You can ride your bicycle in South Carolina for pleasure, exercise, or to commute to work. You may have little expectation of an injury, but at any point during your bike ride, a negligent motorist can hit you. If this happens, you can hire a Denny Terrace personal injury lawyer to sue the motorist for damages.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we help people injured in bike accidents in Denny Terrace and other South Carolina communities. For more information, please get in touch with us. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyer will give your case the attention it deserves.
What to Do After a Bike Accident in Denny Terrace
Bike trips make up 1% of all trips in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While you may not expect a bicycle accident to happen, if you know how to respond, you can limit the accident’s impact on you and anyone else involved in it.
If you get hit by a negligent motorist, call 911 and wait for police officers and medical personnel to arrive on the scene. You can then report the crash and get the medical help you need. On top of that, get the contact information from the motorist who caused your accident. You will need this information if you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit.
In addition, take photos and videos of the accident scene. These can serve as evidence in a bike accident lawsuit. You can get a car accident report in the days following the incident, too.
When to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
You have up to three years from the date of your bicycle accident to submit a request for damages, per South Carolina’s Code of Laws. To seek compensation, it is beneficial to hire a Denny Terrace bicycle accidents attorney. This ensures you can file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations to do so lapses.
A bicycle accidents lawyer in Denny Terrace takes as much time as needed to learn about your case. They find out why your crash happened, who is responsible for it, and the damages you have incurred thus far. From here, the attorney discusses your legal options with you.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm ensures you will not have to wait long to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. To get started, please reach out to us. Our team can look at your case, submit your claim, and help you prepare a compelling argument.
How Much Money You May Get in a Bike Accident Lawsuit
There is no limit on the amount of economic and non-economic damages you can request in a bicycle crash lawsuit. Your lawyer will encourage you to pursue the most compensation possible. They can also answer any questions you have about whether getting surgery will increase your injury settlement and other legal topics.
Economic damages refer to any losses that can be quantified. In a bike accident lawsuit, you may request economic compensation based on lost wages, medical bills, and similar expenses. Economic compensation can total tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of your bike accident injury.
Non-economic damages are subjective. They can include compensation for pain and suffering that relates to your bike accident. Your lawyer will help you put together an argument that shows a judge or jury why you deserve non-economic and economic damages.
How Your Attorney Prepares for Your Bike Accident Trial Date
Leading up to your trial, you and your bicycle accidents attorney in Denny Terrace can engage in pre-litigation for your personal injury claim. This involves gathering and collecting evidence, connecting with witnesses who can testify on your behalf, and verifying that you are in the best position for your trial. Your lawyer will work in lockstep with you and make sure that you know what to expect once your case is presented to a judge or jury.
It can take months or years before your bicycle crash case goes to trial. Your lawyer will help you make the most of this time. They remain accessible to answer your legal questions and work with you to build your case.
Even if you and your lawyer prepare a strong argument, you may not have to go to court. In one of the best-case scenarios, the defendant may realize that going to trial may be more trouble than it is actually worth. At this point, the defendant may propose a settlement that lines up with your expectations.
What to Do if You Get a Bicycle Accident Settlement Offer
You do not have to do anything if you receive a settlement offer from the defendant in your bicycle accident case. However, it is generally a good idea to go over a settlement proposal with your lawyer. You and your attorney can weigh the pros and cons of accepting a settlement and decide what to do.
A settlement represents an opportunity to close your case, albeit for less compensation than what you originally requested. You can look at your current and future expenses relating to your bicycle crash and injury. Also, your attorney can discuss the ramifications of any decision you make regarding a settlement.
Ultimately, it is not in your best interests to approve a settlement unless it meets your requirements. If a settlement is less than what you want, you can decline it. You and your lawyer can continue to work together and strengthen your argument.
How to Choose a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
As you look for a Denny Terrace bicycle crash attorney, consider a lawyer’s case results. It helps to have a lawyer at your side who has a great track record in bike accident cases. This lawyer likely knows how to address any legal challenges that may come up during your litigation.
Select a lawyer who is familiar with South Carolina’s laws. This attorney will help you avoid mistakes throughout the legal process. They will make sure that your lawsuit is filed and handled in alignment with the state’s regulations.
Meet with a lawyer, too. During your meeting, you can share details about your case, and the lawyer can explain how they can help you. If you find that a lawyer has what it takes to protect your legal rights, you can hire them, and they can help you win or settle your claim.
Hire a Denny Terrace Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm makes it easy to partner with a best-in-class bike accident attorney. To learn more or request a free case consultation, please contact us today.
