Whether you were cycling the scenic Swamp Rabbit Trail or commuting through downtown Greenville, a moment of someone else's negligence changed everything. The motorist who hit you may have already given their statement to law enforcement, probably claiming they didn't see you or that you came out of nowhere. Meanwhile, you're dealing with the reality of complicated injuries, mounting medical bills, and a lengthy recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Insurance adjusters know that cyclists face an uphill battle in South Carolina. They count on you accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. At Alderson Law in Greenville, founder and bicycle accident lawyer Ryan P. Alderson levels the playing field. He doesn't just negotiate—he builds cases designed for maximum value, prepared to take negligent drivers to trial when that's what justice requires.
Why Do Bike Accidents Happen?
The upstate region has made significant strides in becoming more bicycle-friendly, with dedicated lanes and popular routes that attract riders throughout the year. Unfortunately, increased cycling hasn't always translated to better motorist awareness. Our firm frequently assists clients who experience severe bike-vehicle collisions for various reasons.
- Distracted driving. Motorists texting, adjusting navigation systems, or grooming while behind the wheel often fail to notice bike riders until it's too late. Even a momentary glance away from the road can result in a life-changing collision.
- Failure to yield. In South Carolina, cyclists have the same duties and road rights as motorists. However, many drivers are unaware of this, which leads to hazardous situations at intersections where they turn without checking for bikes or cut off cyclists who have the right of way.
- Dooring accidents. When motorists or passengers open car doors without looking, cyclists riding in bike lanes or along parked cars have nowhere to go. These sudden obstacles often send riders over their handlebars or into traffic.
- Unsafe passing. State law requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists on the road, a rule intended to improve safety for people on bikes. Many motorists are either unaware of this requirement or fail to follow it, which can create hazardous conditions on streets where bike lanes are limited or nonexistent.
- Driving under the influence. Impaired drivers pose serious threats to everyone on the road, but bicyclists are particularly vulnerable. Without the protection of a vehicle frame around them, riders face devastating injuries when struck by drunk or drugged drivers.
What Life-Altering Injuries Are Frequently the Result of a Bike Accident?
The human body wasn't designed to withstand impact with two tons of metal and glass. Even at relatively low speeds, bike-vehicle crashes frequently cause injuries that require extensive treatment and create lasting challenges. At Alderson Law, we’re dedicated to helping riders who have suffered life-changing medical circumstances due to someone else’s negligence.
Head Trauma
Even with a helmet, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a frighteningly common consequence of bicycle accidents. TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage that affects cognitive function, memory, and personality. These injuries often require months or years of rehabilitation with no guarantee of full recovery.
Neck Injuries
Sudden impact causes whiplash, herniated discs, or damage to the cervical spine that affects everything from your ability to turn your head to your capacity to work at a computer. Some neck injuries cause chronic pain and headaches that persist for months—or even years—while severe spinal cord damage in the neck region can result in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site.
Lower Back Injuries
The jarring force of being thrown from a bike or struck while riding often damages the lower back. Compression fractures in the lumbar spine, herniated or ruptured discs, and soft tissue injuries make even basic activities such as sitting, standing, or walking profoundly painful. For many bicycle accident victims, lower back injuries could also mean the end of physically demanding careers and a future filled with medical appointments and limited mobility.
Broken Bones and Road Rash
Fractures to arms, legs, collarbones, and ribs occur frequently when cyclists try to break their fall or are hit directly by vehicles. Additionally, sliding across pavement or gravel creates painful abrasions known as road rash, which damage the skin and underlying tissue, sometimes requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scars.
Tragic Death
Losing a loved one in a bike accident is an incredibly painful experience. The compassionate team at Alderson Law supports your family and helps you seek accountability and financial stability through careful legal guidance that respects the depth of your loss.
Ryan Alderson’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him a unique perspective on how strong cases are built from the ground up. He understands how evidence is evaluated, how arguments are challenged, and what it takes to present a clear, persuasive case—insight he now uses to advocate effectively for the people he represents. We're at our best to get you through the worst.
What Compensation Is Available After a Bicycle Crash That Wasn’t Your Fault?
Your personal injury claim allows for the pursuit of immediate and ongoing medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment needs. If your injuries prevent you from working during recovery or permanently reduce your earning capacity, you’re entitled to also seek compensation for lost wages and diminished future income. Your bicycle and other damaged property should be repaired or replaced at the at-fault party's expense as well.
In addition to economic costs, you can pursue compensation for non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic impacts. When drivers show particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct.
