Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers | March 10, 2026 | Car Accidents
Cycling is a great way to commute, exercise, and enjoy South Carolina’s scenic roads. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles happen far too often and can leave riders with serious injuries and financial stress. If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in South Carolina, understanding your rights and what steps to take next can make a major difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.
Here are nine important things every cyclist should know after being struck by a vehicle in South Carolina.
1. Your Health Comes First
The first priority after any bicycle accident is your safety and medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries—such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not appear right away but can worsen without treatment. Calling 911 and getting evaluated by medical professionals also creates a documented record of the incident and your injuries.
2. Move to Safety and Contact Authorities
If you are able, move to a safe area away from traffic after the collision, then call law enforcement or emergency services. A police report can play a crucial role in documenting what happened and establishing liability later. Reporting the accident ensures that there is an official record of the incident and the parties involved.
3. Collect Evidence at the Scene
If your condition allows, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene.
This may include:
- Photos of the roadway, bike damage, and vehicle damage
- Images of visible injuries
- The driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information
- Contact details for any witnesses
Documentation helps establish what happened and can strengthen a personal injury claim later on.
4. Drivers Must Share the Road with Cyclists
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on the road. Both must follow traffic signals and travel in the same direction as traffic.
Motorists are also required to operate their vehicles safely around cyclists. If a driver fails to give adequate space or violates traffic laws, they may be held liable if a collision occurs.
5. The At-Fault Driver Could Be Responsible for Your Damages
In South Carolina, the person responsible for causing the crash is typically responsible for paying damages related to the injuries and losses.
In a bicycle accident case, this could include economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing medical treatment
Determining fault is a key part of any injury claim.
6. Comparative Negligence May Affect Your Compensation in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, an injured cyclist can still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident—as long as they are less than 51% at fault.
However, the total compensation may be reduced by the cyclist’s percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by that same percentage.
7. Driver Negligence Often Causes Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle collisions with vehicles happen because of driver negligence.
Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Improper passing
- “Dooring,” when a parked car door opens into a cyclist’s path
When negligence causes a crash, the driver may be legally responsible for the injuries that result.
8. Insurance May Cover Your Losses
In many bicycle accidents, compensation comes through insurance policies. This could include the driver’s auto insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, or even certain policies you carry yourself.
However, injured cyclists can typically pursue compensation directly from the party responsible for the crash.
9. There Are Deadlines for Filing a Claim in South Carolina
South Carolina law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, injured cyclists have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.
Because evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade, it’s usually best to start investigating a claim as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact the Little River Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Being hit by a car while riding a bicycle can be a traumatic experience that leaves victims facing serious injuries, financial burdens, and uncertainty about what to do next. Understanding your rights, documenting the accident, and seeking proper medical and legal guidance can make a significant difference in your recovery.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, contact Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Little River bicycle accident lawyer.
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