When you’re injured in a bicycle accident in Georgetown, recovery feels overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you’re unable to work, and the driver’s insurance company may not offer fair compensation. Evans Moore, LLC helps cyclists throughout Georgetown recover the damages they deserve.
Our legal team understands the challenges bicycle accident victims face. Our attorneys know how to hold negligent drivers accountable. With our experience handling bicycle accident claims, we work to get you the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Evans Moore, LLC for Your Bicycle Accident Claim
After a bicycle accident, you need a lawyer who understands the law and your injuries. Evans Moore, LLC has spent years representing injured cyclists in Georgetown and the surrounding area. We approach every case with dedication. Your claim receives the attention it deserves, not just another file on a desk.
Our team knows how insurance companies evaluate bicycle accident claims. We’ve negotiated with adjusters, reviewed police reports, and gathered evidence that proves liability. We understand South Carolina law on comparative negligence. This means we can help you recover even if you were partially at fault. When insurance companies won’t offer reasonable settlements, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. You pay nothing unless we win your case—that’s our commitment to you.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Georgetown
Bicycle accidents in Georgetown occur in many ways. Most involve driver negligence. One common scenario is a “dooring” accident. A parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path without warning. These accidents happen frequently on Georgetown’s downtown streets and residential areas where cyclists share the road with parked vehicles.
Intersection collisions are another major cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers fail to see cyclists, turn left in front of oncoming bikes, or run red lights. Georgetown’s busy intersections—particularly around downtown and near Waterfront Park—see these dangerous situations. Drivers distracted by phones, speeding, or not paying attention cause serious injuries to cyclists who have every right to be on the road.
Other common accident causes include drivers making unsafe lane changes, hitting cyclists from behind, or failing to yield at stop signs. Some accidents happen because of poor road conditions or inadequate bike lanes. Driver negligence remains the leading cause of serious bicycle accidents.
Injuries and Damages You Can Recover
Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries because cyclists have no protection like car passengers do. Head injuries are among the most serious. Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures can have lasting effects on your ability to work and enjoy life. Road rash, or abrasion injuries, can leave permanent scars and require extensive wound care.
Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents. Fractures to the collarbone, wrist, ribs, and legs frequently occur when cyclists hit the pavement or are struck by vehicles. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis. Facial injuries, dental damage, and internal injuries also happen in serious bicycle accidents.
Beyond physical injuries, you can recover damages for medical expenses. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. You can claim lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional trauma of your accident. If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed, that’s recoverable too. Permanent disability or disfigurement can result in substantial damages.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
South Carolina law holds drivers responsible for accidents caused by their negligence. To prove liability, we need to show that the driver owed you a duty of care. The driver must have breached that duty and caused your injuries as a result. In most bicycle accidents, drivers have a clear duty to watch for cyclists and avoid hitting them.
Evidence
Evidence that establishes liability includes police reports. These documents often show the accident scene and assign fault. Witness statements from people who saw the accident are powerful evidence. Traffic camera footage, if available, can show exactly what happened. Medical records document your injuries and connect them to the accident. Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries all support your claim.
Comparative Negligence
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. If you were 30% responsible and the driver was 70% responsible, you can still recover 70% of your damages. This is important because insurance companies often try to blame cyclists for accidents. We investigate thoroughly to prove the driver’s negligence and minimize any suggestion that you caused the accident.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Your immediate actions after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your case. First, seek medical attention right away. Do this even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records create an important link between the accident and your injuries.
Call the Police
Call the police and request an accident report. Document the scene with photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, and traffic signals. Get the driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Write down what you remember about the accident while the details are fresh.
Do NOT Admit Fault
Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident. Don’t discuss the accident on social media. And, don’t accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company without consulting a lawyer. These initial offers are rarely fair. Contact Evans Moore, LLC as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can preserve evidence and begin building your case.
The Bicycle Accident Claim Process
After you hire Evans Moore, LLC, we begin a thorough investigation. We obtain the police report, medical records, and any available video footage. We interview witnesses and document the accident scene if needed. Then, we work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
Next, we send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines your injuries, damages, and the driver’s liability. We include medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and other evidence supporting your claim. The insurance company then has time to respond and make an offer.
If the insurance company’s offer is reasonable, we can negotiate a settlement. If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. This means gathering additional evidence, preparing witnesses, and building a strong presentation for a jury. Most cases settle before trial. We’re always ready to fight in court if necessary.
The timeline varies depending on your case’s complexity. Simple cases with clear liability might settle in a few months. More serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and explain your options at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. However, don’t wait three years to contact a lawyer. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and the sooner we investigate, the stronger your case becomes. Contact Evans Moore, LLC immediately after your accident.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes. South Carolina comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. If you were 40% at fault and the driver was 60% at fault, you can recover 60% of your damages. Insurance companies often exaggerate your role in the accident to reduce their payout. We investigate thoroughly to prove the driver’s negligence and protect your recovery.
What is my bicycle accident claim worth?
The value of your claim depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how long your recovery takes, whether you lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Permanent injuries or disabilities increase claim value. We evaluate all these factors and work to recover the full value of your claim. Many bicycle accident cases settle for thousands of dollars. Serious injuries can result in much larger recoveries.
Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident?
While you can file a claim without a lawyer, insurance companies take cases more seriously when an attorney is involved. They know we understand the law and won’t accept unfair offers. We handle all communication with the insurance company, investigate your accident, and negotiate on your behalf. We work to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
How much does it cost to hire Evans Moore, LLC?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. When we recover compensation for you, we take a percentage as our fee. This aligns our interests with yours. We only make money when you do. You never pay upfront costs or hourly fees. We also advance costs for investigation, medical records, and expert witnesses. We recover these costs from your settlement.
What if the driver doesn't have insurance?
If the driver is uninsured, you may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage. This protects you in this situation. We investigate the driver’s assets and pursue other avenues for recovery. In some cases, we can pursue claims against the property owner if the accident happened on their property due to negligent maintenance.
How long does a bicycle accident case take?
Most bicycle accident cases settle within 6 to 12 months. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might resolve faster. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. If we go to trial, the process takes additional time. We work efficiently to resolve your case while pursuing appropriate compensation. We keep you informed about the timeline and explain any delays.
Contact Evans Moore, LLC for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Georgetown, don’t wait to get legal help. Evans Moore, LLC offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Call (843) 995-5000 today or contact us online to speak with a team of attorneys who understand bicycle accident claims and will work for your recovery. We serve Georgetown and the surrounding areas. We’re ready to help you get back on your feet.
