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McGuire Law

Columbia Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Attorney

When a bicycle accident happens on Columbia, South Carolina's busy streets like Assembly Street or around the USC campus, your life can change in an instant. Whether you were commuting downtown, enjoying the Three Rivers Greenway, or navigating the Five Points area, a collision with a motor vehicle can result in devastating injuries that require immediate legal action.

Bicycle Accidents Require Immediate Legal Action - Call Now for Free
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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Bicycle Accident Injuries

Attorney Matt McGuire

Columbia's growing cycling community faces unique dangers from distracted drivers, inadequate bike infrastructure, and challenging intersections throughout Richland County. The moments following your accident are critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Don't let insurance companies minimize your claim while you're focused on recovery.

Matthew McGuire has spent over 30 years fighting for injured cyclists in South Carolina, securing maximum compensation against insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. With offices in Columbia and availability 24/7/365, McGuire Law responds immediately when accidents occur—because in bicycle accident cases, the first hours are critical for documenting evidence and protecting your legal rights.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Bicycle accident cases demand attorneys who understand both traffic law and the unique vulnerabilities cyclists face on Columbia's roads. Our decades of experience translate directly into stronger negotiations and better outcomes for injured cyclists.

Personal Injury Success

We have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across South Carolina. Our experience spans bicycle accidents, car crashes, truck collisions, and all types of personal injury cases involving negligent drivers.

Vehicular Accident Litigation

Extensive experience with bicycle, car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to maximize your recovery.

Insurance Negotiation Mastery

Decades of experience battling insurance companies and their tactics. We know their strategies to minimize bicycle accident claims and how to counter them to get you fair compensation.

Medical Evidence Coordination

Complex bicycle injury cases require expert witnesses and detailed medical knowledge. We've secured significant settlements by properly documenting head injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage.

Expert Witness Coordination

Extensive network of expert witnesses including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and traffic engineers. Expert testimony often makes the difference in bicycle accident cases.

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Types of Bicycle Accidents We Handle

From dooring accidents to hit-and-run incidents, we provide aggressive representation for all types of bicycle accidents in Columbia and throughout South Carolina.

Dooring Accidents

Drivers opening car doors into cyclists on Gervais Street or Main Street without checking mirrors. These sudden impacts cause severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

Right-Hook Collisions

Busy intersections like Assembly and Gervais where turning vehicles strike cyclists proceeding straight. We document traffic patterns and driver negligence to prove liability.

Left-Turn Crashes

Drivers failing to yield to cyclists crossing intersections near USC campus or downtown Columbia. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to impact angles.

Hit-and-Run Incidents

Requiring immediate police investigation and uninsured motorist claims through your own insurance. We work with law enforcement and private investigators to identify fleeing drivers.

Rear-End Collisions

Roads like Forest Drive where drivers follow too closely or fail to see cyclists. These impacts often cause serious spinal injuries and head trauma.

Sideswipe Accidents

Motorists passing cyclists without adequate clearance on narrow Columbia streets. South Carolina law requires safe passing distances that negligent drivers routinely ignore.

Bicycle Defect Cases

Faulty brakes, wheels, or other mechanical failures that cause accidents. We pursue product liability claims against manufacturers when defective equipment causes injuries.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Claims against the City of Columbia for poorly maintained bike lanes or hazardous pavement. Municipal liability requires specific procedures that we navigate for our clients.

Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Motor Vehicles

South Carolina law gives cyclists equal rights to the roadway. When drivers violate these rights, they must be held accountable.

McGuire Law's Core Values

When you're recovering from a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who treats your case with the urgency and dedication it deserves. Our values ensure you receive exceptional representation from start to finish.

Aggressive Advocacy

We fight hard for injured cyclists. Whether negotiating with insurance adjusters or presenting your case to a jury, we advocate aggressively for maximum compensation for your injuries.

Honest Communication

We believe in honest, straightforward communication about your bicycle accident case. We'll tell you what to expect, what your options are, and what we recommend based on 30+ years of experience.

Local Knowledge

Our deep understanding of Columbia roads, dangerous intersections, and local courts gives our bicycle accident clients a strategic advantage against out-of-state insurance companies.

Personal Attorney Access

You'll work directly with Matt McGuire, not paralegals or junior associates. Your calls and emails get personal attention from experienced counsel who knows your case.

Thorough Case Preparation

We prepare every bicycle accident case as if it's going to trial, even those likely to settle. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence in court.

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Immediate Action Steps After a Bicycle Accident

The first hours after a bicycle accident are critical for your health and your legal claim. These steps protect your rights and strengthen your case.

Call 911 Immediately

Get Columbia Police Department or Richland County Sheriff's deputies to the scene for an official report. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Go to Prisma Health Baptist Columbia or Palmetto Health Richland, even if injuries seem minor initially. Many bicycle injuries worsen without immediate treatment.

Document Everything

Take photos of your bike, the vehicle, road conditions, and visible injuries before anything is moved. This evidence is crucial for proving liability.

Gather Witness Information

Get contact information from bystanders who saw the accident occur on Columbia streets. Witness testimony often makes the difference in disputed liability cases.

