The joy of bicycling in Myrtle Beach can, unfortunately, be ruined by accidents, leaving riders facing unexpected challenges. The Morris Law Firm offers compassionate support and experienced legal representation to those affected by bicycle accidents, guiding them through the process to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.
If you suffered injuries, our Myrtle Beach bicycle accident attorneys are ready to help.
- Why Choose Morris Law Firm for Your Myrtle Beach Bicycle Accident Case?
- Potential Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
- Where Can Bicycle Accidents Happen in Myrtle Beach?
- Types of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries We Handle
- Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident
- After a Bicycle Accident: Steps to Take
- Contact Our Myrtle Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Morris Law Firm
Why Choose Morris Law Firm for Your Myrtle Beach Bicycle Accident Case?
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers stand out for those who have suffered due to bicycle accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our law firm is not just a collection of attorneys; we are a unified team of trial lawyers complemented by a strong network of expert witnesses, all geared toward maximizing the value of your case.
Our client results speak volumes about our dedication and effectiveness in handling complex legal matters. From securing a $2 million settlement for a pedestrian vs. auto case involving a neck injury to achieving significant settlements in wrongful death, DUI-related accidents, rear-end collisions, and more, our track record of multi-million dollar recoveries is a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients.
We pride ourselves on a commitment to quality over quantity at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers. Unlike high-volume law firms that may rush judgments or provide impersonal service due to an overwhelming caseload, we focus our efforts on a select number of cases.
This approach ensures that each client receives the highest service and attention. Our team, composed of dedicated attorneys based in South Carolina, embodies our ethos of client care, hard work, and justice, allowing us to provide personalized and effective legal representation.
Personalized treatment is at the core of our practice. We understand the importance of building meaningful relationships with our clients and treating each one individually, not just a case number. With the ease of communication and a dedicated, local team, this personalized approach ensures that our clients are well-informed and comfortable throughout the legal process.
Choosing Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers means partnering with a firm that genuinely cares about your well-being and success. We serve the hardworking people of Myrtle Beach who have been wrongfully injured or lost loved ones due to negligence.
Our promise is clear: injured victims will speak to a lawyer about their case the same day they call. Our team's collaborative approach ensures that clients receive the attention, commitment, and representation they expect and deserve.
We strive to deliver value-driven legal services, communicating and strategizing with our clients to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
Learn more about our Myrtle Beach bicycle accident lawyers and how we can help you by scheduling your free consultation.
Potential Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
Each case is unique, but there are common areas of compensation that victims can explore, depending on the specifics of their situation. Our firm is committed to helping you during these challenging times, ensuring you are fully informed about your rights and the potential compensation you might receive.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses often constitute the bulk of claims following a bicycle accident. This category covers all costs of your medical care, from emergency room visits and hospital stays to rehabilitation and any future medical treatments you may need due to your injuries. Keep detailed records of all your medical treatments to accurately calculate these expenses.
Lost Income
You can recover lost income if your injuries have prevented you from working. This compensation aims to cover your lost income while recovering from the accident. Furthermore, if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may also be eligible for compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation aims to address the physical pain and emotional distress that victims endure as a result of their accidents. This type of damage is more subjective and can vary greatly from one case to another. It encompasses not only the immediate physical suffering but also the long-term emotional and psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Property Damage
In a bicycle accident, there's often significant damage to your property, most notably your bicycle. Compensation for property damage can cover the costs to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal items damaged due to the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life compensation recognizes that injuries can prevent victims from enjoying their daily activities and hobbies. If your injuries have impacted your quality of life and prevented you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to this compensation.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages if the defendant's conduct is egregious or reckless. Courts award these damages not based on the direct losses you suffered but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future conduct.
Where Can Bicycle Accidents Happen in Myrtle Beach?
Bicycle accidents in Myrtle Beach can occur in various settings, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safety measures for cyclists and drivers alike.
Our firm is deeply familiar with the local landscape and has extensive experience handling cases involving bicycle accidents across the city.
Below, we detail some common locations for these incidents to help raise awareness and encourage safer practices.
- Ocean Boulevard: This iconic stretch along the beach is a magnet for tourists and cyclists, making it a prevalent location for accidents. The interaction of heavy vehicle traffic, pedestrians crossing, and cyclists driving through the area can create dangerous situations, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Kings Highway (U.S. Highway 17 Business): As a major thoroughfare in Myrtle Beach, Kings Highway sees a significant mix of traffic from local commuters and visitors. Its intersections, busy shopping areas, and access points to tourist attractions are frequent sites for bicycle accidents.
- Farrow Parkway: Known for its scenic beauty and proximity to recreational parks, it attracts many cyclists. However, the road also poses challenges due to its layout, which includes various crossings and interactions with vehicular traffic, leading to potential accident spots.
- North Myrtle Beach Area: The scenic routes and beach access points in North Myrtle Beach are popular among cyclists. However, the roads, including sections of Highway 17, can be hazardous due to the blend of vacation traffic, local commuters, and cyclists sharing the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- The Market Common: This urban village area, with its shops, restaurants, and parks, attracts a lot of cyclists. The combination of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians near each other can lead to accidents, especially in areas with limited cycling lanes or unclear signage.
Types of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries We Handle
Bicycle accidents can manifest in several forms, often leading to various injuries that vary in severity.
