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Why Choose HawkLaw’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
People are never as open and free on the road as they are when riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, that same openness leaves you exposed to potentially serious injuries should the worst occur. Motorcycles do not have the protection of a car or truck, which can be devastating in a collision.
We want you to know that you won’t be alone in court if you bring your motorcycle accident case to HawkLaw. We’ll fight to get you fair and just compensation. Call 888-HAWKLAW today or use our contact form, and we will get to work right away!
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina
Motorcycle accidents may seem unavoidable at times — an inherent risk of driving. However, the truth is that many motorists are injured in collisions that were entirely preventable. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and what to be aware of when you are on the road as a biker or driving a passenger vehicle.
- Distracted drivers who are texting and driving or otherwise operating their vehicles without fully paying attention to the road
- Negligent drivers who fail to take into account that bikers have as much right to the road as passenger vehicles
- Blind spots in either the motorcyclist’s view or the other driver’s
- Environmental hazards, such as road construction or inclement weather
- Speeding or otherwise driving recklessly
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
You will need to understand South Carolina’s motorcycle accident laws to ensure you qualify for maximum compensation. HawkLaw’s trained, compassionate attorneys are well-versed in these laws, and we have successfully earned millions of dollars* in helping victims of vehicular accident claims all across the state.
Types Of Compensation That May Be Available After Motorcycle Traffic Accidents
There are multiple types of financial restitution your personal injury attorney can help you recover after a motorcycle accident that caused serious injuries. This compensation may include but is not limited to:
- Coverage for inpatient medical bills and/or outpatient medical treatment
- Reimbursement of medical expenses already paid out during recovery
- Reimbursement for lost wages
- Property damage, if the collision resulted in damage to a vehicle(s) and/or personal property
- Reimbursement of attorney’s fees, if applicable
- Funeral expenses in the case of motorcycle accident fatalities and wrongful death
- Compensation for pain and suffering caused by severe injuries
- Punitive damages in cases where a negligent driver can be shown to have acted egregiously
What To Know About Motorcycle Accident Laws in South Carolina
A series of regulations govern the safe operation of motorcycles in South Carolina. Any biker who wants to preserve their interests in the case of a motorcycle accident should familiarize themselves with these regulations. After a collision, it’s imperative to speak with a South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer familiar with state guidelines and how they may affect personal injury cases.
About South Carolina’s Helmet Laws
Many of South Carolina’s motorcycle safety laws are in place to help reduce catastrophic injuries, particularly for young riders. Here are a few laws in place that specifically apply to bikers under the age of 21:
- Helmets are mandatory.
- Each side of a bike helmet must have reflectors.
- Protective eye coverings are mandatory unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.
- Motorcyclists are required to carry minimum coverage insurance.
While South Carolina law does not require riders over the age of 21 to wear a helmet, it is always a good idea since headgear offers significant protection from injury in the event of a serious motorcycle accident. However, even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, this does not prevent you from pursuing a claim under South Carolina motorcycle laws. It is important for any driver or passenger who was injured to speak to a South Carolina personal injury attorney to talk about the specifics related to your case.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The kinds of motorcycle accident injuries the human body can endure in such a collision are shocking, and unfortunately, many of them are completely debilitating or even unsurvivable. Some of the most frequently seen injuries in motorcycle riders after a crash include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash
- Other catastrophic injuries
- Fatalities
If you are a biker who was involved in a motorcycle crash, it’s crucial that you get medically cleared, even if you feel fine after the collision. Adrenaline can mask pain, and other serious injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Get checked out no matter what, but the following symptoms are of particular concern and generally require emergency medical treatment:
Bone Fractures
- Swelling or bruising over a bone
- Deformity of a bodily limb
- Pain in the injured area that gets worse when touched
- Loss of function in the injured area
- Bones protruding from the skin
Spinal Injuries
- Breathing problems
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of voluntary muscle movement in chest, arms, or legs
- Loss of bowel and bladder function
- Numbness in chest, arms, or legs
Internal Bleeding
- Dizziness
- Severe weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Acute visual problems
- Numbness
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Severe headache
Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty with neck movement
- Headaches
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder
- Upper back or arm tightness
What Kind of Personal Injury Claim Can I File?
In the state of South Carolina, under the law, you can file a claim for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include easily quantifiable expenses, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more abstract and difficult to quantify, such as the following:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
A knowledgeable South Carolina personal injury lawyer can offer a free case review* and look at the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine what your case may be worth.
A Quick Checklist of Evidence to Collect After a Motorcycle Wreck
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it is important to collect what evidence you can. Take a look at this quick checklist of vital evidence to collect.
- Driver Information: You will need to collect contact information for any other drivers who are involved, including their name, number/email, and insurance information.
- Vehicle Information: Take note of all the vehicles that were involved in the accident (make, model, color, plate number), and take pictures of them and their damage if possible.
- Geographical Information: Gather specific details about the accident scene, including road conditions, potholes, road signs, and traffic lights.
- Photo and Video Evidence: If you are able, use your phone to record as much as you can about the scene of the accident, as photos and video offer useful evidence for your case.
Call A South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney For A Free Consultation Today*
After being hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be wondering how you will move forward. Life won’t ever be the same, but with the help of an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer, you can pursue a claim for the support and compensation you need to begin a difficult recovery and look toward brighter days ahead with experienced representation and legal advice with a communicative attorney-client relationship.
Our Client-Focused Motorcycle Accident Legal Process
Call 888-HAWKLAW or use our contact form, and we will get to work right away.* It’s that easy. Take a closer look at the process.
- Free consultation*
- Investigation into your accident
- Collecting relevant evidence for your case
- Contact the insurance company or at-fault party to try and get a fair settlement
- Take the fight to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
All you have to do as a client is provide the information we need such as medical records, and be honest about any information you convey. Additionally, you will need to be responsive during the discovery process if your case makes it that far. Aside from that, our legal team will take care of almost everything else for you.
A Free Consultation* is Just the Start of Our Dedicated Legal Representation
HawkLaw understands that crashes impact not only motorcycle accident victims’ physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. We have offices in Charleston, Columbia, Spartanburg, and Greenville in order to serve the entire state of South Carolina. Even if you live in a city not directly near our offices, like in Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, Lexington, or Summerville, we can still take on your case.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident on any part of South Carolina’s roadways or are dealing with the motorcycle accident death of a loved one, we want to help you. Give our team a call at 888-HAWKLAW for a free case evaluation* or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Related Articles on South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents
- How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Ride on a Motorcycle?: Discover what the law says about underage passengers on motorcycles.
- Motorcycle Accident FAQs: Take a look at some of the most common questions clients have about motorcycle accidents.
- Common Hazards Motorcyclists Should Avoid on the Road: Keep an eye out for common hazards that could be especially troublesome for motorcyclists.
- How To Determine Fault in a South Carolina Car Accident: Fault works the same in motorcycle accidents as it does in car accidents in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to you.
- Their actions violated that duty of care.
- Their violation of that duty led to the accident.
- The accident directly caused the injuries you suffered.
- Get in contact with a lawyer early to help meet all necessary deadlines
- Attorneys take time to compile a case, so leave them as much time as possible
- A contingency fee-based lawyer like those at HawkLaw does not cost you anything upfront.
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Greenville, SC 29615
John Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of HawkLaw He has been licensed to practice law in South Carolina since his graduation with honors in 1994 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was on the Law Review and Order of Wig and Robe.
