Bicycle accidents remain a significant concern in South Carolina, with the state consistently ranking among the worst in the nation for bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and injuries. According to South Carolina Department of Transportation, the statistics released by the NHTSA in 2022, South Carolina recorded 14 bicyclist fatalities in motor vehicle traffic collisions in 2020. While this represents a decrease from 26 deaths in 2019, the state’s bicyclist fatality rate of 0.27 per 100,000 people was still alarmingly close to the national rate of 0.28.
These statistics highlight the ongoing harm being inflicted upon bicyclists throughout the state, including in highly populated cities like Charleston. They also apply to both traditional bicyclists and electric bike users, who face significant risks of being injured in accidents. While the city’s stunning scenic routes and bike-friendly initiatives encourage cycling, the increasing presence of e-bikes on the roads throughout Charleston has introduced new hazards. Electric bikes, with their higher speeds and different handling dynamics, can be particularly dangerous in congested traffic or on narrow streets, especially if the rider is inexperienced. As e-bike usage grows, so does the potential for bicycle accidents, making it crucial for all cyclists in Charleston to remain vigilant while riding and for those involved in accidents to seek legal assistance from an e-bike lawyer to protect their rights.
At The Lovely Law Firm, we understand just how catastrophic bicycle accidents in Charleston can be, especially when a loved one is wrongfully killed. Whether you’re riding to work or simply enjoying a leisurely ride around the city, the risks of a bicycle accident in our area are unfortunately high. This is especially true during the busy summer months when traffic surges with tourists and commuters. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident or wrongfully killed, a Charleston bicycle accident lawyer at The Lovely Law Firm is here to help. We offer a free case consultation to help you clearly understand your rights to compensation and explore your various legal options. Our main goal is to pursue the compensation you deserve while ensuring you have the support you need while you recover from your injuries or loss of a loved one during this challenging time.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Charleston
Bicycle accidents in Charleston can be unpredictable and often occur without warning, making them particularly alarming and severe for riders. However, understanding the underlying factors that commonly contribute to these types of accidents can significantly help with awareness and preventing them. By recognizing the common causes of bicycle accidents in Charleston, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce the risks and improve safety on the roads. Awareness of these common causes empowers cyclists to make more informed decisions and navigate through the city with greater caution, ultimately helping to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
- Speeding – When drivers speed through the streets around town, they reduce their ability to react quickly to sudden changes in the road, such as a cyclist crossing the road. High speeds not only increase the likelihood of a collision with a bicyclist but also amplify the severity of the impact, making speeding one of the most dangerous factors for cyclists on the road.
- Weather Conditions – Adverse weather conditions like torrential rain, sleet, ice, or snow can create hazardous road conditions for cyclists, especially when high winds are also a factor. Slippery surfaces can cause bikes to lose traction, and reduced visibility during heavy rain or fog can make it difficult for both drivers to see cyclists when sharing the road. Weather factors significantly increase the risk of bicycle accidents during inclement weather.
- Reckless Bicyclists – While drivers often bear the responsibility to share the road with bicyclists, bicyclists must also ride responsibly. Reckless behaviors, such as making sudden and unpredictable movements, failing to use lights or reflective gear to remain visible, running stop signs or red lights, or swerving in traffic lanes, can lead to dangerous situations and catastrophic accidents. These actions not only endanger the cyclist but also put drivers, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists at risk.
- Distracted Driving – Unfortunately, distracted driving is a major concern for cyclists and is far too common on our roadways. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise engaged with electronic devices are far less likely to notice a bicyclist until it’s too late to stop an accident from happening. This lack of attention can cause serious injuries or even be fatal, as even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to a devastating collision with a cyclist.
- Inadequate Surveillance – Drivers often fail to properly check their mirrors for cyclists, or when entering streets or intersections. This inadequate surveillance can occur when a driver is focused solely on looking for other vehicles and neglects to look out for cyclists who may be in their blind spots or approaching from the sidewalk or other angles that are less visible. This oversight greatly increases the risk of a collision with a bicyclist, especially in busy urban areas like Charleston, where cyclists and vehicles frequently share the road.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Traditional bicycle and electric bike accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on how severe the accident is. They can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash. However, a bicycle accident lawyer will tell you that certain types of injuries tend to be more common than others. At The Lovely Law Firm, our traditional and electric bicycle accident lawyers have observed that these particular injuries are the most common among the bicycle accident cases we have handled. Understanding the commonality of these injuries can help cyclists be more aware of the risks and the importance of seeking immediate legal assistance from a bicycle accident lawyer after being injured in an accident.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s) – These are serious head injuries that can result in long-term cognitive impairment, emotional instability, and physical disabilities that require a victim to have long-term care. Traumatic Brain Injuries often occur when a cyclist’s head strikes the ground, vehicle, or another object during a collision.
