A bike is a great way to get around Pawleys Island and enjoy the area’s beauty. When you’re on your bike, however, you’re more vulnerable to the risks of the road, and a driver’s negligence can leave you very seriously injured. If this is the difficult position you find yourself in, you’re not alone – an experienced Pawleys Island bicycle accident lawyer can help.
When You’re on Your Bike
When you’re on your bike, you must follow all the same road rules that motorists must follow. Further, you must travel in the far-right lane – except when preparing to make a left turn – and use the bike lane whenever one is available. For their part, drivers must allow you your own lane and take their responsibility for your safety seriously.
Driver Negligence Puts Bicyclists at Serious Risk
Everyone on our roadways owes everyone else a serious duty of care, including looking out for and taking the precautions necessary to protect those on bikes. A primary cause of bike accidents is driver negligence, which can take all the following dangerous forms:
- Distraction – When a motorist is distracted by anything other than the road ahead, they pay less attention to what is going on around them. Because you’re more difficult to see when you’re on your bike in the first place, driver distraction is a serious concern.
- Excess Speed – When motorists exceed the speed limit or drive too fast in relation to the road’s condition, they greatly increase the risk that accidents of all kinds will happen, including bike accidents. The higher the speed, the more likely the accident will be fatal.
- Impairment – Drunk drivers are among the most unpredictable and the most dangerous drivers out there, and they endanger bicyclists and everyone else on the road.
- Exhaustion – Drowsy drivers are impaired, and the impairments they suffer are like those experienced by drunk drivers.
Your Legal Damages
The losses you experience in a bike accident that was caused by a motorist’s negligence can be immense, including in each of the following categories:
- Property damage to your bike
- Your medical bills, which may need to address related healthcare expenses in the future
- Lost wages, which may include an altered career path and lost earning potential
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering can make your other challenges more difficult to overcome and can eclipse them in terms of overall loss
Clearly defining your complete losses is critical to your claim, and working closely with a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer is the surest means of accomplishing this primary task.
Reach Out to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
The trusted bicycle accident lawyers serving Pawleys Island, South Carolina – have the experience, resources, and insight to skillfully guide your claim toward an advantageous resolution that supports your most complete recovery. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 866-586-0116 today.