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Motorcycle accidents can be intense, frightening, and life-changing. Like other motor vehicle accidents, they may occur for different reasons, lead to accumulating medical bills, and result in serious pain and injuries. However, Shelly Leeke Law Firm wants you to know that you do not have to handle these stresses and frustrations alone.
Our top-rated legal representatives are here to help you. By choosing to hire an experienced Walterboro motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with care, understanding, and professionalism. Your Walterboro personal injury lawyer is fluent in the laws surrounding motorcycle accidents, and we will advocate for your rights and the compensation you are entitled to recover.
When to Seek a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Walterboro
The state of South Carolina gives individuals three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against parties who caused their motorcycle accident under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 15 §15-3-540. We typically recommend seeking help from a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer in Walterboro as soon as possible after these collisions. This is because motorcycle accident claims can take a long time from start to finish, and our team would like to begin working on your claim sooner rather than later to ensure that you will have the compensation you need going forward.
Motorcycle accident cases can become tricky. Most people do not respect or want to share the road with motorcyclists. However, at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we treat motorcyclists fairly. We understand that these individuals have a strong passion for riding their motorcycles and want to be treated like everyone else on the road.
You may also find yourself in need of legal counsel when negotiating with the insurance company. It is not unusual for insurance claims to initially be denied or for the negotiations process to drag on when the insurer refuses to see the true value of your claim. With a powerful legal advocate in your corner, you can hold the insurance company accountable and show them you will not back down until you get the settlement you deserve.
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Why Motorcycles Are More Dangerous than Other Vehicles
According to the state Department of Public Safety, in 2022, there were 137 motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina. Motorcycles are more dangerous than other automobiles because they do not have the same level of protection. For example, an automobile is equipped with airbags, seatbelts, and a layer of enclosed protection.
On the other hand, a motorcycle does not come with these types of protections. Many people involved in motorcycle accidents do not survive, but when you do, you should get medical treatment as soon as possible. After receiving medical treatment, you should seek out help from a trial-proven motorcycle accident attorney in Walterboro to ensure you receive the proper compensation you are owed.
Walterboro Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Often Debilitating
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has seen various motorcycle injuries throughout our legal careers. Most of the injuries our clients have suffered from are serious, permanent, and have lasting effects. The following are several of the most common motorcycle accident injuries we have helped our clients with:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Amputations
- Road rash
- Burns
- Head and skull injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Concussions
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
When individuals experience these types of injuries, recovery is usually a long road or is simply impossible. However, physicians will recommend some treatment plans to help you manage the pain and remain comfortable. Our team will ensure we are taking into account the impact your injuries may have on your life in the future to ensure you are compensated fairly for your suffering.
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Top Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Walterboro
Figuring out the cause of your motorcycle accident will be one of our top priorities. This way, we can uncover the identity of the at-fault party and demand they be held accountable for their negligence. Do not be alarmed if multiple people or parties share blame for your accident, as this means you could have a greater chance of recovering the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the state, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. In fact, in 2022, there were 5,932 reported motorcycle accidents involving drunk or impaired driving across the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When you are hit by a drunk driver, you may have the right to demand justice for your suffering in addition to the criminal charges they may be facing for operating a vehicle while under the influence.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving includes any type of unsafe driving. Any type of traffic violation could be considered negligence, whether the motorist was driving recklessly or made a mistake. Some examples include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Road rage
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to stop or yield
- Making unsafe lane changes or unlawful turns
- Failure to check blind spots
Dangerous Roads
Dangerous road conditions often occur when the South Carolina Department of Transportation or the city of Walterboro fails to make necessary safety repairs. This could be by failing to repair potholes or address complaints after a string of incidents at dangerous intersections. It could also include a lack of sufficient street lighting, missing signs, or a lack of bicycle lanes.
Defective Parts
Malfunctioning motor vehicle parts are often recalled. However, before these recalls occur, many people may suffer catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle parts that are reported as defective after a motorcycle wreck could include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Handlebars
- Fuel tank
- Frame
- Headlight defects
- The throttle
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Expenses that Come from Motorcycle Accidents
It is not unusual for injury victims to never be able to work again and need continuous assistance from their family, friends, and loved ones to complete their daily tasks. Motorcyclists who have been injured in motorcycle accidents quickly notice that the expenses begin accumulating. Some examples could include:
- Hospital visits
- Doctor office visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Psychological therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Home modifications
- Hired services
On top of these expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, and loss of benefits can also be recovered in a motorcycle accident claim with the help of an experienced Walterboro car accident lawyer. Not only is the recovery from a motorcycle accident financially exhausting, but it also can become physically and emotionally exhausting for the victim and their loved ones. Our team will make sure you receive reparations to cover your financial damages as well as your emotional damages.
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Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents in Walterboro
Even though there are various reasons that motorcycle accidents may occur, the main one we typically see is negligence. When an individual gets on their motorcycle daily, they are at the mercy of truck drivers and other automobile drivers who do not wish to give them enough space on the roads. Although they must place their trust in other drivers, accidents still often happen.
Sometimes, a motorcyclist is given plenty of space, and everyone drives carefully around them, but there is something wrong with their motorcycle. In cases like this, we will look at the manufacturer of your motorcycle and determine if there was any negligence on the manufacturer’s part. No matter the reason for your accident, our law firm will gather the required evidence to build a strong case against the defendant.
We believe in holding responsible individuals accountable for their negligent and wrongful actions. We will ensure that your side of the story will be told. By the end of the case, we will have worked tirelessly to ensure that you get the best outcome possible and the compensation you deserve to pay for your medical bills, daily bills, and other increasing expenses.
Reach Out to Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today if You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in any motorcycle accident, Shelly Leeke Law Firm would be glad to hear about it. We know that it is common for motorcyclists to place the blame on themselves, but our team is aware of the stigma that surrounds motorcycles. We will stand up for you and make sure the parties who caused your accident are found liable.
To move forward with the process, please fill out our contact form or call our office to schedule a free initial consultation with a respected Walterboro motorcycle accident attorney. After submitting, we will contact you as quickly as possible. We look forward to alleviating your stress by assisting you during this challenging time.