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Last Modified on Jan 06, 2026
There are several steps that need to be taken after an accident in order to protect your legal rights. Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in South Carolina can help preserve your future case and increase your chances of success.
Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer With Years of Experience
The five lawyers at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. have over 100 years of combined professional litigation experience. Founding attorney Stuart M. Axelrod spent years building up our firm into what it is today. We represent clients who have gone through traumatic experiences. Our personal injury attorneys have fought to secure:
- $150,000 for a client who was injured during a bicycle accident when a car hit them
- $300,000 for a client who was hit by a car while crossing the street
- $300,000 for a client who was a passenger in a car that was T-boned
While compensation can’t take away the pain of what happened to you, it can help ease your present and future financial burdens. You deserve to hold the person responsible for their actions.
Five Steps to Take After Getting Into a Bicycle Accident in South Carolina
Bicyclist deaths keep increasing as the years go by. More Americans are choosing to bike, with 112 million riding at least once during 2024. In 2023, 937 bicyclists in the United States passed away due to a motor vehicle crash. That same year, 25 South Carolina bicyclists passed away from a motor vehicle accident.
Survivors of accidents need to take several key steps in order to protect themselves and their future legal case. These steps include:
- Call 911 and request a police officer and paramedics. Even if you feel okay, you may have internal injuries you’re unaware of. Having your physical state checked out and reported can help your future case.
- Gather the contact and insurance information of the other party involved in the crash. If they refuse to cooperate with you, don’t argue with them. Doing so will only escalate the already tense situation. Instead, wait for the police to arrive and explain the situation. They’ll be able to collect the information on your behalf.
- Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the crash. During this time, don’t apologize to anyone or admit fault for anything. While you may have good intentions, doing so will only hurt your legal case, as it can be used against you.
- Take extensive photos and videos. This includes the crash site, any skid marks, and nearby property damage caused by the crash. This can help show the severity of the accident. Include evidence of your visible injuries, as well as any damage to your vehicle or bike, and other personal belongings that were damaged in the crash.
- Reach out to hire a bicycle accident lawyer. They’ll help you in gathering evidence, filing your claim, and representing you during legal proceedings.
How to Choose an Attorney to Represent Your Bicycle Accident Case
Having to find a lawyer after getting into an accident can be challenging. When choosing which attorney to present your bicycle accident case, you’ll need to do some research beforehand. Check the firm’s Google reviews and read what past clients have experienced with them. The reviews on a firm’s website are never negative, making it important to read honest past reviews.
See if the firm has a practice area page dedicated to bicycle accidents. These accidents are more specific than regular car crashes and require a different legal strategy.
During your consultation with a lawyer, listen to your gut feeling. If the lawyer treats you as another case number instead of a real person, it can be a red flag. If they make you feel heard and understand the pain you’re experiencing, this can be a good sign.
FAQs
How Do Courts in South Carolina Determine Who’s at Fault in a Bicycle Accident?
South Carolina courts determine who’s at fault in a bicycle accident by assigning everyone involved, even the victim, a percentage of fault. Any compensation awarded to you will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you won $100,000 but were found to be 20% at fault for the crash due to being distracted while biking, your final settlement would be $80,000. This system helps ensure the responsible party only pays for their portion of fault.
What Are Economic Damages in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Economic damages are a type of damage that can be requested during a bicycle accident case. These damages are calculated based on your financial losses, such as lost income due to missing work from your injuries and your medical bills. It can also include property damage to your vehicle or bike during the crash, as well as damage to other items, such as your cell phone, bike helmet, and clothing.
What Are Non-Economic Damages in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Non-economic damages are another type of damage that can be requested during a bicycle accident case. These are calculated based on your emotional losses, such as your pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. To help provide evidence of your emotional losses, it can be helpful to include any therapy records, letters from your doctors, and a detailed journal outlining your emotional grief.
What Is the Deadline for Filing My Bicycle Accident Claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents generally have three years to file their bicycle accident claim. This timeline may seem long, but acting quickly is key to a successful case. The longer you wait, the more evidence will fade, and your losses will pile up. If you fail to file within the three-year deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case entirely, barring you from any compensation.
Choose a South Carolina Law Firm That Locals Trust
Reach out to the team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. today to learn how we can help you. We discuss case details and strategy with new clients in confidential consultations at our office in Myrtle Beach. When the worst happens, you need a lawyer in whom you can feel confident. Choose our skilled team to help manage your case.
