Examples of bike injury cases

bikelaw represents cyclists and their families throughout claims and in court. We've provided legal services in more than 150 bicycle accident cases involving collisions between cyclists and motorists, including the following cases:

• A cycling commuter was riding on a clear summer morning in downtown charleston and was run over and killed by the car behind him. Initially the cyclist was deemed at fault by the police. Providing legal and technical assistance, bikelaw cooperated with law enforcement, and the accident report was amended to show what really happened: the driver was to blame.
• A cyclist in Greenville used a hand signal for a left-hand turn and had moved to the left lane. The driver of a car behind him sped up and, trying to pass, collided with the cyclist, knocking him from the bike. The cyclist suffered significant injuries. The motorist later said that he "didn't know what an outstretched arm meant."
• A well-known cyclist in Aiken was hit and injured when a commercial van barreled past a stop sign without braking, causing an accident. The van was full of passengers (a work crew), and was driven by a man who didn't have a driver's license.
• A cadet was riding from campus and was hit by an inattentive driver, totaling his bike. The police reported to the scene, but when the cyclist said he felt okay, the police sent the driver on her way without getting her contact information or writing a ticket. The police officer gave the cyclist a ride home, but in the backseat he passed out in shock. The cyclist's leg was badly broken.
• An experienced cyclist wearing high visibility clothing was on his morning recreational ride on a road designated as a N.C. bicycle route. He signaled and moved into the turn lane. The driver of a truck attempted to pass the cyclist, and caused an accident. Drivers behind the at-fault motorist testified that they saw the cyclist signal clearly. And even though it's illegal to pass in a turn lane, the officer reported that the cyclist had "darted" in front of the truck.
• A man in his 70s was pedaling as part of the final leg of a personal cycling tour of the perimeter of the U.S. The cyclist was suddenly struck from the rear, leaving him with catastrophic injuries and a long hospital stay. A few years after his recovery, he came back to South Carolina and completed his journey.
• A group of about 10 college-age students were bicycling to dinner together when the driver of a car suddenly veered toward an open parking space, causing one of the cyclists to crash and suffer a broken femur and other injuries. Police came to the scene, but failed to report the incident as an auto accident, so the driver's identity was not recorded. After months of research by bikelaw, we have been able to identify the at-fault driver.
• A 19-year-old in Columbia was pedaling in a bicycle lane when a drunk driver caused a collision. The cyclist died from his injuries, and bikelaw represented the cyclist's mother at no charge.

South Carolina has a horrible record of bicycle safety, but it getting better because of new cycling laws, progressive city planning, and a committed advocacy community. Bike Law has represented over 100 South Carolinian cyclists. Learn more here.

North Carolina is one of the most dangerous states in the country when it comes to cycling safety. Learn how to protect yourself and to make a difference. Learn more here.

With high profile cycling collisions in recent years, Maryland has a long way to go to realize its potential as a cycling state. Bike Law can help Maryland cyclists on the road and in court. Learn more here.