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Charleston County’s coastal beauty and bike-friendly neighborhoods make cycling a popular way to get around. However, when drivers or cyclists do not follow traffic rules, accidents can happen. When you ride a bicycle, you are responsible for understanding the traffic laws for bicyclists in Charleston County.
Unfortunately, even when cyclists do everything right, careless drivers can still cause serious harm. Knowing your rights and responsibilities under state law can help you take the right steps toward protecting your health and your claim.
Fortunately, you can learn your legal options by contacting a bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer could explain your options and determine how state law applies to your case.
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-3420, bicyclists are treated as vehicle operators and must obey most of the same rules that apply to drivers. That includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding when required, and riding on the right side of the road.
Following these regulations not only improves safety but also strengthens an injury claim by showing you took reasonable precautions. When motorists fail to share the road responsibly and cause an accident, a Charleston County attorney can help determine if the motorist violated the same traffic laws meant to protect cyclists.
Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers underestimate how vulnerable cyclists are in traffic. Common causes include drivers who are distracted and not paying attention, unsafe passing that forces cyclists off the road, and speeding that reduces a driver’s ability to react in time. Each of these situations can lead to severe injuries or property damage. When a driver’s negligence or violation of traffic laws causes a bicycle crash, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim with the help of a Charleston County lawyer.
Under state law, even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault. However, the court may reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15.
If you have questions about whether you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the bicycle collision, a Charleston County lawyer could help explain your options and determine how traffic laws apply to your case.
A bicycle accident can involve injuries to you and your bicycle. Recovering from a serious bicycle accident often involves medical bills and missed time from work that results in lost wages. We understand how overwhelming that can feel, which is why we take a hands-on approach to every case. At The Farmer Law Firm, our attorneys personally handle each claim from start to finish, offering the attention and care you deserve.
If you were hurt despite following the traffic laws for bicyclists in Charleston County, we could help you seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call our office today to speak with an attorney about your case and learn how we could help you move forward.