No one anticipates being in an accident while riding their bike around Columbia, SC. Unfortunately, an article by Cycling Weekly has revealed alarming statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that show that South Carolina ranks among the top 5 most dangerous states for bicyclists.
With a fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000, bicycling in South Carolina, including Columbia, may be more dangerous than we previously anticipated. This stark reality highlights the frequency of bicycle accidents in our state. Columbia, being a prominent hub for bicycling activities among residents and visitors alike, unfortunately faces the risk of bicycle accidents. This jarring statistic highlights the need for increased safety measures and awareness campaigns to protect cyclists on our roads.
Whether you’re bicycling to work or enjoying a leisurely bike ride around the city on a traditional bike or an ebike, the consequences of a bicycle accident in Columbia can be devastating. Due to the lack of protection compared to vehicles, bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries.
At The Lovely Law Firm in Columbia, our dedicated team of bicycle accident lawyers in Columbia, SC is committed to assisting you in navigating through the aftermath of a bicycle accident. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to provide compassionate support and experienced legal representation when disasters like these strikes.
Your well-being and obtaining justice through compensation are our top priorities, and we stand ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Columbia can happen for a variety of reasons, making it crucial for cyclists and motorists alike to exercise caution. The busy streets and varying traffic conditions contribute to an environment where accidents are, unfortunately, an all too common occurrence.
Understanding the common causes of being injured in a bicycle accident is essential in creating a safer community for everyone.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of accidents, including bicycle accidents in Columbia. When drivers are distracted by paying more attention to their phones instead of their surroundings, they are significantly more likely to cause dangerous bicycle accidents.
- Weaving Through Traffic – Drivers who weave through traffic are less likely to see ebike and traditional bicyclists who they are sharing the road with. They are also less likely to be able to make evasive maneuvers to avoid collisions with bicyclists. Weaving drivers also often drift outside their lane of traffic and onto bike lanes and shoulders.
- Impaired Driving – Drivers who decide to drink or get high and then get behind the wheel pose a significant danger to themselves and everyone else on the road, including unprotected bicyclists. Alcohol and drug impairment significantly reduce a driver’s ability to make smart decisions and avoid causing collisions. Many accidents involving cyclists result from impaired driving.
- Failing to Give an Adequate Buffer – Drivers who follow electric bike riders and traditional bicyclists too closely or pass within less than three feet of them create extremely dangerous situations. Drivers who don’t provide bicyclists enough room are more likely to hit them and leave both cyclists and themselves with fewer options to avoid creating a car accident.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Even if a driver is not weaving, making a single unsafe lane change can still be extremely dangerous for nearby bicyclists. Bicycle accidents in Columbia involving unsafe lane changes typically result from drivers merging into bicycle lanes without first looking to ensure the lane is clear.
- Speeding – Speeding increases the time it takes drivers’ to stop, while also limiting the amount of time they have to make decisions on the road. Although high-speed accidents with bicyclists are more likely to result in severe or life-threatening injuries, even accidents at relatively low speeds, such as in residential neighborhoods, can be extremely dangerous for those riding bikes.
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign – Running red lights and stop signs is a common cause of intersection accidents, including bicyclists. This is true even in neighborhoods and suburban areas, as well as in city centers and other urban locations surrounding Columbia. While running a traffic sign or signal is dangerous in itself, the risks are magnified when drivers fail to look for bicyclists who are currently crossing the street.
- Failure to Yield – Failure to yield is another form of careless or reckless driving that poses severe risks for those riding bicycles. From roundabouts to intersections, various locations require vehicle drivers to yield to oncoming traffic or those in crosswalks, which includes yielding to bicycle traffic.
Whose Liable in a Columbia Bicycle Accident?
Determining liability for damages and injuries in Columbia bicycle accidents, including e-bike accidents, can be fairly tricky. The process an ebike accident lawyer at our firm uses to determine liability involves examining various factors and circumstances that led up to and after the incident.
Generally, the party at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages and injuries. The responsible party may include motorists who were distracted, impaired, speeding, or otherwise driving recklessly. However, in some cases, liability may also extend to other entities, such as a municipality responsible for maintaining safe road conditions and signs or a manufacturer if a defective bicycle or e-bike component contributed to the accident.
If you need an experienced electric bike accident lawyer in Columbia, SC, The Lovely Law Firm is here to help you navigate your legal options.
How a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You Can Help
Having an e-bike accident lawyer from The Lovely Law Firm review your case is one of the best ways to determine liability in Columbia bicycle accidents. We will review all the aspects of your case to determine if another party is liable for your injuries and damages. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, we can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney on our team will thoroughly investigate the details of your accident, gather crucial evidence, and identify all potential liable parties. With our vast experience defending bicycle accident victims, we aim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
