Longs Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Longs Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicyclists are at a higher risk of injury during crashes, compared to those in cars. Without the physical protection a car offers, a bicyclist’s injuries tend to be more severe. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, reach out to a Longs bicycle accident lawyer to learn what legal options are available to you.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer That South Carolina Locals Rely On

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., our five attorneys strive to provide empathetic and competent legal services to South Carolina’s most vulnerable communities. With over 100 years of combined professional experience, we’ve helped survivors of accidents get through their most difficult times in life. We offer free personal injury consultations to anyone injured in Longs and the surrounding areas.

Steps to Take After Getting Into a Bicycle Accident

In 2024, 112 million Americans rode a bike at least once during the year. While this increase in ridership is a positive thing, it also means a higher chance of injury. In 2023, there were 328,290 reports of nonfatal injuries to bicyclists in the United States. That same year, 25 South Carolina bicyclists passed away from a motor vehicle accident.

After an accident, there are several key steps to take to ensure your safety and preserve your legal case in Longs. These steps include:

1. Calling 911 to report the crash and request a police officer and medical attention
2. Collecting the insurance and contact information of the other people involved in the crash
3. Gathering the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident happen
4. Taking photos and videos of the crash site, including any skid marks or property damage
5. Taking photos and videos of your visible injuries
6. Taking photos and videos of the damage to your bicycle or vehicle, as well as damage to your personal belongings

Even if you feel fine, it’s important to have a professional look you over. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms until later on. Be sure to request a copy of the police incident report and your medical records.

During this time, don’t admit fault for the crash or apologize to anyone for anything. Doing so can hurt your legal case later on. Reach out to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you navigate the next steps in your legal case. They’ll help you gather evidence, file your case, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

Evidence to Gather for Your Case

Having extensive evidence is key to a successful legal case, as courts rely on evidence to make their decisions. If you only have one type of evidence, your case won’t be as strong.

Your lawyer can help contact witnesses and record their official statements, as well as get testimony from professionals about what they believe caused the crash.

They’ll also be able to collect any footage of the crash from:

• Dash cameras
• Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses and homes
• Traffic cameras

On your end, you’ll want to include copies of the incident report and your medical records. It can be beneficial to include a detailed written timeline of events, including the ways you’ve suffered financially and emotionally since the crash. Be sure to include the photos and videos taken at the time of the incident.

Deadline to File Your Bicycle Accident Case

Survivors of bike accidents generally have three years to file their legal claim. For residents of Longs, they can do this at the Horry County Courthouse, located at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway.

While this deadline may seem long, it’s important to file as quickly as possible after an accident. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to win your case. Insurance companies and the judge may question why you waited so long. Preserving evidence will be harder the more time passes.

If you fail to file within three years, your case will likely be dismissed altogether, and you won’t be able to pursue any compensation.

FAQs

How Do South Carolina Courts Determine Fault in a Bicycle Accident Case?

South Carolina courts determine fault by assigning everyone involved in the crash a percentage of fault, even the victim. They do this by reviewing the evidence provided by both sides. Victims can pursue compensation as long as they aren’t found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash. Any compensation awarded to you will be reduced by your percentage of fault, as courts only require wrongdoers to pay what they’re responsible for.

What Are Economic Damages?

Economic damages are a type of damage that can be requested in a bicycle accident case. These damages are calculated based on the real losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. Your lawyer will be able to add up these losses to a total amount of compensation that can be requested in your case. Economic damages are based on your financial losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage to your vehicle/bicycle and personal belongings.

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are another type of damage that can be requested in a bicycle accident case. These damages are more subjective and trickier to calculate, as they’re based on your emotional losses. However, they’re just as important as economic damages. You can request compensation for your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a type of damage that may be available to request, depending on the details of your situation. These damages can only be awarded when the responsible party acted with extreme malice or negligence, such as driving drunk or intentionally hitting you. While these damages benefit you monetarily, they’re designed to further punish the wrongdoer and deter any similar actions from happening in the future. Your lawyer can determine whether punitive damages can be requested in your case.

Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in South Carolina

Reach out to Axelrod & Associates, P.A. today to schedule your free consultation. When you come into our Myrtle Beach office, you’ll be able to explain your situation in detail and the desired outcome for your case. From there, our lawyers can offer transparent legal advice, so you can make informed decisions regarding your case.

We value giving our clients the tools they need to take back control of their lives.