases are exactly the same. At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we take the time to carefully evaluate the unique facts of your case before filing a claim with insurance.
When we assess your case value, our lawyers will weigh various factors, including:
- The severity of your injury
- Your financial costs, including medical treatment costs, property damage, and more
- The income you lose during recovery
- Whether the injury is expected to cause long-term damage to your earnings
- How the injury will impact your quality of life and ability to enjoy life
- Your pain, suffering, and trauma
- Whether the insurance company can prove you contributed to the accident
After an accident, you’ll probably be dealing with insurance companies. Don’t expect the insurance company to offer a fair settlement just because the policy covers your injury. On the contrary, they’ll try to reduce your settlement at every turn.
You can protect yourself by working with an experienced attorney who has seen cases like yours before. To learn more about how we can help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, call our law firm for a free case review today.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims in Rock Hill?
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, you can seek damages from the at-fault party. You can pursue compensation for both economic damages and non-economic damages.
You may deserve compensation for:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
When you can prove the defendant acted intentionally or was grossly negligent, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are rare. Courts in South Carolina only award these damages where there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant deserved to be punished.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. The amount you pay is directly tied to the amount of compensation we recover in your case. Typically, your fees will be somewhere between 33% and 40% of your settlement or verdict.
Your lawyer will explain the details during a free consultation. However, the key benefit is that you don’t have to pay attorneys’ fees if your lawyer fails to recover compensation in your case. You can also rest assured that your lawyer is working hard to maximize your settlement award–because their own compensation depends on yours.
Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Bike Accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you lose your right to compensation if you were more than 49% responsible for your injuries. That’s because modified comparative negligence laws apply in personal injury cases. If the insurance company can prove you were even slightly responsible, your compensation will be reduced.
That gives South Carolina insurance companies an incentive to shift as much blame as possible to you. Our lawyers see it every day. Fortunately, we also know how to help you fight back.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bike accident victims are susceptible to some of the most serious injuries imaginable. Wearing a helmet can’t protect you from the physical violence and trauma of a car accident.
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we often handle cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Chest injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Burns and road rash
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you were recently involved in a bike accident, it’s very likely that you’re still recovering. Remember that it’s never too early to seek legal advice. We can start building your case even if you aren’t yet back on your feet.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Rock Hill, SC?
Most roads are built for motor vehicles, not bicyclists. As cycling becomes more popular, infrastructure has improved–but cyclists are far from safe. Many drivers aren’t used to sharing the roads–and others simply aren’t paying attention.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Texting and other forms of distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Driving too close to the shoulder
- Lack of dedicated bike lanes and protective barriers
- Aggressive driving
- Dangerous or illegal turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Drug use
- Fatigued drivers
Bicyclists can also share the blame for a car crash. Riding at night without lights or reflective gear can be extremely dangerous. Failure to signal or obey traffic signals can also contribute to an accident.
How Do I Prove Liability After a Bicycle Accident in South Carolina?
Negligence is the legal basis for most personal injury claims. Someone is negligent when they fail to use the caution that a reasonable person would under the circumstances.
To win a negligence-based case, you must establish:
- The at-fault driver’s legal duty of care
- A breach of duty
- The breach caused the accident in question
- As the victim, you suffered damages
All drivers in South Carolina have a duty to exercise caution and follow traffic laws. That includes watching for bicyclists and giving them space to share the roads.
If you were involved in a bike accident, your lawyer can search for the evidence to prove the at-fault party breached that duty. Evidence might include police reports, video footage, photos and even eyewitness statements.
What is the Statute of Limitations in South Carolina Bicycle Accident Cases?
South Carolina law requires you to file a lawsuit within three years of your accident. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your right to sue for damages completely.
Contact a Trusted Rock Hill Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Whether you’ve suffered serious brain damage or broke your ankle in Rock Hill, SC, our lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at 803-324-7574 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Rock Hill bicycle accident lawyer.