Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney

Having an Auger & Auger’s Columbia bicycle accident attorney in your corner is a clear distinction between merely adequate and excellent. We have personally seen the way cycling injuries can have lasting consequences — in addition to sustaining physical wounds and loss of income, the cost associated with a lengthy recovery can be financially devastating. Defending the rights of the victims should always be honored by holding the at-fault party accountable.

Currently, approximately 30% of all bicycle accidents involve collisions with vehicles but this percentage can definitely be reduced if both drivers and cyclists accept more education about bike safety. The Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) will be offering educational opportunities in an effort to keep our citizens safer as our bike-sharing initiative hits the city.

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Decreasing Columbia Bicycle Accidents

Between 2009 and 2017, there were 339 bicycle crashes in Richland County; accounting for just over 7% of bike accidents in South Carolina. When drivers were found at fault, the number one cause was failing to yield the right of way (26%), followed by distracted driving (10%) and driving too fast for conditions (6%). When you see that the top three causes of bicycle accidents in our area are caused by negligence, it’s easy to understand why safety education is so important.

Columbia’s new bike sharing program, Blue Bike, means that more cyclists will be pedaling over city streets  — increasing the safety factor as well. Blue Bike will eventually have 25 stations located around the city and 275 bicycles; some will be electric. While discussing the program with the press and the public, Mayor Benjamin has stated, “It’s going to take everyone working together to focus on safety.”

Cyclist Rights Under The Law

According to Section 56-5-3420, a bicyclist is granted the same rights and is subject to the same responsibilities of a driver. Being held as equally accountable in the eyes of the law means that the duty of maintaining safety is shared between driver and cyclist. While bike-sharing in other cities has shown that the programs may reduce the number of bicycle accidents — it is up to both drivers and cyclists to refrain from distracted movements, each anticipating the behaviors of the other.

As a Columbia bicycle accident attorney practice, we fully understand that words on a piece of paper do not physically protect cyclists; it takes common sense and respect. By remaining aware of their surroundings, both drivers and bicyclists can avoid many of the top causes of these accidents — some of which can be catastrophic.

Auger & Auger Demands Accountability

When you are injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve aggressive representation. Not a day goes by that we don’t concern ourselves with the struggles of our clients. It is our goal to make sure that the financial difficulties they face are alleviated to the greatest extent possible.

Contact a Columbia bicycle accident attorney with Auger & Auger today to discuss your accident. Our team prides itself on the outstanding reputation which has been built through hard work and perseverance. Because we believe that confidence and actions are inextricable — we provide a zero-fee guarantee because expert legal representation shouldn’t add to your financial worries.

Call (803) 470-5298 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!