The Pee Dee region boasts a range of amazing bike paths for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re hitting the mountain trails at High Hill Creek Park in Florence, or cruising down the bike lanes on Ocean Boulevard in the Grand Strand northeastern South Carolina is a cyclist’s dream. Unfortunately, for some cyclists, that dream can turn into a nightmare.
If you were injured by a vehicle while bicycling, it’s crucial to have an experienced injury attorney on your side. At Joye Law Firm, we have the skills, dedication, and knowledge to assist victims of bicycle accidents as they navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Because of the mismatch between a motorized vehicle and a bicycle, the physical, emotional, and financial damage from a wreck is almost always substantial. Fearing that they’ll lose money, insurance adjusters will do everything they can to avoid paying, including delaying or denying your claim. Don’t fall for it. At Joye Law Firm, we have a strong reputation for challenging these tactics and ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. Don’t let adjusters stand in the way of your recovery—Just Call Joye for a free consultation. As a client, you’ll get our “No Fee Guarantee,” which means, you won’t owe any legal fees unless we win your case. Let us help turn your nightmare back into a path forward.
Understanding Myrtle Beach Bicycle Laws
South Carolina has laws that all bicyclists in the state must follow. To help cyclists stay visible, South Carolina requires bikes to have at least one white front light, with a beam that extends 500 feet. The law also requires you to have a red reflector on the rear of the bike that is visible from 50-300. While a rear light is optional, many cyclists choose to install one for added visibility; if you do, the rear light must be red.
It’s also crucial to understand the local bicycle laws in the city or county you’re in to ensure your safety and prevent any legal issues. For example, Myrtle Beach has specific biking laws.
Cyclists in Myrtle Beach must follow standard traffic laws, as bicycles are considered vehicles. This includes stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals to indicate turns.
Additionally, bicycles are only permitted on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day, while boardwalk access is limited to 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during these peak months.
While not a legal requirement, wearing a bicycle helmet is crucial for your safety. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
Explore Myrtle Beach’s designated bicycle paths, including popular lanes along Mr. Joe White Avenue and North Ocean Boulevard.
Typical Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Distraction while driving is a leading cause of bicycle accidents in cities like Myrtle Beach and Florence. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage in other distractions are not completely focused on the road, making it hard for them to notice and evade cyclists. It is vital for cyclists to always be on the alert for distracted drivers and to exercise extra caution when sharing the road with them.
Another frequent cause of bicycle accidents is failing to yield the right of way. Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists when required, such as at intersections or when making turns, expose cyclists to the risk of collisions. Cyclists should understand their rights but also ensure they are visible to drivers by following local ordinances, using correct hand signals, and wearing bright, reflective clothing.
Unsafe road conditions can also contribute to an accident. Potholes, debris, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage can make it challenging for cyclists to navigate safely. It is important for cyclists to report any hazardous road conditions to the appropriate authorities and take alternative routes if necessary. Visit the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) website to report a pothole.
Common Injuries Suffered During Bicycle Accidents
Victims can suffer from a range of injuries, which can have enduring and devastating effects on a person’s life. Common injuries can include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: These injuries typically result from a direct impact to the head, causing concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even skull fractures. Head and brain injuries can lead to cognitive difficulties, memory problems, and in some cases, permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Due to the nature of bicycle accidents, back injuries are common and can injure the delicate spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can result in limited mobility, loss of sensation, and a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Depending on the severity of the injury, some bicycle accident victims may experience partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a collision can cause bones to break or fracture, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Fractures and broken bones can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and prolonged recovery periods.
- Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, some bicycle accidents result in fatalities. The loss of a loved one can have a profound emotional and financial impact on the victim’s family and friends, leading to long-lasting grief. Pursuing legal action not only seeks compensation for the death of a loved one but also serves as a critical step toward achieving justice. By holding negligent parties accountable, we can help prevent similar tragedies, ensuring that no one else has to endure the heartache of losing a loved one to a preventable accident.