Our experience has shown that vehicle accidents involving sideswipes, rear-end collisions, or getting struck by a vehicle failing to yield at an intersection are among the most common for cyclists.
These collisions are particularly dangerous due to the disparity in protection between a cyclist and a motor vehicle occupant, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury to the cyclist.
Hazardous road conditions also contribute to a significant number of bicycle accidents. Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
Such accidents can occur without the involvement of another party, making them particularly difficult as cyclists may find themselves injured on the road without immediate assistance.
Defective bicycle parts are another cause of accidents that can lead to unexpected and sudden crashes. Faults in the bike's design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate maintenance can result in critical component failure while riding.
This type of accident can be especially treacherous if it occurs at high speeds or in traffic, leaving the cyclist vulnerable to further injury from surrounding hazards.
The injuries resulting from these types of bicycle accidents can be extensive and diverse. Fractures are common, ranging from simple breaks that may heal with minimal medical intervention to complex fractures requiring surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
In a collision, the force of impact can easily break bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs, which are more vulnerable in cycling accidents.
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents. Even with helmet protection, cyclists can suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from the impact. These injuries can have long-lasting effects, including cognitive impairments, emotional and behavioral changes, and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
Cuts and bruises, while often considered minor injuries, can also be indicative of more severe underlying damage, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, especially if the trauma is significant. Apart from causing pain and discomfort, these injuries can lead to complications like infections if treated improperly.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident
At Morris Law Firm, we leverage our extensive experience to counter the often challenging tactics used by insurance companies to minimize compensation effectively. Our approach aims to ensure that our clients receive the fair compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
In their efforts to protect their bottom lines, insurance companies may employ several tactics to reduce the compensation paid.
One common strategy is the quick settlement offer. Shortly after an accident, insurers might present an offer that, while tempting at the moment, is typically far below what the claim is worth. Accepting such an offer can prevent victims from receiving compensation for future medical costs, lost income, or pain and suffering that emerge over time.
Another tactic is disputing the severity of injuries. Insurance companies may question the extent of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing conditions rather than the result of the accident. They might also minimize the impact of these injuries on your life, attempting to devalue your claim.
To counter this, Morris Law Firm meticulously documents the specifics of your case, gathering medical records, professional opinions, and other evidence to firmly establish the cause and extent of your injuries.
Insurance adjusters may also attempt to shift blame, suggesting that the victim's actions contributed to the accident. This strategy aims to reduce their liability by exploiting relative fault laws, potentially decreasing the compensation amount.
Our firm prepares by developing a strong, evidence-based argument that accurately represents the circumstances of your accident, ensuring the responsibility is appropriately attributed.
Delay tactics are another method used by insurance companies. Prolonging the process, they hope to frustrate the claimant into accepting a lower settlement or abandoning their claim altogether.
Morris Law Firm recognizes these tactics for what they are and remains steadfast, advocating tirelessly on your behalf to keep the process moving forward efficiently.
Lastly, insurers often request excessive documentation to overcomplicate the claims process. This can be overwhelming for individuals already dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Our team handles these requests, ensuring we provide all necessary documentation without succumbing to demands meant to stall or intimidate.
Morris Law Firm is prepared to litigate when negotiations with insurance companies do not yield a fair settlement. We are not afraid to take your case to court, where we will argue passionately on your behalf, leveraging our legal experience and the evidence we've gathered to secure the compensation you rightly deserve.
After a Bicycle Accident: Steps to Take
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience, especially in an area like Myrtle Beach.
Knowing the steps to take immediately following an accident can significantly impact the outcome of any potential legal action or compensation claim. Here's a detailed guide on what to do after a bicycle accident:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it's best to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, particularly internal ones or those involving the head and brain, may not be immediately apparent.
Prompt medical attention ensures that your injuries are documented from the outset, which is important for future compensation claims. Follow through with all recommended treatments and keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions.
Obtain a Police Report
A police report is an official accident record and can be valuable in legal proceedings or insurance claims. Call the police to the scene to facilitate filing this report.
If you cannot call the police at the moment of the accident due to the severity of your injuries, ensure to report the accident to the police as soon as possible afterward.
Document All Expenses and Experiences Related to the Accident
Keep a detailed record of all expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes medical bills, medication receipts, physiotherapy or rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
Additionally, maintain a journal detailing your recovery process, noting any pain, discomfort, emotional distress, and how the injuries impact your daily life and work. This can be beneficial for claiming compensation for pain and suffering.
Avoid Negotiating with Other Parties or Insurance Companies Directly
It's common for insurance companies or other involved parties to contact you directly after an accident. They may offer a settlement or request a statement. It's wise to avoid discussing the accident or agreeing to any offers without legal representation.
Your statements can minimize the strength of your claim. Politely decline to comment and inform them that your legal representative will contact you.
Timing is Important - Consult With Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Now
Bringing all the collected information—medical records, photographs, witness contacts, police reports, and expense documentation—to an attorney significantly strengthens your case.
Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers will understand the law regarding your situation and advise you on the best course of action. They will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and other losses.
Contact Our Myrtle Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Morris Law Firm
For compassionate and effective legal representation following a bicycle accident in Myrtle Beach, contact our personal injury lawyers in Myrtle Beach at Morris Law Firm at (843) 232-0944. Let us guide you through the legal process and aid in your recovery of the compensation you deserve.
