The city of Charleston is historically rich and openly inviting to bicyclists and pedestrians alike with its narrow streets, sandy beach trails, and lush belt lines. Walking tours and tourists parking their bikes to pop into whatever charming shop has caught their eye. But everything can change in an instant.
A Charleston bicycle accident attorney certainly knows that the city is a unique attraction and that you have the right to share the road. But we also know that statistically South Carolina bicyclist fatalities are consistently higher than the national average. Given the delicate structure of a bicycle, and its rider’s vulnerability, a crash can cause severe injuries or death — and Auger & Auger wants to see that you are compensated fairly for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
SECTION 56-5-3435. Driver to maintain a safe operating distance between motor vehicle and bicycle. A driver of a motor vehicle must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle.
SECTION 56-5-3420. Rights and duties of bicyclists generally. A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special provisions in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
As you can see, these two statutes do not add much more clarity than ‘everyone needs to be responsible for themselves.’
As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” A bicycle is no match for an automobile or truck. With the innovation of bike lanes came the hope of solving the issue; putting more room between rider and drivers. Unfortunately, they only work if you use them, and when they exist on the road you’re traveling, and if automobiles and trucks take them into consideration while maneuvering their vehicles near you.
As a bicyclist in Charleston, you have the right to be on the road — but so does the vehicle that hit you. If that driver fails to maintain his lane and crashes into another car, he can be held strictly liable, so why not when a bicyclist is a victim? Excuses run rampant, but what really proves the point are witnesses, and an investigation, and crime scene photos. Auger & Auger will send a Charleston bicycle accident attorney team right to the crash site to make certain you have the help and the background details necessary to recover physically and financially.
Auger & Auger has just the right Charleston bicycle accident attorney to see you through the devastation following your bicycle accident, or that of your loved one. As successful litigators in countless claims, we know exactly how traumatic injuries can be for the victims — and it is our first concern to step in and monitor the situation; keeping you informed all the way.
Call (843) 751-4690 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!