Motorcycles provide freedom and independence that a passenger vehicle cannot. However, these vehicles expose you more to the elements and danger than passenger cars and trucks do. That means when an accident happens, you may be more vulnerable and more severely injured than other drivers.
Worse, the insurance company may use that against you. They may claim you were at fault for your injuries, and they may try to leave you paying out of pocket for your suffering.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we understand how tough it can be to get compensation for an accident. That is why our South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers offer all the guidance you need when you are hurt and suffering and need legal guidance. Call our South Carolina personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today.
Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents Across Cayce
Because motorcycles do not provide the same protections as a passenger vehicle, you may suffer from devastating injuries that can turn fatal in an instant. Even if you feel okay now, seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident to ensure your safety and prevent your injuries from worsening.
Below are a few types of injuries you may have suffered following a Cayce motorcycle accident that you may be eligible for compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Top Ways Cayce Motorcycle Accidents Occur
Cayce motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, some of which are not the fault of another person. However, many Cayce motorcyclists are injured yearly because someone else was negligent. When this happens, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
But how do you know when you have grounds for a lawsuit? Below is a small sample of the types of cases you may be facing and who may be liable for your claim. Talk to a lawyer about the exact details of your motorcycle accident to get personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Dangerous Driving
Unfortunately, many drivers are not as concerned about your safety and well-being as you are. Drivers in passenger vehicles may drive distracted, drowsy, or drunk, leaving you in a dangerous situation. These vehicles are much larger than your own, and you do not have nearly as many safety features to protect you if one of these drivers hits you.
That is why dangerous driving leads to many deadly motorcycle accidents. If you believe the other driver was driving recklessly or without regard for others on the road, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Cayce, SC, to begin your case as soon as possible.
Road Hazards
Even the most careful motorcyclist may sometimes encounter dangerous roadways that cause a severe accident. For example, you may have hit a pothole that caused damage to your wheel and flipped your bike. You may also have lost control of your motorcycle because of standing water on the road.
Road hazards are supposed to be taken care of by the government agency that takes care of the roadways. They are responsible for filling potholes and ensuring there are no road design defects that cause dangerous situations for drivers. Unfortunately, these agencies may try to avoid fixing a pothole even if it has already been reported.
Filing a claim against a government agency can be tough. We are tougher. If you are worried about the viability of your claim, reach out to a Cayce motorcycle accident attorney at our firm to learn more about your options.
Malfunctioning Motorcycle or Auto Parts
Sometimes, your accident may not have been caused by another driver. Instead, your accident may have happened because a part of your motorcycle or another driver’s vehicle malfunctioned. For example, you may have tried to brake on time, but your brakes failed.
When this happens, the fault often lies on the manufacturer of the faulty part. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring all products they release are safe when used as intended. If they create a product you bought that does not work as intended and you are injured, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
You May Be Accused of Sharing Fault
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be accused of being partly at fault, even if you were not. The at-fault party may claim you were driving recklessly or speeding and that those actions contributed to the accident.
This blame can have a devastating effect on the compensation you are due. Comparative fault laws in South Carolina state that if you are responsible for even part of your accident, your claim may be reduced by that amount of fault. When this happens, you may lose some or all the funds you need to recover.
Luckily, you do not have to accept fault. If you have any questions about the details of your claim and how to defend your case, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Cayce, SC, to get the guidance you need.
Time Is Running Out to File Your Cayce Motorcycle Accident Claim
When injured in a Cayce motorcycle accident, you may work against the clock to get your case filed in time. You only have limited time in South Carolina to file a lawsuit. If you do not file in time, your lawsuit may be dismissed, and you may be forced to pay out of pocket for your injuries.
In South Carolina, you only have three years to file a Cayce motorcycle accident claim. That can be a tight time limit if weeks or months have already passed since the date of your accident. If you are unsure whether you can file on time, contact a lawyer who can help you take the proper steps toward compensation.
Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Cayce, SC Today
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leaving you suffering life-changing injuries without the funds to recover. Worse, the insurance companies and at-fault parties may be unwilling to compensate you for the suffering they caused. Fortunately, you are not alone.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have all the tools you need to file a claim and get your due compensation. Our team offers free consultations for new clients who need guidance on how to get the financial relief they need following their devastating accident. When you are ready to speak with a Cayce motorcycle accident lawyer, contact an attorney by calling or filling out our online contact form.