- Fractures and Broken Bones – When injured in a Bicycle accident, they frequently result in broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs. This is mainly due to the force of the impact of the fall or collision with a vehicle.
- Cuts and Lacerations – Deep cuts and lacerations are common injuries in bicycle accidents as well. They are especially common when a cyclist is thrown from the bike or comes into contact with sharp objects like glass or shrapnel. These injuries can lead to significant blood loss and scarring or disfigurement.
- Dental Injuries – The force of the impact on a vehicle or the ground involving the face can cause broken or knocked-out teeth, requiring extensive dental work to repair. These injuries can also result in damage to the jaw and other facial structures, like the orbital bone.
- Broken Collarbone – Another common injury in bicycle accidents is a broken collarbone. This typically happens when the cyclist falls on an outstretched hand or directly on the shoulder. Broken collarbones can lead to pain, limited arm movement, and a lengthy recovery period.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord is, unfortunately, a common bicycle accident injury that can lead to partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site, often requiring long-term rehabilitation and care.
- Total or Partial Paralysis – Severe spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, including paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body), quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), or tetraplegia (paralysis from the neck down). Each of these is equally devastating and life-changing, often requiring the victim of a bicycle accident to need long-term care and support.
- Facial and Skull Fractures – These injuries include fractures of the jaw, eye sockets, cheekbones, and skull, which can cause bleeding in the brain. Less serious skull fractures are still severe and can cause significant pain and disfigurement and require reconstructive surgery.
- Wrongful Death – In the most tragic cases, bicycle accidents can result in fatal injuries, leading to wrongful death claims by the victim’s family. These claims request compensation for the loss of life, funeral expenses, and the emotional and financial impact on the surviving loved ones.
Ebike Accidents In Charleston
Electric bikes are rapidly gaining popularity each year, especially among individuals who want an eco-friendly way to commute to work. These popular e-bikes are also a fun way for children to cruise around their neighborhoods and have fun with their friends. E-bikes offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient mode of transportation, making them an attractive option for urban commuters or children traveling to and from friends’ houses or schools. Their ability to navigate through traffic and provide a boost on longer rides has made them a preferred choice for many who seek a fun mode of transportation or an alternative to traditional vehicles.
Electric bikes are also a great way for tourists to see Charleston without paying for ride-share fees. Various companies make e-bike rentals available throughout the city. While these are a great way to tour the city and see all the sights, many of these companies don’t require users to wear a helmet, which puts them at risk of severe brain injuries if an accident occurs. Additionally, while electric bikers are paying attention to the sights, they are less likely to notice obstacles or motor vehicles around them, putting them at risk of being in an accident.
The increasing use of e-bikes comes with significant risks for all users. According to a 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission report (CPSC), injuries on electric bikes and scooters across the nation have increased substantially. In fact, injury rates rose by 21% between 2021 and 2022, with at least 233 deaths linked to micromobility devices between 2017 and 2022, which includes electric bikes. Children are particularly vulnerable in electric bike accidents. According to the CPSC report, as they accounted for 36% of electric bike injuries despite only representing 18% of the U.S. population.
Ebikes can be especially dangerous as they travel faster than traditional bicycles, often maxing out at upwards of 30mph. Some of the most common e-bike injuries include broken bones and traumatic brain injuries, especially when helmets are not properly worn. If you or a loved one has been involved in an e-bike accident, whether it is caused by a motor vehicle or manufacturer issues, it’s important to contact an experienced electric bike accident lawyer at The Lovely Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected. Our team knows that electric bike accidents and injuries can be life-altering, and we work hard to represent our clients in an effort to help them seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve.
How A Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Charleston Can Help
A bicycle accident in Charleston can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress, whether you’re riding a traditional bicycle or an electric bike. The situation only becomes worse when you aren’t able to return to work for an extended period of time. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer At The Lovely Law Firm is here to help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical and emotional toll that a bicycle accident can inflict, which is why our primary goal is to handle all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on healing from your injuries or grieving the unfortunate loss of a loved one.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Bicycle Accident – Contact The Lovely Law Firm Today
Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather essential evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf, proving you deserve compensation for your emotional and physical injuries. We will negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If necessary, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in court to fight for your rights to compensation. By entrusting your case to The Lovely Law Firm, you can rest assured that the legal aspects of your case are in capable hands, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters—your recovery and well-being. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Charleston, don’t hesitate to contact our team today for a free case evaluation.
What our clients have to say on Google:
Back in May, my husband and I were hit by a drunk driver. We called on the lovely law firm to help us navigate through this hard time. Lindsey and Sarah have been the absolute greatest; they have been in constant contact with us through the whole process and have been working very hard to meet each and every need along the way! I wouldn’t recommend any other people to work with!
Alena F.
August, 2024
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