It’s been more than a decade since Greenville officials adopted a bicycle-friendly initiative dubbed Bikeville. The goal of the initiative is to create a city that encourages cycling as an alternate means of transportation. Opting to ride a bike is healthier for the commuter and the environment — not to mention more cost effective in the long run. Unlike your car, your bicycle doesn’t require gas or insurance.
Our Greenville bicycle accident attorney knows that even protected bike lanes won’t prevent all injuries from happening. A line painted on the road provides no barrier between cyclist and driver. When a vehicle collides with a bicycle, the driver may assume that since they have more right-of-way than the cyclist, that they are automatically in the clear — but Auger & Auger knows that every victim has rights to representation and a chance to be heard.
There are several factors contributing to bicycle accidents; including uneven road surfaces, opening vehicle doors into a cyclist, and improper crossings. One of the most dangerous maneuvers for a vehicle to make is a left turn in front of a bicyclist. Between 2009 and 2017, 26% of all crashes involving bikes and vehicles were attributed to failing to yield the right of way. Greenville bicycle accident attorneys see victims of these types of collisions on a too-frequent basis. Why does this happen?
South Carolina law SECTION 56-5-3420 defines that bicycles are granted all of the rights and subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. Unfortunately, other drivers aren’t always on the lookout for bikes. Drivers make turns cutting off cyclists simply because they don’t realize they are there. One of the riskiest things a bicyclist can do is to pedal along the left side of a car or truck up to an intersection. Cyclists who want to turn left should ride within the lane of traffic in a way that makes them visible to others on the roadway.
Bicyclists – Whether you are commuting by bicycle or riding for pleasure through the beautiful streets of Greenville, you must behave as though your life depends on visibility — because it does! Wear bright colors, attach extra reflectors and lights to your bicycle, always use hand signals when turning, and never be afraid to use your voice. Assume that others on the road may not see you and might not always be paying attention or following the law.
Vehicles – When you are behind the wheel of your car or truck, remember that you are sharing the road with cyclists. Don’t drive distracted, stay alert, and keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians and bike riders. Do not assume that a bicyclist will behave in a predictable manner or that they will always see what you can see. Look over your shoulder before you turn in any direction and prior to changing lanes, every time — side mirrors are not a sure thing. Yield to a bike rider just as you would another driver.
The attorneys at Auger & Auger have a combined litigation experience of more than 50 years. This means you can unequivocally rely on our Greenville bicycle accident attorney to fight vigorously for your rights, putting their knowledge and local relationships in the criminal justice community to work for you.
We understand the financial difficulties victims face, and we will not add to that burden. Our zero-fee guarantee is designed to ensure that you pay nothing out of pocket and owe us nothing until we win your case. Call our office now to schedule a free evaluation and take the critical first step toward compensation for your financial losses and medical expenses.
Call (864) 991-3532 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!