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Charleston is one of South Carolina’s most scenic cities to ride a bicycle, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. From the Ravenel Bridge to King Street and Folly Road, cyclists share narrow lanes with heavy traffic and distracted drivers. Unfortunately, one careless mistake by a motorist can lead to devastating injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured in a bike crash, a Charleston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Ted Law Firm can help. Our attorneys fight for cyclists’ rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and ensure injured riders receive the compensation they deserve. We proudly advocate for Charleston’s cycling community because every rider deserves safety, respect, and justice.
Bicycling in Charleston offers a scenic and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. However, it also comes with inherent risks due to busy streets, distracted driving, and limited awareness of bicyclists. When a crash occurs, having a bicycle accident attorney by your side can make all the difference in recovering from both the physical and financial impact.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Charleston is home to a growing community of cyclists, from commuters downtown to weekend riders along the coast. Unfortunately, some of the city’s busiest areas are also hotspots for bike accidents.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Charleston County ranks among the top three counties in South Carolina for bicycle crashes, many of which occur near tourist corridors and coastal routes.
We’ve represented victims injured on:
- Ravenel Bridge (US-17) – popular but high-risk cycling route.
- Meeting Street and King Street – heavy traffic and limited bike lanes downtown.
- Savannah Highway and Ashley River Road – commuter routes with speeding vehicles.
- Folly Road and James Island Connector – dangerous intersections for cyclists.
If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, we’ll fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents in Charleston
Our attorneys handle all types of cycling collisions, including:
- Driver Failure to Yield – motorists ignoring stop signs or right-of-way.
- “Dooring” Accidents – car doors opened into cyclists’ paths downtown.
- Unsafe Passing – drivers not allowing the required 3-foot buffer.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving – texting or DUI-related crashes.
- Intersection Collisions – turning or merging without checking blind spots.
- Poor Road Conditions – potholes, debris, or uneven pavement.
We investigate every crash using police reports, video footage, and expert analysis to prove exactly what happened.
Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Charleston?
In most cases, drivers who violate traffic laws are responsible for bicycle accidents. However, liability can also involve:
- Vehicle owners or employers (commercial or delivery drivers).
- City or county agencies (unsafe road design or poor maintenance).
- Bike or part manufacturers (defective brakes, tires, or helmets).
Our attorneys identify every liable party to ensure you recover compensation from all available sources.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Charleston
Charleston’s vibrant streets are not always safe for bicycle riders. Many accidents stem from negligent drivers, reckless driving, or failure to yield in a bike lane. In some cases, poorly maintained roads or a lack of reflector lights and protective gear contribute to crashes. Bicycle accidents may also result from distracted driving, road rage, drunk driving, or drivers ignoring bicycle lanes altogether.
Cyclists lack the protection that car passengers have, which makes injuries severe or even catastrophic. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
We work with medical specialists and life-care planners to calculate the full impact of your injuries, not just today’s costs.
Injuries Suffered by Bicycle Accident Victims
When a collision involves a bicycle and a motor vehicle, bicycle accident victims are at a higher risk of serious injuries. These may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, organ damage, nerve damage, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and even internal bleeding. Such severe injuries can lead to emotional distress, physical pain, limited mobility, or chronic pain that impacts everyday life.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle crash or bike crash, seek immediate medical treatment. Maintain all medical records and documents related to medical care and ambulance bills. It’s also vital to document the accident scene, gather witness information, and get an official accident report. Taking swift action can help support your personal injury claim and ensure your rights are protected.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Charleston
- Call 911 and request help from the Charleston Police Department or SC Highway Patrol.
- Seek immediate medical care — visit MUSC Health University Medical Center or Roper St. Francis Hospital.
- Get the driver’s info — name, insurance, and license number.
- Take photos of your injuries, bicycle, and road conditions.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
- Contact Ted Law Firm — we’ll handle your case while you recover.
Types of Compensation Available
What Compensation Can You Recover?
You may be entitled to recover:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
- Property damage (bicycle, helmet, and gear).
