Bicycle accidents often cause debilitating injuries. When your life has been significantly affected by the trauma of a collision, and you do not know where to turn for help, having an experienced Columbia bicycle accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm on your side could make all the difference.
With our Columbia personal injury lawyers fighting for maximum restitution for your suffering, you do not need to worry about anything. Our personal injury attorneys will handle all of the legal details so you can focus on healing. Contact our team for a free consultation today and learn more about what your next steps should be.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Columbia
Your bicycle accident lawyer in Columbia, SC will be tasked with figuring out how your bicycle accident occurred. This will help us determine who should be held accountable for your damages.
Bicycle accidents occur in a variety of ways. However, they generally happen when a bicyclist is struck by a motor vehicle. You may be under the impression that this type of case is cut and dry. You may be shocked to learn that there are multiple parties who could share liability for your bicycle accident injuries, even if another driver hit you.
Some of the more common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Missing traffic signs or lights
- Failure to repair potholes
- Unsecured road construction work
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Road rage or reckless driving
- Traffic violations, such as speeding, failure to yield, or tailgating
- Malfunctioning or defective motor vehicle parts
Liability for Columbia Bicycle Accidents
Although you may be able to file a claim against the driver who hit you, if another party shares blame for your injuries, that party should also be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Some of the parties who could be named in your include:
- The driver of the vehicle that hit you
- Motor vehicle parts inspectors and technicians
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturers and distributors
- The city of Columbia
- The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
- Other government agencies and municipalities
- Dram shops and social hosts
These are just a few examples of the parties that could be sued when you have been injured in a bicycle accident. You can find out more about who could be held accountable for your damages when you reach out to your bicycle accident attorney in Columbia, SC for answers.
Shared Fault Laws Could Impact Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
Do not be surprised if the person or party responsible for causing your injuries ultimately tries to blame you. In doing so, they may be able to get away with reducing their financial obligation.
However, South Carolina is a modified comparative negligence state. This means when you are partially at fault for causing your injuries, you will not be barred from being awarded compensation as long as your portion of fault is at most 51%.
How Shared Fault Influences Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
Your shared liability will still have an impact on the outcome of your case. You can expect your injury settlement to be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault to ensure you are held accountable for your own liability.
For example, if you were not wearing your motorcycle helmet at the time of your accident, you could reasonably expect the judge to find you 25% responsible for causing your injuries. If the jury awarded you $5 million for your bicycle accident injuries, your $5 million settlement would need to be reduced by 25% to hold you accountable for your own negligence. This would leave you with a final bicycle accident settlement valued at $3.75 million.
If you want to be sure the liable party is unable to take advantage of you during your greatest time of need or blame you for causing your own bicycle accident injuries, make sure you have our trusted bicycle accident lawyers advocating for your rights.
File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
It is important to take action on your play before the statute of limitations runs out. According to the law, you will have only three years from the date of the accident to get your claim filed before the session of limitations expires.
Sadly, one of the top mistakes victims make is failing to get started on their claim before time runs out. Three years can seem like more than enough time to pursue your case. However, we need time to gather valuable evidence to support your case.
If your claim is not filed and your bicycle accident lawsuit has not been filed, unfortunately, the court system will simply refuse to hear your case. You may be able to avoid issues with the statute of limitations by having your attorney start working on your case as soon as possible after the collision.
You Are Entitled to Total Recovery of Your Damages
Bicycle accident victims have the right to total compensation for their damages. Our bicycle accident attorneys are here to ensure you are repaid for every loss.
You are entitled to compensation for not only your monetary damages but your non-monetary losses as well. Examples of economic damages and non-economic damages you may be able to recover include:
- Costs of your current and future medical expenses
- Emotional trauma and physical pain
- Chronic physical suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Skin scarring and disfiguring injuries
- Embarrassment, inconvenience, and shame
- Property damages, including the costs of repairing or replacing your bicycle
- Loss of income and future earnings
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Columbia for Help Today
The impact your bicycle accident injuries can have on your life is undeniable. However, you should not be stuck covering these costs when another party is at fault.
You can learn more about how to make them pay and maximize the amount of compensation you are awarded when you reach out to a dedicated Columbia bicycle accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. Fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free consultation as soon as today.
