Rapid City Bicycle Accident Attorneys

A Passionate Ally in Your Corner

Pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists who share the road with cars and other motor vehicles are often at risk because of careless and negligent motorists. Due to the lack of protection, bicycle and pedestrian accidents can often result in severe and fatal injuries for victims. Even when injuries are not life-threatening or do not result in permanent disabilities, victims have a right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Rapid City can help.

At Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP, we provide a combined 150 years of experienced personal injury representation to individuals who have suffered injuries from accidents in South Dakota. We understand how driver negligence is often the sole cause of pedestrian and bicycle accidents and how to obtain compensation so that clients can start the recovery process.

Protecting Cyclist’s Rights

Pedestrians and cyclists have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers and should not be at a disadvantage in accidents that threaten their well-being. The vehicle injury attorneys at Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP, in Rapid City, SD are experienced pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys and have represented several clients in Rapid City, SD, and throughout the Black Hills.

These accidents can happen when drivers are not careful in a variety of situations, such as:

• Failing to yield for pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
• Backing out of parking spaces in parking lots
• Speeding in residential areas where there are children playing
• Turning right on a red light, and not looking for pedestrians or cyclists in the crosswalk

While Rapid City and the Black Hills are a great destination for travelers to visit from all over the world, our popularity also means an increase in motor traffic. With the increase in traffic, the chances of a pedestrian or bicycle accident also increase. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries such as fractures or broken bones involving surgical repair, head injuries, various back and neck injuries, and even death. We will work to help you receive a monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other losses sustained in the accident.

Do Cyclists Always Have the Right of Way?

Cyclist laws will often vary from one state to the next, so it's important to understand the rules of the state you are cycling in. In South Dakota, the following right of way laws exist:

• Motorists Make Room! Motorists must leave at least 3 feet between themselves and cyclists when in an area where the speed is 35 mph or less; in areas where the speed is over 35 mph the motorist should leave no less than 6 feet.
• Stay on the Right-Hand Side. Unless you are making a left-hand turn at an intersection or private road, or you are passing another bike or car, you should stay on the right-hand side of the road. Another exception is if the right side of the road had some kind of hazard you were forced to avoid.
• Yield to Pedestrians. Unlike in other states, cyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk, but they must yield to pedestrians and warn pedestrians when passing.
• Use Bike Lanes When Possible. Although South Dakota does not require cyclists to use bike lanes, if they are present you should certainly use them to help improve your visibility and avoid an accident.

Time Limits for Bicycle Accident Claims in South Dakota

In South Dakota, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in civil court against the responsible party. This is commonly known as a "statute of limitations." While three years may seem like a long time, it is important to remember that bicycle accident cases can sometimes take several months to be properly investigated and put together a strong claim. If you attempt to file a claim after the statute of limitations period expires, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case and you will be effectively barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it is important to speak with an attorney early on to protect yourself against potentially costly legal pitfalls.