You’re riding along Ocean Boulevard, the breeze is perfect, and the sound of the waves keeps you company. Whether you’re biking for fun, exercise, or commuting, Myrtle Beach offers some of the most scenic routes in South Carolina. But in a split second, everything can change.
A car doesn’t see you. A door swings open. A distracted driver drifts too close. Suddenly, you’re on the ground, hurt, confused, and wondering what comes next.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Myrtle Beach, knowing how to protect your rights is crucial. This article is here to walk you through what to do after a crash, what your legal options are, and why it’s so important to take action not just for compensation, but for peace of mind.
Bicycle Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Biking is a great way to get around, but cyclists are vulnerable on the road, especially when drivers aren’t paying attention. In busy tourist areas like Myrtle Beach, where roads can be congested and drivers may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, accidents are far too common.
Common causes of bike crashes include:
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield to cyclists at intersections
- Opening car doors without checking
- Poorly marked bike lanes or road hazards
Even when you follow the rules of the road, you’re still at risk if others don’t.
What You Do Immediately After the Crash Matters
After a bike accident, it’s normal to feel shaken up. But if you’re able, taking a few key steps right away can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your rights and pursuing a claim later.
1. Get to Safety and Call 911
First things first make sure you’re out of harm’s way. If you’re injured and unable to move, wait for emergency services. Always call 911, even if the crash seems minor. A police report creates an official record of what happened.
2. Exchange Information
If a vehicle was involved, collect the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, get their contact info too. They could be vital in supporting your version of events.
3. Document the Scene
Take pictures of everything your bike, the vehicle, your injuries, the road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that might help tell the story of what happened.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, don’t show up right away. Medical records also play a major role if you need to file a claim.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
You might be tempted to apologize or brush it off, but be careful what you say. Let the professionals determine who was at fault. Just stick to the facts.
Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist in South Carolina
South Carolina law treats bicycles as vehicles. That means you have the same rights and responsibilities as any motorist on the road. If someone else caused your crash due to negligence, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damage to your bicycle and gear
But just because you’re entitled to compensation doesn’t mean the process is easy. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, delay payment, or argue that you were at fault.
That’s why understanding your rights and having someone in your corner who understands the law is so important.
Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference
You don’t have to be a legal expert to recover from a bike crash, but having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can help protect you from being taken advantage of.
Here’s how a lawyer can help after a Myrtle Beach bicycle accident:
1. Investigating the Crash
A skilled attorney will dig into the details, reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, and collecting evidence to build a solid case on your behalf.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A lawyer knows how to speak their language and push back against lowball offers or unfair denials.
3. Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
Your damages might go beyond just hospital bills. A lawyer will look at your total losses including lost wages, long-term care, and emotional impact to ensure you’re asking for what you truly deserve.
4. Representing You If the Case Goes to Court
Most cases settle out of court, but if negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you at trial.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Claim?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. That might seem like plenty of time, but don’t wait. The sooner you start the process, the better your chances of gathering strong evidence and building a solid claim.
Waiting too long can make it harder to prove your case, and you risk running out of time altogether.
Common Injuries After a Bike Crash
Even a low-speed collision can leave a cyclist with serious injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Road rash and lacerations
- Spinal injuries
- Joint or ligament damage
- Internal bleeding
These injuries can lead to long recovery times, missed work, and emotional trauma. That’s why it’s so important to take them seriously, even if they seem minor at first.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $50,000 but found 20% responsible, you’d receive $40,000.
This is another reason having legal representation helps: a lawyer such as https://sansburylaw.com/the-importance-of-hiring-a-bicycle-accident-lawyer-in-myrtle-beach/ can fight back against exaggerated fault claims that might reduce your payout.
Peace of Mind After the Crash
Recovering from a bike accident isn’t just about healing your body. It’s about making sure you don’t carry the financial burden of someone else’s mistake. It’s about knowing your rights, taking the right steps, and having someone advocate for you when you need it most.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether your crash was caused by a reckless driver, poor road conditions, or something else, you have legal options, and a community that cares.
Final Thoughts: Take Action, Protect Yourself
Being in a bicycle accident is scary and overwhelming. But what you do next can make all the difference.
Protecting your rights starts with understanding them. It continues by documenting everything, getting medical care, and talking to someone who understands the legal landscape in Myrtle Beach.
You’ve been through enough. Don’t let the aftermath of an accident take more from you than it already has. By taking the right steps early on, you’re not just protecting your rights you’re protecting your future.
