You can get into a motorcycle accident in Goose Creek, South Carolina due to no fault of your own. If you are riding a motorcycle but get struck by a negligent motorist, you can seek damages. To do so, it is in your best interests to hire an experienced Goose Creek motorcycle accident lawyer.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have plenty of experience with personal injury claims. For more information about our legal services for motorcycle accidents, please get in touch with us. We can connect you with our Goose Creek personal injury lawyer to assess your case.
Why a Motorcycle Accident May Occur in Goose Creek
In the United States, motorcycles make up 3% of all registered vehicles, according to the National Safety Council. Many motorcycle riders wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road, and take other precautions when they ride their bikes. Regardless, motorcycle accidents continue to happen every day in Goose Creek and other cities and towns across the United States.
There are many reasons why motorcycle accidents occur, such as:
Distracted Driving
A driver can use their cell phone or GPS system, take their eyes off the road, and strike a motorcycle rider. In this instance, the distracted driver can be held responsible for their negligence. The rider can sue the driver and request compensation for any harm they incurred.
Drunk Driving
There is no reason for a motorist to drive while intoxicated. Yet, thousands of drunk driving accidents are reported in the United States every year. If a drunk driver causes a motorcycle accident, the driver is liable for any damages.
Ignoring the Rules of the Road
If a driver makes an illegal left turn, speeds, or breaks other rules of the road, they can cause an accident. In instances where a driver breaks the law and strikes a motorcycle rider, the motorist is accountable. This driver can get sued and be required to pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
For those involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, get legal help. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to assist motorcycle accident victims in Goose Creek. To learn more, please reach out to our motorcycle accident lawyer in Goose Creek today.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Goose Creek
Following a motorcycle accident in Goose Creek, get medical care. Also, consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Goose Creek. From here, an attorney can review your case and help you decide whether to move forward with a lawsuit.
You can request damages as part of a personal injury lawsuit if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident. Or, if a family member dies in a motorcycle accident, you can file a wrongful death claim. In South Carolina, you have a maximum of three years to seek damages as part of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
When you file your lawsuit, you can request economic and non-economic damages. You may receive economic damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. Comparatively, you may get non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other losses that can be difficult to calculate.
What to Expect After You File Your Goose Creek Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
If you think you will get an instant resolution to your motorcycle accident claim, think again. Oftentimes, it takes months or years before a motorcycle accident lawsuit gets presented to a judge or jury. In the time before your trial, you and your attorney prepare accordingly.
You and your lawyer can collect evidence and figure out how to present a compelling argument to a judge or jury. In addition, your attorney remains accessible. If you have any legal questions regarding your case, your attorney is ready to respond to them.
Along with getting ready for your trial, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf. In some instances, a defendant may be willing to settle your claim outside the courtroom. If you reach a settlement agreement, you can avoid a trial altogether.
How to Approach a Goose Creek Motorcycle Accident Settlement Offer
If you receive a settlement proposal after your Goose Creek motorcycle accident, you should take a look at it. You may find that a settlement is exactly what you want. If this happens, you can accept the settlement and resolve your claim.
When you get a settlement proposal, it is beneficial to review it with your attorney. You and your attorney can assess the pros and cons of approving a settlement offer. On top of that, your lawyer can help you determine if accepting a settlement aligns with your best interests now and in the future.
In cases where you feel a settlement offer is far below what you want, you should not hesitate to reject it. Even though it can be easy to approve a settlement, rejecting a subpar offer may prove to be the best short- and long-term option. Because if you decline a settlement proposal, you and your attorney can keep working together to build an argument that helps you secure the most damages possible.
What It Takes to Get the Maximum Amount of Damages in a Goose Creek Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
You can hire a highly-rated Goose Creek motorcycle accident lawyer to put yourself in the best position to secure the damages you want. This attorney takes no shortcuts at any point during your litigation. They will do what is necessary to help you prepare and present a compelling argument.
As you work with your attorney, remain diligent. If you have a legal concern or question, share it with your attorney. Ideally, your attorney will listen to what you have to say and provide you with the legal help you need when you need it.
Keep in mind that the results of a motorcycle accident lawsuit are not guaranteed. When you have a best-in-class motorcycle accident lawyer at your side, you can work with an attorney who likely has helped clients get great case results. This lawyer will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that all of your legal needs are met.
Take the First Step to File Your Goose Creek Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers legal assistance to those who want to file a Goose Creek motorcycle accident lawsuit. Please contact us today to set up a free motorcycle accident case evaluation.