If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you know just how life-changing it can be. A simple bike ride turns into a tragedy, and you are faced with years of recovery and fear. Motorcycle accidents are surprisingly common, and many times they are the fault of the other driver.
Understanding South Carolina motorcycle accident statistics can help you to see just how common this type of incident can be, and as a result, you should pursue financial compensation if you have suffered such a loss. At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we work with people who need reliable, experienced legal representation. Call us now for a free consultation with an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Are South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Statistics?
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety provides insight into the number of motorcycle accidents that have occurred in the state. In 2019, there were 123 people who died as a result of such accidents in the state. On a national level, 5,019 were killed that year.
The organization provides some other worrisome facts. For example, in 2021, one motorcyclist was killed every 2.3 days in the state. In 2021, there were 166 fatalities in the state involving motorcycle riders.
Data indicates that some situations are the result of high alcohol content in the rider. However, it is not okay to simply label any accident that occurs as the fault of just the motorcycle rider without looking at all of the details. If you were injured for any reason in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to ensure those responsible pay for the losses you have.
What is worrisome is that motorcycle accidents continue to rise. As a result of this, more people are suffering serious injury or death unnecessarily.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
There are many reasons why a person may become a victim in a motorcycle accident. There are times when the rider is at fault. However, there are many more times when it is the fault of another vehicle operator.
Consider some of the most common reasons for these collisions to take place:
- Distracted driving (the other driver was texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, or otherwise not paying attention to the road)
- Reckless driving, including speeding or drag racing
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperience
- Fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel
- Not knowing the motorcycle laws of the state
- Poor road conditions
If you were on your motorcycle, think about what you saw the driver doing prior to the accident. Were they looking down, falling asleep, or swerving? That is valuable information that could help you later.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents so Fatal?
A motorcycle accident carries a higher risk of serious injury and fatalities than other vehicles. The biggest reason for this is the lack of protection. Unlike a driver that is in a car surrounded by metal, a motorcycle rider has very little protection from the bike itself, and that means he or she takes on the full brunt of the incident, often leading to serious injury.
Even when a motorcycle rider is not killed in such an accident, they are likely to suffer serious injury. Some examples of this include:
- Loss of limbs due to crushing or deep lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Infections brought on by road rash and burns
- Spinal column injuries, sometimes resulting in an inability to walk again
- Broken bones
- Muscle and tissue damage
- Whiplash, as well as shoulder and neck injury
With so much force occurring and so little protection – even with a helmet on – motorcycle riders are likely to suffer serious injury after any type of accident with another vehicle. If it is a truck that strikes them, the results can be even more devastating.
Common Types of Damages for a Motorcycle Accident
Our goal as your motorcycle accident attorney is to gather as much information as possible about your incident and then determine what your losses are. Typically, motorcycle accidents involve numerous types of losses, including:
- Medical bills from your initial emergency care
- Reconstructive surgery and follow-up surgical procedures
- Hospital admission costs
- Medications
- Burn and infection treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Loss of income and ability to work
Many of our clients also experience ongoing needs. A motorcycle accident could result in emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and even complicated mental health disorders like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that require care and support.
You may be struggling with pain, the inability to get back on your bike again, and lose the ability to earn a living as you were. When you meet with our legal team, we will listen, learn, and guide you in determining what all of your losses are, allowing you to ensure that you have the financial means to overcome the challenges you are facing.
Why You Need an Attorney in a Motorcycle Accident
The statistics are clear. Motorcycle accidents happen often. Yet, what many do not provide is an insight into the stigma that riders face.
It is often the case that when an accident like this happens, the rider is believed to be at fault, often expected to have been driving recklessly or putting themselves at risk. This is often very wrong, but it can mean that even a jury may side against you in a case where there are serious financial losses.
Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm in South Carolina Today
As you learn more about the South Carolina motorcycle accident statistics, know that you are not alone in this battle. Our legal team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you.
We provide a free, no-obligation consultation as a first step, giving you the insight and guidance you need to know what to do next. Then, we work aggressively to protect your rights and fight for your compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
