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Motorcycles are a great mode of transportation, offering a feeling of freedom. But motorcycles can also be extremely dangerous. Their small size makes them difficult to see. Without the shell of a car, motorcycle riders can also get badly hurt if an accident occurs.
Both drivers and motorcyclists have a responsibility to keep each other safe when on the road. If you or a loved one were injured due to a driver’s negligence while riding your motorcycle, the Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney can help. Call 843-701-8029 to find out what we can do for you.
What Are South Carolina’s Motorcycle Laws?
Here are the laws that apply to motorcycle riders in South Carolina:
- Helmet laws: Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is highly recommended, but it is not required for riders 21 and up. So, if an accident occurs and the driver sustains a head injury and was not wearing a helmet, the injury would still be fully the fault of the driver.
- Face shields: Riders under 21 must use a face shield, goggles, or a windshield.
- Lane splitting: Motorcycle riders may assume they can drive between lanes. Lane splitting is illegal in South Carolina. That being stated, motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane and drivers may not deprive them of a full lane. Motorcyclists can ride no more than two abreast in a lane and cannot overtake vehicles in front of them.
- Extra loads: Motorcyclists may not carry an extra passenger or additional items unless the vehicle is designed to accommodate them.
- Riding posture: Riders must ride with one leg on either side of the motorcycle seat. They must always keep both hands on the handlebars.
No matter how lawfully a motorcycle rider may operate in South Carolina, accidents can still happen.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Charleston with another vehicle, call Trey today to begin your case.
Common Causes of Charleston Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Motorcycle in the driver’s blind spot: Motorcycles are small vehicles so it’s common for drivers not to see them. When a motorcycle is next to a car, it’s easy for it to fall into a car’s blind spot. If the car does not see the motorcycle, it may try to get over and accidentally run the rider off the road.
- “Dooring”: Drivers have the responsibility to look at the road for oncoming traffic before opening the doors of their vehicles. However, many fail to do so. This can be especially dangerous to motorcyclists who can easily get thrown off their bikes if a car door opens in their path. This is called a dooring accident.
- Disobeying the rules of the road: It’s important for motorcyclists and drivers to follow the rules of the road. They must stay within speed limits, obey traffic signs and lights, and refrain from driving intoxicated. When they break the rules of the road, they increase the risk of a collision.
- Unsafe road conditions: Potholes and debris are particularly hazardous to motorcycle riders. The light weight of their vehicles makes it easy for them to get unbalanced. If an accident occurs due to debris or a pothole in the road, damages may be owed by the city or a construction company that was working nearby.
- Vehicle malfunction: Accidents can happen if a motorcycle or car suddenly malfunctions. If brakes or steering go out, it could be the fault of the car manufacturers or a mechanic.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
There are many types of compensable injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. These include:
- Road rash: It’s not uncommon for riders to get hit off their bike and get dragged along the road due to the momentum of the impact. The friction can burn the skin causing severe burns from the road.
- Head injuries: Head injuries often occur during motorcycle accidents and wearing a helmet significantly reduces the severity of injury to the skull or brain. Motorcycle head injuries include concussions, skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries that can result in permanent damage.
- Amputations: If a severe injury is sustained to a limb or the hand or foot area, an amputation may be necessary.
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs due to the back-and-forth movement of the neck during impact. It is common in motorcyclists that are hit from behind at low impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: If a motorcycle accident spinal cord injury occurs, it can lead to paralysis.
- Broken bones: Broken bone injuries from motorcycle wrecks can warrant surgery and lead to an ongoing disability.
- Organ damage: Organ damage is life-threatening injury that may not be apparent at first. That’s why it’s advisable to get looked at by a medical professional after a motorcycle accident occurs.
What Kind of Damages Can I Collect in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may collect damages for:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
The amount you collect will vary depending on your personal situation and the extent of your damages. Your Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer will review your case and let you know how much you stand to be compensated for.
Contact a Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Case
We see motorcycle accidents in Charleston resulting in life-altering injuries. If you were hurt due to a driver’s negligent behavior, don’t settle for a low amount from an insurance company. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney will make sure you get fair compensation.
As a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer, Trey possesses vast experience across all areas of the personal injury field. We provide personalized attention when it comes to representing your claim. Plus, we won’t see a dime unless we help you win your case.
Motorcycle accident? Don’t delay! Call Trey!