Obtain Driver Information

Get the driver's insurance information, license plate number, and contact details without admitting fault. Never apologize or accept blame at the scene.

Avoid Insurance Company Statements

Don't give recorded statements to insurance companies until you speak with an experienced Columbia bicycle accident attorney who can protect your interests.

Preserve Your Bicycle and Gear

Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and cycling gear as crucial evidence for your personal injury claim. Don't repair or dispose of anything.

Contact McGuire Law

Call (888) 499-5738 immediately to begin protecting your rights and building your case against the negligent driver.

The McGuire Law Difference

Insurance companies know which attorneys will fight and which will accept lowball offers. Matt McGuire's tenacious reputation statewide often leads to favorable settlements without lengthy court battles—but we're always prepared to take your case to trial.

Personal Attention, Not Assembly Line Service

At McGuire Law, you're not just a case number. You're a person facing a critical moment in your life, and you deserve an attorney who treats your bicycle accident case with the urgency and attention it demands.

Same-Day Response Guarantee

When you're injured in a bicycle accident, every hour counts. That's why we guarantee same-day response to all client inquiries. In many cases, we respond within the hour—even on weekends.

Results-Driven Representation

We're focused on outcomes that matter to you—maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and protecting your future from ongoing injury costs.

Clear Communication, No Legal Jargon

We explain complex legal matters and insurance tactics in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your bicycle accident case with confidence.

Proven Expertise You Can Trust

Our team brings over 30 years of specialized experience in personal injury and bicycle accident cases, giving you confidence that your matter is handled by attorneys who've seen it all.

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Insurance Company Tactics & How We Counter Them

Insurance adjusters use proven tactics to minimize your bicycle accident claim. We know their playbook and fight back aggressively.

Common Insurance Tactics

  • Claiming cyclists were at fault for not wearing helmets, even though South Carolina doesn't require adult helmet use
  • Quick settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries or long-term medical needs
  • Arguing you were riding unsafely on busy Columbia roads like Two Notch or Broad River Road
  • Disputing the severity of soft tissue injuries, concussions, and other common cycling injuries

How We Fight Back

  • Scrutinizing your social media posts and using them against your injury claims—we advise clients to avoid posting during cases
  • Delaying claims hoping you'll accept less money as medical bills pile up and financial pressure mounts
  • Matt McGuire's 30+ years of experience dealing with insurance companies protects you from these manipulative tactics
  • Our firm investigates every angle, consults medical experts, and fights for maximum compensation you deserve

Never Accept a Quick Settlement

Insurance companies make quick offers because they know your injuries may be worth far more than they're offering. Always consult an attorney first.

Damages Available in Bicycle Accident Cases

Bicycle accident victims deserve full compensation for all losses—not just immediate medical bills. We fight for every dollar you're entitled to receive.

Medical Expenses

Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs for bicycle accident injuries including head trauma, fractures, and road rash.

Lost Wages

Compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to work in Columbia or limit your career.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical discomfort, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life caused by the negligent driver's actions.

Property Damage

Recovery for your bicycle, helmet, cycling gear, and other personal items destroyed in the crash.

Future Medical Care

Costs when injuries require long-term treatment, additional surgeries, or permanent disability accommodations that continue for years.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Damages when injuries prevent you from cycling, exercising, or participating in activities you love.

Most Cases Resolve in 12-18 Months

Complex cases may take longer, but Matthew McGuire's tenacious reputation statewide often leads to favorable settlements without lengthy court battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bicycle accident victims have many questions about their rights and the legal process. Here are answers to the most common concerns we hear from injured cyclists in Columbia.

Do I need a helmet to have a valid claim?

No. South Carolina does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. Insurance companies often claim lack of helmet use reduces your claim, but this argument can be challenged. We fight these tactics aggressively.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run cases can still result in compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We also work with police and private investigators to identify the fleeing driver when possible.

How long do I have to file a claim?

South Carolina's statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years from the accident date. However, evidence disappears and memories fade quickly—contact us immediately for the best outcome.

What if I was partially at fault?

South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?

Almost never. First offers are typically far below what your case is worth. Insurance companies count on injured cyclists accepting quick settlements before understanding the full extent of their injuries.

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not out of your pocket. Call for free to discuss your case.

What evidence is most important in bicycle accident cases?

Photos from the scene, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and the damaged bicycle are all critical. Traffic camera footage and the driver's cell phone records can also prove negligence.

Can I sue the City of Columbia for road hazards?

Yes, but claims against municipalities have special requirements and shorter deadlines. If a dangerous road condition caused your accident, contact us immediately to preserve your rights against the city.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Get Started Today

When you've been injured in a bicycle accident in Columbia, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you while you're recovering from serious bicycle accident injuries. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your case.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you while you're recovering from serious bicycle accident injuries in Columbia. Matthew McGuire's three decades of experience and statewide reputation for tenacious advocacy means you get the aggressive representation needed to secure maximum compensation. Call (888) 499-5738 now for your free consultation—we're available 24/7/365.

"The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine."