Over 1000 Clients Represented
You need an experienced attorney. John has tried more than a dozen cases to jury verdict as lead defense attorney. He knows what a good resolution of your case is, and more importantly what a bad resolution is.
“Mr. Crangle did a great job in handling my legal issue. Quick, polite, easy to work with, and affordable. Definitely would recommend!”
Vincent D“100% recommend John for any ongoing case. He got my case dismissed. Best criminal defense in the upstate.”
Johnathan MBicycle Riders’ Rights Under South Carolina Law
Many drivers overlook this, but South Carolina law is explicit: a bicycle is a vehicle. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3420, cyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators on public roads. So, a driver hitting a cyclist for running a red light or making an unsafe turn has violated traffic laws.
This legal status is crucial when you file a claim. It establishes your right to be there, preventing an insurance adjuster from dismissing your case by arguing that bikes shouldn’t be on the road.
Additionally, South Carolina enforces a three-foot passing law. S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3435 requires drivers to provide cyclists with at least three feet of clearance when passing. Violating this rule can serve as direct evidence of negligence in your injury claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Greenville
Greenville’s cycling boom has outpaced some drivers’ understanding of sharing the road safely. These crash scenarios are common:
Dooring: A driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for cyclists. The collision happens in an instant, propelling a rider headfirst into traffic.
Right Hook Turns: A driver passes a cyclist, then immediately turns right, cutting off the rider. This often results in serious injuries at intersections.
Failure to Yield: Drivers exiting driveways, parking lots, or side streets frequently look for cars, not bikes. A cyclist in a bike lane or on the shoulder can be invisible to an inattentive driver.
Distracted Driving: When a driver is distracted by a phone, GPS, or other distractions, even a slow-speed collision with a cyclist can have severe consequences. Bikes offer minimal protection in an impact.
Unsafe Passing: Drivers speeding past cyclists, often disregarding the three-foot rule, create turbulence and terror, sometimes leading to direct contact.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, broken pavement, and debris in bike lanes pose significant risks to cyclists compared to car drivers. When a government entity is responsible for these hazards, a claim may be possible, though the SC Tort Claims Act requires six-month notice.
Greenville’s downtown, with its mix of pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars, and vehicles, has a concentration of bicycle-involved crashes. Busy areas like Laurens Road and Woodruff Road also present dangers for riders. The dense traffic and multiple turn lanes on these roads can create hazardous situations for cyclists trying to navigate their way through.
Injuries Cyclists Suffer in These Accidents
Cyclists lack the protective metal frame around vehicles, making collision injuries severe. Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): South Carolina has no mandatory helmet law for adults. Many cyclists ride without one, risking concussions and long-term cognitive issues from head impacts.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Ranging from herniated discs to partial or full paralysis, depending on the impact.
Broken Bones: Collarbones, wrists, arms, and legs often fracture as riders instinctively break their fall.
Road Rash: Severe abrasions may require skin grafts and leave lasting scars.
Facial Injuries: Broken teeth, orbital fractures, and facial cuts are common in falls without helmet protection.
Internal Injuries: Vehicle impacts can damage organs with no visible signs.
These injuries often need emergency care at Prisma Health, follow-up surgeries, physical therapy, and lengthy recoveries. Costs accumulate quickly.
What Damages You Can Recover
A successful bicycle accident claim in South Carolina can include:
Past and future medical bills
Bicycle repair or replacement costs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disfigurement or disability
Your claim’s value depends on the severity of your injuries, how clearly liability is established, and the documentation of your damages. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and wage statements from the crash onward. It is crucial to maintain a detailed account of all events and expenses related to the accident.
How South Carolina Law Affects Your Claim
Comparative Negligence: South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15. You can recover compensation if found to be less than 51% at fault. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often inflate a cyclist’s share of blame with claims like: not being in a designated lane or riding without lights. These can be countered with evidence.
No Helmet Law, but Be Cautious: SC has no adult helmet requirement, so a defense attorney can’t argue you broke the law by riding without one. Still, the defense may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to head injuries. This complex area requires a thoughtful legal response.
Insurance Coverage: Cyclists may find their auto insurance relevant even if not in a car. If the at-fault driver lacked sufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM coverage may cover your losses. Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance could apply too. Knowing which policies are relevant is essential for full recovery.
Statute of Limitations: You have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina under § 15-3-530. Missing this deadline nearly guarantees a lost right to compensation. Don’t delay.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Greenville
Your actions after a crash directly impact your claim.
Get Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor the same day. Adrenaline can hide pain, and TBI symptoms may appear days later. A medical record from the day is essential evidence.
Call the Police: File an official accident report. This documents the scene and those involved.
Photograph Everything: Capture your bike, injuries, the driver’s vehicle, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, and any debris before anything is moved.
Gather Witness Information: Obtain names and numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
Don’t Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance: Adjusters are trained to extract statements they can use against you. Consult an attorney first.
Preserve Your Bike: Avoid immediate repairs. The damage itself is evidence of impact force and can support injury claims.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: Early legal guidance ensures your claim is protected from the start.
How John Crangle Can Help
John Crangle is a Greenville-based personal injury attorney handling bicycle accident cases throughout Greenville County and surrounding areas, including Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Easley, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Spartanburg. He understands South Carolina bicycle law and the insurance tactics that complicate these cases.
Working with John Crangle means he investigates the crash, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance companies, and builds a case for full compensation. He operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless he recovers money for you.
Hurt in a bicycle accident? Don’t navigate the claim alone. Get a free case review to understand your position.