Can I Sue if a Car Doored Me While Riding?
When a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist, the resulting collision can cause serious injuries. If another party’s careless actions caused your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. At Kinon Law Firm, our Conway bike accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options under South Carolina law.
South Carolina Laws That May Apply to a Dooring Bicycle Accident
Conway is known for its historic downtown, the Riverwalk along the Waccamaw River, and busy roads such as Church Street, Main Street, and U.S. Highway 501. These areas often see both vehicle and bicycle traffic, making drivers responsible for paying close attention before opening a vehicle door. A dooring collision may result from a driver or passenger failing to look for approaching cyclists before opening a vehicle door.
South Carolina follows negligence laws when determining liability after a bicycle accident. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, an injured person may recover damages if they are not found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident.
If the injured cyclist shares some fault, compensation may be reduced based on that percentage of responsibility. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the incident and are awarded $100,000, you would only take home $80,000. Even if you share some fault in the accident, you can still pursue compensation from the wrongdoer.
Our attorneys at Kinon Law Firm carefully investigate every case to identify how the accident occurred and gather evidence that supports our clients’ claims.
How Our Bike Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
Our lawyers understand that insurance companies often try to reduce payouts after bicycle accidents. Kinon Law Firm works to protect your interests from the beginning of your claim by collecting evidence and presenting a strong case for compensation. Our attorneys may help by:
- Investigating the accident scene
- Reviewing police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Collecting available video footage
We can also negotiate with the insurance company while pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other eligible losses. Having our lawyers manage your claim allows you to focus on your recovery instead of dealing with insurance adjusters and legal paperwork.
Evidence can disappear quickly after a bicycle accident. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage may be erased, and vehicle damage may be repaired. Seeking legal guidance as soon as possible gives our attorneys the opportunity to preserve important evidence and protect your claim.
Get the Legal Guidance You Need From Our Bike Accident Attorneys in Conway, SC
The Conway bike accident lawyers at Kinon Law Firm are committed to seeking justice for new clients. We understand that when injuries occur due to the negligent conduct of another party, the effects can be widespread.
Our attorneys have dedicated their professional lives to pursuing compensation for our neighbors throughout Conway, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding South Carolina towns. Contact our team today online or by calling 843-488-9191 to discuss your situation in a free case evaluation.
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Car Accidents Catastrophic Injuries Personal Injury Slip and Fall Accidents Truck Accidents Wrongful DeathRecent Posts
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