If you or someone dear to you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you know firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take on your life.
You likely qualify to recover damages from those responsible for your injuries and losses. However, to get the money you’re owed, you need a compassionate and experienced North Charleston bicycle accident lawyer by your side. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Joye Law Firm, we understand what you’re going through and want to right the wrongs that happened to you. We promise to provide you with the support and guidance you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Not only do our attorneys possess the knowledge and skills necessary to handle your case effectively, we also genuinely care about your well-being.
We recognize that no two accidents are the same. When you call Joye Law Firm, we take the time to listen to your story, assess your unique needs, and develop a personalized strategy to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Since 1968, we have achieved a proven track record of success in representing bicycle accident victims and their families, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Including $1.25 million for the family of a man who tragically lost his life when he was rear-ended by a car on Highway 17 in Charleston County.
Although our past successes don’t guarantee a similar outcome in your case, they do demonstrate our ability to level the playing field for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you and your family get the compensation and justice you deserve following a horrific bike crash someone else caused.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Charleston and SC
The Lowcountry, with our mild weather and mostly flat landscape, should be the ideal place for biking. Unfortunately, our crowded roadways and lack of infrastructure, make bicycle accidents a serious concern in North Charleston and throughout South Carolina. According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, there were 23 reported bicycle fatalities in the state in 2021, making our state the 5th most deadly for cyclists in the U.S.
In North Charleston alone, there were 12 reported bicycle accidents, with 1 fatality and 11 injuries. These statistics underscore the importance of taking bicycle safety seriously, and the need for experienced legal representation when accidents occur.
A report prepared for SCDOT indicates a 75 percent increase in fatal bicycle crashes over the course of a recent five-year period.
Charleston Moves, an organization dedicated to making the Charleston area safer for pedestrians and cyclists, has audited several hazardous roads to improve safety. These are some of the most dangerous corridors in South Carolina for cyclists that the organization has audited, with several more in the data compilation stage:
- Ashley Phosphate Road: Between January 2013 and June 2021,16 bicyclists were struck on Ashley Phosphate Road. This corridor is ranked among the top ten most dangerous in the state for vulnerable road users and is within the top five in Charleston County.
- Meeting Street (Below Line Street): This area is the second most dangerous corridor in the state for people walking and biking. Between January 2013 and December 2018, 35 accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists occurred.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Charleston County
Bicycle accidents can happen for various reasons, often due to the negligence or recklessness of others on the road.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in North Charleston include:
- Distracted driving: When drivers are more focused on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions than on the road, they put cyclists at risk.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when turning can cause serious accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood of a severe impact with a cyclist.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to cyclists, as their judgment and coordination are compromised.
- Poorly maintained roads and bike lanes: Potholes, debris, and inadequate bike lane markings can contribute to bicycle accidents.
- Poor weather conditions: Weather conditions, such as rain and fog, can reduce visibility for drivers and make it difficult for them to see cyclists sharing the road. Slick roads can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
Due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to occupants of motor vehicles, bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting consequences.
A skilled North Charleston Bicycle Accident Lawyer plays a crucial role in helping accident victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.
You may obtain various types of compensation to help you cope with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a bicycle crash someone else caused in North Charleston or elsewhere in the Lowcountry.