- Disability or disfigurement compensation.
- Punitive damages (for reckless or DUI drivers).
We pursue full compensation not just what insurance companies offer.
Legal Representation for Charleston Bicycle Accidents
Hiring a law firm like Ted Law Firm ensures you have reliable legal representation from a committed legal team. We understand bicycle laws and the intricacies of personal injury law firm litigation. Our dedicated team handles everything from determining the liable party and negotiating a fair settlement, to securing fair compensation.
We also help prove driver negligence, establish the fault party, and pursue action against all negligent parties involved. Our approach supports both personal injury lawsuits and insurance negotiations, maximizing your recovery.
The Importance of Legal Advice
With Charleston’s comparative negligence laws, recovering damages can become complex. If you’re partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced. Seeking timely legal advice is crucial in these scenarios. Ted Law Firm guides you through every step from documenting accident injuries to negotiating your settlement agreement.
We examine the insurance policy, calculate policy limits, and evaluate damages like intangible losses, compensation for injuries, and even long-term effects like brain injury or spinal cord damage.
How Ted Law Firm Helps Charleston Cyclists
- Investigate the crash – Collect police reports, video, and witness accounts.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts – Prove driver fault.
- Document your injuries – Partner with trusted medical professionals.
- Handle insurance communication – Protect you from lowball offers.
- Negotiate or litigate – We’re ready to fight for you in court.
Our attorneys handle every step so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm?
Our bicycle accident law firm is known for its attention to detail and compassion. We understand the trauma that bike accident victims go through and strive to ease their burden. You can trust our team to:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Review track record of the case
- Assess types of injuries
- Build a strong case against aggressive driving or unsafe lane changes
- Prove negligence using skilled testimony (when required)
Our attorneys help you understand your rights and work toward achieving the justice you deserve.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
South Carolina’s statute of limitations (S.C. Code § 15-3-530) gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, waiting too long risks:
- Losing crucial evidence.
- Letting witnesses forget key details.
- Allowing insurance companies to control the narrative.
Call us as soon as possible early action strengthens your claim.
Common Scenarios and Claims
Charleston sees a variety of accident scenarios from bicycling accidents near Mt. Pleasant to bike accidents involving motor vehicles downtown. Some involve catastrophic injuries from blind spots, unsafe lane merges, or failure to maintain a safe distance.
Our firm also represents those injured due to bad roads, road maintenance negligence, or defective bike shop gear. In such cases, even a government entity or manufacturer may be held accountable.
Begin Your Claim with Ted Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Charleston cycling incident, it’s time to act. Let a real person from our team walk you through your options. From accident case evaluation to building a strong claim, we are here to assist with:
- Filing a bicycle accident claim
- Documenting bicycle accident injuries
- Negotiating with insurers who cover bike accidents
- Filing for financial compensation
Our attorneys understand the full scope of accident injuries, whether physical, emotional, or financial. We don’t just fight for your recovery we aim for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. South Carolina law does not require helmets for adults, and lack of a helmet doesn’t prevent recovery.
2. Who pays for my medical bills after a bicycle accident?
The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers your medical expenses and other losses.
3. What if the driver fled the scene?
We can file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy and coordinate with law enforcement.
4. How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in SC?
You generally have three years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a bike accident claim?
Yes — insurers often minimize cyclist claims. A lawyer ensures you receive full compensation.
6. Can I sue the city if poor road maintenance caused my crash?
Yes, you can file a claim against a government entity under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, though deadlines are shorter (one year).
7. How much does it cost to hire a Ted Law Firm?
You pay no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis — we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact Us
Ready to discuss your case? Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. Whether it’s a bicycle accident lawyer team you need or help with a bike accident lawsuit, we are committed to getting you back on the road to recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and need trusted legal support, the team at Ted Law Firm is here for you. Whether you’re looking for experienced bicycle accident lawyers or need help navigating a bike accident lawsuit, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way toward recovery.We proudly represent clients throughout South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you’re located in either state, we’re ready to help.
