Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney

Protecting Injured Cyclists in South Carolina

If a negligent driver knocked you off your bike in Columbia, Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is here to help. As your trusted Columbia bicycle accident lawyer, we focus on holding careless motorists accountable and pursuing the full compensation cyclists deserve. Whether your crash happened on Devine Street, Gervais, or along a neighborhood cut-through, you shouldn’t be left paying the price for someone else’s bad choices.

We handle everything—from investigating fault and dealing with insurance adjusters to documenting your injuries and losses—so you can focus on healing.

Call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online—let’s get you back on your feet and back on your bike.

South Carolina Bicycle Laws

South Carolina recognizes bicycles as lawful vehicles on the road, and both drivers and cyclists must share responsibility for safety.

• Right to the road & “as far right as practicable.” Cyclists generally ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, with commonsense exceptions (e.g., avoiding hazards, preparing for a turn, or when the lane is too narrow to share).
• Safe operating distance when passing. Motorists must maintain a safe operating distance from a person on a bicycle at all times—crowding or buzzing a cyclist is unlawful.
• Anti-harassment rule. It’s illegal to harass, taunt, or throw objects at a cyclist; violations can carry fines and even jail time.
• Night riding equipment. At night, bikes must have a white front lamp visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from 50–300 feet (a rear red lamp is permitted and wise).

Knowing these rules helps us prove negligence when a driver violates your rights and causes a crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Negligent driving is the thread that ties most bike crashes together. Frequent fact patterns we see in Columbia include:

• Unsafe passing/“close calls.” Drivers squeeze by without leaving safe space, sideswiping riders or clipping handlebars and mirrors.
• Left-hook & right-hook turns. A motorist turns across a cyclist’s path at an intersection or driveway, misjudging speed or failing to look.
• Distracted driving. Texting, scrolling, or GPS fiddling steals eyes from the road for the split second that matters most.
• Failure to yield. Rolling stop signs, ignoring bike lanes, or pulling out from side streets without clearing both directions.
• Dooring. A parked driver opens a door into a cyclist’s path on tight corridors.
• Speeding & impairment. Excess speed or alcohol/drugs reduce reaction time and increase crash severity.
• Poor road conditions. While cities must maintain reasonably safe streets, drivers also must use due care when conditions are slick or visibility is low.

No matter how your crash happened, we build your case with scene photos, vehicle data, witness accounts, medical evidence, and—when helpful—accident reconstruction.

Common Types of Injuries

Bike-car collisions expose riders to direct impact and secondary trauma. We regularly help clients with:

• Orthopedic injuries: Fractures to the collarbone, wrist/hand, ribs, pelvis, femur, or vertebrae.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions and more severe TBIs—even with helmets—can affect memory, mood, and cognition.
• Road rash & soft-tissue trauma: Deep abrasions, lacerations, and muscle/ligament tears.
• Spinal injuries: Disc herniations and spinal cord damage causing pain, weakness, or paralysis.
• Facial & dental trauma: Fractured orbital bones, jaw injuries, and broken teeth.
• Psychological harm: Anxiety, PTSD, and cycling avoidance after a violent collision.

We coordinate with your providers, ensure diagnoses are documented, and project the full cost of future care so your settlement or verdict reflects what you truly need.

Compensation from a Bicycle Accident Claim

After a crash caused by a negligent driver, South Carolina law allows you to seek damages such as:

• Medical expenses: ER care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future treatment.
• Lost income & reduced earning capacity: Time off work and long-term impacts on your career.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and inconvenience.
• Property damage: Bike, helmet, electronics, clothing, and other gear.
• Scarring & disfigurement: Particularly common with facial injuries and road rash.
• Wrongful death damages: For families who lose a loved one, including funeral costs and loss of financial and emotional support.

South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence, which means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault and is barred only if you are more than 50% responsible. Insurers may try to shift blame unfairly; we counter with evidence and expert analysis.

Bike Accident FAQs

Do I have a case if the police report says I was “in the road”?

Yes. Bicycles are lawful road users. A driver still must keep a safe operating distance, exercise due care, and follow the rules of the road. Reports can be amended; our investigation often uncovers facts the initial report missed.

The driver says I “came out of nowhere.” What now?

We look for independent witnesses, doorbell/city cameras, and vehicle event data. We also analyze sightlines, speeds, and lighting to show you were visible and predictable.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still recover?

Yes. Lack of a helmet doesn’t excuse a driver’s negligence. It may affect arguments about head injuries but doesn’t bar a claim.

Do I need bike lights at night in Columbia?

Yes. South Carolina requires a white front lamp visible 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible 50–300 feet at night; a rear red lamp is allowed and recommended.

What if the driver harassed me or threw something?

That’s illegal. South Carolina prohibits harassing or throwing objects at cyclists; offenders face fines and possible jail time. This behavior also strengthens a civil negligence or punitive damages claim. 

How long do I have to file?

Most injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations in South Carolina, but shorter deadlines can apply (e.g., claims against government entities). Speak with us promptly so we can preserve evidence and meet all notice requirements.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Columbia

• Call 911 and request police and EMS.
• Get driver & witness information and take photos/videos of the scene, damage, and your injuries.
• Seek medical care right away—even if you feel “okay.” Adrenaline hides injuries.
• Do not give a recorded statement to insurance before talking to an attorney.
• Call Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to protect your rights from the start.

Why Choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC?

• Cyclist-savvy investigation: We understand line choice, lane positioning, and visibility—details that often decide liability.
• Local knowledge: Columbia corridors like Harden, Blossom, Forest, and Assembly each pose unique hazards—we know how to frame them in negotiations or at trial.
• Trial-ready approach: We prepare every case as if it will be tried, which often drives better settlements.
• No upfront fees: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Talk to a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

You didn’t choose to get hit—but you can choose a law firm that knows how to fight back. If a negligent driver injured you or someone you love, contact Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your options, estimate case value, and launch the investigation immediately.

To request a free consultation, contact our firm today at (803) 599-2207.