- June 20, 2020
Many people in South Carolina enjoy riding bicycles. They’re convenient, affordable, and even fun to ride. Unfortunately, when motorists go on public roads, they become highly vulnerable. They are outnumbered by motor vehicles and they’re much smaller, so motorists often don’t see them. In some cases, they see them but don’t respect them and they drive dangerously close to them.
Bicyclists don’t have airbags, seat belts or a hard metal shell to keep them safe when they get into an accident. If they crash into a car door or get side-swiped by a truck, their injuries are usually serious and often fatal. If you ride around Greenville, SC, there are some things you need to keep in mind to help ensure your own safety. Of course, you can’t control the actions of other road users. If you do become involved in an accident, you should contact an accident attorney in Greenville, SC.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many of the factors that lead to other traffic accidents cause bicycle crashes. For example, distracted drivers may not see bicyclists early enough to avoid a crash. Sometimes, drivers get too close to riders and they hit them with the side mirror. Also, some drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists when they encounter them at intersections. In addition, motorists may hit bicycles when they run red lights or stop signs or turn directly in front of them. Alcohol use on the part of both motorists and cyclists is also a factor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said alcohol was a factor in 37 percent of all deadly bicycle accidents in 2017.
Common Injuries Bicyclists Suffer
When a car strikes a bicycle, the rider can suffer devastating injuries. These include:
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- Organ damage
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
People who suffer brain injuries often face long-term or permanent challenges including cognitive impairment, speech problems, and mobility issues. These consequences affect not only the victims but their families as well. The impact is psychological, emotional, and financial and it can be difficult for all the parties involved.
What You Should Do If You Get into An Accident
Your attorney will play a major role in helping you to get compensation. However, you can also help yourself. If you are seriously injured, you may not be able to do anything but wait for the ambulance to arrive. However, if you feel reasonably well, there are some things you can do. For example, you need to call the ambulance and police. If you can’t do this, a bystander or the other person involved in the accident should do so.
You should also try to get the license plate of the vehicle involved. The easiest way to do this may be to take a photo of the car, which you should do in any case. It’s also advisable to take photos of the entire scene and your bike. Of course, one of the most important things to do is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t appear serious at first, you need to see a doctor. This helps to create a link between the accident and your injuries in case you want to seek compensation later.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim Following a Bicycle Accident
The first thing that may come to mind is that you’ll need your doctor’s bills paid. However, depending on the nature of your injuries and overall losses, you may be eligible for other types of compensation. Your attorney will help you to claim damages for property damage, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. You may also be able to claim compensation for pain and suffering. The more severe your injuries are, the more you’ll be able to claim. You will need to present evidence to support your claim and your lawyer will help you to do so.
Contact Hernandez & Cabra to Talk About Your Case Today
If you suffered injuries because of a reckless or irresponsible driver, you can hold them responsible. Speak to an accident attorney in Greenville, SC so you can begin the process of recovering your losses. We will investigate, quantify your losses, and help you file your insurance claim. We’ll also negotiate with the insurer on your behalf and take the case to trial if necessary. The attorneys at Hernandez & Cabra will do everything possible to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to set up a meeting. Your first consultation is free.
