Are you a cyclist who was hurt in a crash with a motor vehicle? Car insurance could play a very important role in your case. It is imperative that injured bicyclists know how to effectively navigate the insurance claims process after a serious wreck. Here, our Charleston bicycle accident attorney explains the role that auto insurance can play in bike accident injury cases in South Carolina.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Bicycle Accident State
The party (driver or otherwise) who is responsible for causing a bicycle accident through their negligence can be held liable for the resulting damages. All bike accident claims in South Carolina are governed by the state’s fault-based legal standard. A thorough investigation of a bicycle accident is an absolute must.
Liability Coverage is the Primary Source of Compensation
When a motorist causes a bicycle crash, the driver’s auto liability insurance typically provides the first source of recovery. South Carolina requires drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage. That coverage applies when the insured driver negligently injures another road user, including a cyclist. It is crucial to get the insurance information from a driver after a collision.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Can Apply
Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage often play a central role in South Carolina bicycle accident cases. These coverages may apply even though the injured victim was riding a bike rather than occupying a vehicle. If you have any questions about an uninsured motorist claim, an experienced Charleston, SC car accident lawyer can help.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation from Insurance After a Bicycle Accident
Automobile insurance companies are not on the side of injured cyclists. They fight hard to pay out less to victims and their families. You have the right to seek full and fair financial compensation after a crash in South Carolina. A top Charleston bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek a settlement or verdict for:
- Property loss, including bicycle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term disability and permanent impairment; and
- The wrongful death of a family member
Be Proactive: Under South Carolina law (S.C. Ann § 15-3-530), there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases. If you fail to bring your claim in a timely manner, you could lose out on your right to recovery compensation at all.
Call Our Charleston, SC, Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston bicycle accident attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions about the role of car insurance in a bicycle accident claim, we can help. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. From our Charleston law office, we represent bike accident victims all across the wider region in South Carolina. It is our mission to maximize your financial compensation.