No matter what type of motor vehicle you are driving in South Carolina, all drivers have a duty of care to everyone else who is sharing the roads and highways, including motorcycles. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protection as drivers of other types of motor vehicles, and this puts them at greater risk of serious injury if they should be involved in a motorcycle accident.
As an example, in 2019, 126 motorcycle riders were killed in South Carolina motorcycle accidents, and approximately 1,972 suffered injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, we can work to assist you in receiving the monetary compensation you and your family deserve.
Our motorcycle lawyers will ensure you have a basic understanding of motorcycle accidents so you understand your rights. As you will see, a motorcycle accident claim in South Carolina can be a complex legal matter.
If, after reading this article, you have additional questions as to whether you may have a claim after being in a motorcycle accident in Chester, South Carolina, then we welcome you to contact one of our motorcycle accident attorneys at Elrod Pope.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chester, South Carolina
In South Carolina, there can be a few situations that lead to motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes include, but aren’t limited to:
- Head-on Collisions
- Lane Splitting on the Part of the Motorcyclist
- Traffic Jams
- Distracted Drivers
- Driving Under the Influence
- Speeding
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
- Poor Road Conditions
- Bad Weather
- Defective Parts
The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Chester, South Carolina
Because motorcyclists have less protection than other motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, etc. this makes them more prone to suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident. Some of the most common non-fatal injuries that can occur in a Chester, South Carolina motorcycle accident include, but aren’t limited to:
- Broken Bones
- Internal Organ Damage
- Lacerations
- Leg and Foot Fractures
- Neck Injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Whiplash
What Kind of Compensation May Be Available to Me After a Chester, South Carolina Motorcycle Accident?
Many of the motorcycle accidents in South Carolina result in severe and sometimes catastrophic injuries. These injuries could leave you or a loved one with permanent injuries and/or a permanent disability. A claim for personal injury due to your motorcycle accident may result in you receiving different types of damages, depending on your individual injuries. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Depression
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium
- Lost Wages
- Medical Treatment and Expenses
- Mental Anguish
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Wrongful Death
What Your Rights Are After A Chester, South Carolina Motorcycle Accident
If another driver was responsible for your motorcycle accident, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver to receive monetary compensation for damages from your injuries and/or due to the loss of a loved one if the motorcycle accident caused a fatality.
It could be the maintenance or design of the road causes of your Chester, South Carolina motorcycle accident and you could file a claim against the agency or entity responsible for the roads.
If your motorcycle was defective in some way, and this defect is found to have caused your motorcycle accident you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer.
If you are injured, or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you have legal rights. Our Chester motorcycle accident lawyers at Elrod Pope are here to assist you and your family to exercise all your right and fight for all the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
What You Can Do to Help Keep Yourself Safe While Riding My Motorcycle in South Carolina
Some experts have estimated that motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to die if they are involved in an accident. This number increases if the driver didn’t follow traffic laws or was not wearing a helmet.
As a motorcycle rider, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting injured while riding your bike. They include, but aren’t limited to:
- Wear a Helmet.
- Don’t Drink and Drive
- Avoid Tailgating
- Wear Bright Clothing with Reflective Materials
- Obey all Speed Limits
Do I Need a Chester, South Carolina Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle riders have the same rights as passenger cars and other motor vehicles operators in South Carolina, and they also must obey all traffic laws and rules.
If you or a loved one was involved in a Chester, South Carolina motorcycle accident, and decide to file a personal injury claim, you will have to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident.
The legal team at the South Carolina law firm of Elrod Pope have the skills and experience you need to properly assess all aspects of your motorcycle accident and fight for the true value of your injuries and other damages.
We can build your case in preparation for a South Carolina court, and build a strong claim to assist you in negotiating a fair out-of-court settlement. We are experts at the necessary strategies to assist you with your Chester motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle accident claims can be extremely complicated, and you will need an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney in your corner to ensure you receive all the monetary compensation you and your loved ones deserve. Please contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Elrod Pope today to find out how we can assist you in settling your case in a timely manner so you can focus on moving forward with your life.