South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle riders are not reckless daredevils on the road. Instead, motorcycle riders tend to understand the risks of being on the road because they are more vulnerable to accidents. Accidents involving motorcycles are usually unfairly blamed on riders when, in reality, they are caused by drivers in cars. If you are an injured motorcycle rider, talk to a lawyer about how to get compensation for your injuries.

Common causes of motorcycle crashes may include other drivers ignoring riders on the road, speeding, ignoring blind spots, and other factors common in many other accidents. The main difference is that motorcycle riders are very susceptible to injuries because they are not inside an enclosed vehicle. As such, their damages tend to be greater, and more financial compensation might be on the line. To get you through this difficult time and get justice, your attorney can help you take legal action.

Get a private evaluation of your case for free by calling (803) 219-4906 and talking to our motorcycle accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.

Typical Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in South Carolina

Many causes of ordinary car accidents are also common in motorcycle accident cases. The biggest difference is that since motorcycle riders are not protected inside enclosed vehicles, they are more susceptible to injuries. What might be a minor car accident could be a severe motorcycle crash.

One of the biggest problems motorcycle riders face today is other drivers ignoring their presence. This is sometimes referred to as inattentional blindness and happens when drivers do not notice motorcycle riders even though they might be right in front of them. Drivers in cars often do not bother worrying about motorcycles, so when they are on the right in front of them, they tend to disregard them. If you were hit by a vehicle even though you were clearly visible, talk to our motorcycle accident attorneys about your legal options.

Speeding is another serious risk on the roads. As mentioned, motorcycle riders are more susceptible to injuries, even when hit at lower speeds. What might be only a fender bender involving two cars might be a serious collision with a motorcycle. The rider might be sent flying, crashing into the hard pavement. While helmets and protective gear can help reduce the risk of injuries, they do not completely eliminate them.

Blind spots pose a risk to almost all drivers, especially motorcycle riders. Because motorcycles are smaller than regular cars, they may be more easily concealed within a driver’s blind spot. If a driver makes a turn or changes lanes without checking their blind posts, they might hit an unassuming motorcycle rider. Remember, you are not responsible for making sure you are not in someone’s blind spot. Drivers are responsible for checking blind spots before maneuvering on the road.

Damages You Can Recover in a South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Case

Your damages should reflect the money you have lost, your injuries, and the pain you endured because of the motorcycle accident. Damages are unique to each situation, but the more serious your accident is, the greater your damages tend to be. An attorney can make sure your damages are accurately calculated so that you get all the compensation you deserve.

Non-economic damages reflect losses or injuries that did not cost money but still took a significant toll on your life. For example, you can claim damages related to pain from injuries, emotional or psychological distress, complications caused by mental trauma, and the overall loss of enjoyment of your life. If the accident seriously impacts your life and continues to affect how you live, discuss non-economic damages with your lawyer.

Your economic damages comprise the numerous costs you incurred because of the accident. Chief among these costs is likely your medical costs. Typically, medical expenses are quite high, even for relatively minor treatments. Even one visit to the hospital might cost someone hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your injuries require more extensive treatment or long-term care, your costs might be extremely high. You should also consider the cost of repairing your damaged motorcycle and your ability to work. If you cannot return to work after the accident, we can help you claim the income you lose out on.

The Right Time to File a Claim for a South Carolina Motorcycle Collision

Exactly when a motorcycle accident victim should file a legal claim varies from case to case. However, in many cases, the sooner a plaintiff gets started, the better their odds of success. On top of that, your time to file a claim is limited by the South Carolina statute of limitations for personal injury cases.

The statute of limitations can be found under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-545(5) and gives plaintiffs 3 years from when their accident occurs to file a legal claim for damages. This is a pretty strict time limit, and if it passes without anything being filed, you might lose your right to bring the cause of action altogether. While 3 years might sound like more than enough time, it is surprisingly short. Many cases take months and months just to prepare before they are filed. It is often best to get started with a lawyer as soon as possible to maximize your time to prepare.

While starting early has its benefits, there may be some advantages to waiting a bit before filing your claim. For example, waiting a while to file gives you and your lawyer time to monitor changes in your damages. Maybe your injuries worsen or do not respond to medical treatment, leading to even greater medical treatment, costs, and damages. If your injuries become so bad that a full recovery is no longer possible, your non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering should be adjusted and increased.