Motorists often perceive motorcyclists as irresponsible and reckless. However, motorcyclists are often the victim of drivers who are not looking out for motorcyclists. A South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney can help you with every aspect of your civil lawsuit.
You have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. However, you need to make sure that you procure all the relevant evidence to substantiate your legal claims. Medical bills, traffic collision reports, and medical records are all necessary for any motorcycle accident case.
Motorcyclists Often Suffer Serious Bodily Injury or Death
Motorcyclists do not have a barrier protecting them from the force of impact they experience during a collision with an automobile. Due to this vulnerability, motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries that require months and years of medical treatment. Unfortunately, some motorcycle accident victims suffer permanent disability due to their injuries.
Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are two of the most severe types of injuries that can affect motorcyclists. These injuries often require accident victims to undergo months and years of physical rehabilitation. Medical bills can add up quickly, and some victims may be unable to return to their chosen profession after they heal from their injuries.
Motorcycles Lack Safety Features
Motorcycles lack safety features such as airbag systems, electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitors that are standard in the majority of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Motorcyclists are typically only protected by riding suits and helmets. Due to this discrepancy, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer bone fractures and other serious injuries.
Property Damage Can Be Extensive in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcyclists often suffer a total loss of their motorcycles during severe motorcycle accidents. The majority of motorcycles are totaled during motorcycle accidents. On the other hand, cars, trucks, and SUVs may only suffer moderate damage during a motorcycle accident.
A motorcyclist may rely on their motorcycle for transportation and be unable to use the motorcycle after an accident. Insurance companies may be unwilling to provide the full repair cost of a totaled motorcycle. Repairing a totaled motorcycle can be extremely expensive.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are often struck by other motorists during motorcycle accidents. Although motorcyclists have a reputation for being dangerous and careless, it is actually other motorists who often cause motorcycle accidents. The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in South Carolina:
- Open automobile doors
- Rear-end accidents
- Left-hand turns
- Not yielding the right-of-way
These causes are commonplace and occur quite often during both the day and night. However, other motorists may be less likely to see motorcyclists at night during poor weather conditions. Heavy rain and fog can make it more difficult for motorists to see motorcyclists, and therefore, those who drive motorcycles need to be vigilant if they are traveling in dangerous weather conditions.
The Most Common Types of Injuries Victims Suffer During Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often do not know the extent of their injuries because they lose consciousness during a motorcycle accident. A motorcyclist may absorb the full impact of a collision, and this may cause temporary or permanent disability. The following are some of the most common injuries motorcyclists suffer during motorcycle accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Amputations
A motorcyclist who suffers serious bodily injury must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes, a motorcyclist may believe they did not suffer serious bodily injury. However, symptoms of an injury may not become discernible until days or weeks after the date of the accident.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Personal Injury Claims in South Carolina
If you suffered injuries during a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, then you have three years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit. This time period is known as the statute of limitations, and it is important to keep track of it throughout the course of your motorcycle accident case. Do not wait until the statute of limitations period expires to file your legal claims.
You may lose your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries if you file your legal claims beyond the statute of limitations period. Therefore, you should speak to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible regarding your motorcycle accident case. It is important that you not rest on your rights after you suffer serious bodily injury during any type of accident.
Methods of Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in South Carolina
Motorcyclists can take extra steps to make sure they are as safe as possible while traveling in South Carolina. Although motorcyclists have a reputation for being dangerous, they are often safer than drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The following are some of the things motorcyclists can do to reduce their risk of injury from a crash:
- Do not ride in poor weather conditions
- Do not drink alcohol
- Maintain motorcycle equipment
- Use safety gear
- Use a motorcycle helmet
Motorcyclists often need to make sure they are visible to other motorists. This can be more difficult during bad weather. It may be helpful for motorcyclists to wear reflective clothing that can make them more visible to those with whom they share the road; however, motorcyclists should avoid using shiny reflectors that may cause other motorists to veer off the road.
We Are Here to Help You with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Our attorneys can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your motorcycle accident case. You have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. If you want to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
It can be difficult to deal with opposing counsel on your own if you do not have an attorney representing your legal interests. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with legal issues on your own. You have the right to know as much as you can about your legal rights and your options for enforcing those rights.
