Greenville Bicycle Accident Attorney

A serious bicycle crash can change your life in a moment. One driver not paying attention can leave you facing painful injuries, a damaged bike, time away from work, and a confusing insurance process. If this happened to you in or around Greenville, you do not have to sort it out alone.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we focus our work on people who have been injured and on families whose lives have been disrupted by sudden trauma. Our team brings more than 100 years of combined experience in South Carolina injury and workers' compensation law to every case. We listen carefully, learn what you are going through, and guide you through each step so you understand your options.

Call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

South Carolina Bicycle Laws

South Carolina law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Drivers must respect these rights and operate their vehicles safely around bicyclists.

Key South Carolina bicycle laws include:

• Right to the road: Cyclists are entitled to use public roadways and should ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when turning or avoiding hazards.
• Obeying traffic laws: Bicyclists must follow traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings just like drivers.
• Equipment requirements: Riders must have proper lighting and reflectors when riding at night.
• Passing rules: Motorists must provide a safe distance when passing cyclists and avoid cutting them off.
• Helmet laws: South Carolina requires helmets for certain riders, especially minors, though helmets are recommended for all cyclists.

When drivers violate these laws and cause accidents, they may be held liable for injuries and damages. Our Greenville bicycle accident attorney can evaluate how the law applies to your case and determine whether negligence played a role.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents in Greenville occur because drivers fail to notice cyclists or disregard their presence. Negligent driving behaviors are often the primary cause.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, phone use, or other distractions can prevent drivers from seeing cyclists.
• Failure to yield: Drivers turning left or right may fail to check for bicycles.
• Unsafe passing: Motorists who pass too closely put cyclists at risk of being struck or forced off the road.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
• Dooring accidents: Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can cause serious crashes.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the likelihood of collisions.
• Failure to check blind spots: Cyclists can be overlooked when drivers change lanes without proper awareness.

Identifying the cause of the accident is a crucial step in building a strong claim. Our legal team investigates police reports, witness statements, and available evidence to determine what happened.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries

Because cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle, even a minor collision can result in severe injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash and lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck and back injuries

In some cases, injuries may lead to permanent disabilities or long-term complications.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If a negligent driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Pursuing a claim can help ease the financial burden and provide resources for recovery.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage (such as your bicycle and gear)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto cyclists. Having experienced legal representation can help protect your rights and negotiate a fair settlement.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Greenville?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to law enforcement, gather contact information from witnesses, and document the scene if possible. Then consult a Greenville bicycle accident attorney.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Possibly. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim, but it may be considered when determining fault or damages.

What if the driver fled the scene?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. An attorney can help identify potential sources of compensation.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

The value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects. A Greenville bicycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and provide an estimate.

Why Injured Cyclists Turn To Our Team

After a crash, many cyclists worry that no one will listen to their side of the story or that they will be blamed simply for riding on the road. Our clients tell us they chose our firm because we take time at the start to hear what happened, answer questions in plain language, and explain how the process really works.

Our attorneys have more than a century of combined experience handling injury and workers' compensation claims across South Carolina. Our partners write leading texts on workers' compensation law, teach lawyers throughout the state, and help shape regulations. That depth of knowledge supports our work when a bicycle crash involves complex insurance issues or an on-the-job injury.

We have secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in high-stakes cases, including situations where liability was denied or the facts were disputed. Those results came from detailed case preparation and persistent advocacy, not quick resolutions. Our structure is built around careful investigations, long-term litigation when needed, and claims that account for lasting medical needs and financial losses.

Contact our firm today to get started on your claim.