South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

In South Carolina, all vehicle drivers owe a duty of care to everyone they encounter on the road – including motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycles and their riders are neither as visible nor as protected as passenger vehicles, putting them at greater risk.

In 2013, approximately 4,400 motorcyclists were killed in accidents across the United States, while over 88,000 motorcyclists were injured. Statistics show that in South Carolina, nearly five motorcycle accidents occur on a daily basis.

At Kassel and McVey, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to protecting your best interests as you face the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of your accident. If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to the actions of a negligent driver, call us as soon as possible.

Common Motorbike Accident Injuries

Due to their lack of protection, motorcycle accidents tend to cause the most serious personal injuries to the motorcyclists as compared to anyone else involved in the accident.

Some of the common non-fatal injuries that can stem from a motorcycle accident include:

• Broken bones
• Leg and foot fractures
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina

Motorcycle accidents on any roadway can stem from a great number of situations.

In accidents involving motorcycles and motor vehicles that result in death, head-on collisions are often to blame. Due to the nature of physics and the size of a typical passenger vehicle compared to a motorcycle, the motorcycle rider is more prone to suffer serious injuries or fatalities.

A great deal of accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles also occur when the car makes a left-hand turn. The motorcycle can be hit for several different reasons—the motorcycle could be passing the car, could be trying to overtake the car, or could be going straight through an intersection.

Lane splitting is another common cause of motorcycle accidents, and occurs when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of slow or stopped cars. Typically occurring in traffic jams, lane splitting results from factors such as the close proximity of the motorcycle to the cars, the reduced space the motorcycle has to maneuver, and the fact that cars do not expect any motorcycle to pass them in slow or stopped traffic.

Other common causes behind motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities include distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, ignoring traffic signals, poor road conditions, inclement weather conditions, and defective parts.

Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim

Many motorcycle accidents are severe in nature, leaving accident victims to face serious to permanent injuries. Bringing a successful personal injury claim will entitle the victim to different kinds of damages. These include:

• Medical treatment and expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Some estimates show that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a road accident—the likelihood increasing even more if the driver fails to follow traffic rules or fails to wear a helmet.

As a motorcyclist, there are several things you can do to lower your chances of getting hurt when riding your motorcycle:

Always wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Universal helmet laws, placed in 19 states, mandate that all motorcycle drivers and riders need to wear helmets. Estimates show that helmets reduce the chances of a crash fatality by up to 37 percent. In 2013, the use of helmets is credited for saving more than 1,600 lives.

Refrain from riding your motorcycle after you have been drinking. If you are impaired, opt to ride with a friend or call a cab.

Avoid tailgating at all times.

Wear bright, protective clothing with reflective materials. Doing so will enable other motorists on the road to see you better.

Obey speed limits and maintain a safe traveling speed when going over gravel and slippery surfaces. Exercise caution and be mindful of the road conditions.

Contact Kassel McVey Today

When on the road, an individual on a motorcycle has the same rights as passenger cars do. They can travel the same roadways, but must also obey the same traffic laws.

If you are a motorcycle rider involved in an accident and opt to file a personal injury claim, you have the same burden of proof to establish the defendant’s negligence in the accident. You also need to have the skills and experience to properly asses and fight for the true value and extent of your damages. As such, you would benefit greatly by consulting with knowledgeable legal counsel.

Our legal team at Kassel McVey has years of experience in successfully handling accident claims, and are willing and able to protect your rights when tragedy strikes.

Call Kassel McVey today at (803) 256-4242 for a free evaluation of your case.