Bicycle accidents in Landrum can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. If you were hurt in a crash, a Landrum personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation. With experienced legal guidance, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles insurance negotiations and investigates the accident.
When a driver fails to yield, speeds, or drives distracted and causes a collision, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden alone. A Landrum bicycle accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can gather evidence, calculate damages, and fight for the settlement you deserve. Having an attorney in your corner ensures that every aspect of your claim—from medical expenses to lost income—is thoroughly addressed.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Landrum
Landrum may be a small community, but the mix of local drivers, visitors, and cyclists still leads to plenty of accidents. Many of these crashes share the same root causes, including:
- Drivers drifting into bike lanes
- Cars pulling out of driveways without checking for cyclists
- Drivers misjudging speed or distance
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Distracted driving, especially at night or on rural roads
Common Injuries in Bicycle Crashes
Cyclists have almost no protection compared to drivers. Helmets help, but the body absorbs most of the impact. Riders often report:
- Fractures in the arms, collarbone, or legs
- Concussions or head trauma
- Torn ligaments
- Road rash and deep cuts
- Back or spinal injuries
- Dental injuries after hitting the pavement
If you suffered any of these injuries in an accident, a bicycle accident lawyer in Landrum can help you recover compensation.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Landrum
Taking the right steps after a crash can strengthen your position when negotiating with an insurer. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and get a copy of the police report.
- Take photos of your injuries, the scene, the road, and the vehicle.
- Trade contact and insurance information with the driver. If any witnesses are present, trade contact info with them too.
- Seek medical care to document your condition for your claim.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer.
- Consult an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
More than one party can be responsible for paying damages after a bike accident. Liability may fall on:
- A negligent driver: If the driver fails to yield, speeds, texts, or ignores traffic signals, they may be responsible for your injuries.
- A commercial driver or employer: If the vehicle that hit you belongs to a business, the employer may also be liable.
- A government entity: Poor road design, potholes, or missing signs can play a role in accidents, though government claims follow different rules.
- A bicycle or parts manufacturer: Faulty brakes, tires, or frames can contribute to a crash.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Bicycle accident claims cover a wide range of losses. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost income
- Reduced ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your bike and gear
- Long-term treatment needs
A bicycle accident attorney in Landrum can help calculate your damages and include them in your claim.
Why Hire a Landrum Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies often try to settle bicycle claims for far less than they’re worth. They might argue your injuries aren’t serious, suggest you were partly at fault, or pressure you to accept a quick payout. A lawyer can counter these tactics by:
- Building a strong claim: Your lawyer can gather evidence, track your medical treatment, and document all of your financial losses.
- Speaking to insurers: A lawyer can handle all communication with insurers so you don’t get trapped by their questions.
- Establishing liability: An attorney can use crash reconstruction and witness statements to prove the driver’s fault.
- Working with experts: A lawyer can work with doctors to establish the scope and severity of your injuries.
- Preparing for trial: If the insurer won’t make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer can take your case to court.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
South Carolina enforces a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still collect $80,000. Insurers often try to inflate your percentage of fault, but your lawyer can push back against these claims.
How Bicycle Accident Claims Are Resolved
Most bicycle accident cases settle before they reach court. A typical claim involves:
- Investigation and evidence-gathering
- Medical evaluation and documentation
- Damage calculation
- Negotiation with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit if negotiations stall
- Mediation or trial (if necessary)
An attorney can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Get Help from a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Landrum
A bicycle crash can derail your routine and put you in a difficult financial spot, but you don’t have to seek justice alone. A Landrum bicycle accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can calculate your damages, help you file a strong claim, and fight for the best possible result for your claim.
Schedule a free case review to start putting together your claim today.