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GREENVILLE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

In a collision, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 28 times more likely to die than passenger car occupants.

But the bad news doesn’t end there –  investigations are often conducted without the biker getting the opportunity to explain what happened to police officers and emergency personnel. This means the motorcyclist is often marked as being at fault in the wreck when they did nothing wrong, and the other driver’s insurance company often refuses to pay for the motorcyclist’s injuries.

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle wreck, you need an experienced Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer to deal with the insurance companies and any personal injuries you’ve sustained in order to ensure you get everything you’re entitled to under South Carolina law.

greenville motorcycle accident lawyer

Why work with Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law

As you seek a motorcycle accident lawyer in Greenville, SC or Easley, SC, look no further than Smith Jordan. Boasting a strong reputation throughout South Carolina, our team fights passionately on behalf of the state’s equally passionate motorcyclists.

At Smith Jordan, we strongly believe that you should be able to ride without fear on South Carolina roads. When negligence gets in the way, we’ll help you fight back. Call us today.

What are possible damages our Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer help you claim?

The main goal of a Greenville motorcycle accident claim is to recover compensation for the losses you sustained as a result of the other party’s negligence. Known as damages in legal speak, these losses may include economic damages, non-economic damages, or punitive damages.

Economic damages

Any damages that have a quantifiable monetary value should be categorized as economic damages. Examples of this type of financial loss may include medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages

Less tangible losses — or the non-financial impacts of the injury on the victim’s life — are generally categorized as non-economic damages. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are a few of the most common examples of these damages.

Punitive damages

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. This type of compensation is intended to punish particularly egregious misconduct on the part of the negligent party. These damages are rarely awarded, but when they are, they can add up to a substantial amount.

What do we recommend you do after being in a crash?

The steps you take in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash can greatly affect your potential personal injury case. To protect your right to compensation, the Smith Jordan team recommends the following steps:

  • Get to a safer location: If possible, move yourself and your bike out of traffic to avoid further harm.

  • Keep your safety gear on: Leave your helmet and other gear on until police arrive to protect yourself and avoid disputes about helmet use.

  • Call 911: Request police and medical assistance, even if you don’t feel injured. An official report and early medical evaluation are crucial.

  • Tell your side of the story: Calmly explain what happened to the police without admitting fault or placing blame.

  • Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Get contact info from any witnesses.

  • Notify your insurance company: Report the accident but avoid discussing fault or giving a recorded statement before consulting an attorney.

  • Seek medical attention: Visit urgent care or your doctor to identify any hidden injuries and document a connection to the crash.

  • Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer: A Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue fair compensation.

What is the cost of hiring a Grenville motorcycle accident attorney?

You’re dealing with enough stress after a motorcycle accident. You don’t need to worry about the cost of representation when you hire Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law. Our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers offer free, no-obligation consultations for prospective clients.

We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you’ll pay nothing until we have successfully recovered compensation on your behalf. You’ll only pay a fee if we win, and that fee is taken from the compensation amount rather than your pocket.

Motorcycle accident statistics

Alarming statistics about local motorcycle accidents can be found in the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book. These stats, in particular, illustrate the devastation of local motorcycle crashes:

  • In 2022, motorcycle accidents accounted for 147 of 1,093 total traffic collision fatalities in South Carolina.
  • In addition to these fatalities, 342 South Carolina motorcycle collisions in 2022 involved serious injuries.
  • A total of 2,086 motorcycle collisions occurred in South Carolina in 2022.
  • In over half of South Carolina motorcycle collisions, helmets are not used. This makes serious injuries or fatalities far more likely.

What are South Carolina motorcycle laws?

South Carolina promotes motorcycle safety through detailed legislation targeting motorcyclists and other motorists. These are highlighted in Section 56 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Noteworthy requirements are detailed below:

  • Motorcyclists and their passengers can only ride while sitting on permanent seats.
  • Helmets are required for minors who operate motorcycles, but they are not mandated after motorcyclists reach 21 years of age.
  • Those under 21 must also wear goggles or face shields while operating motorcycles.
  • Motorcycles should not be operated while carrying items or packages that prevent using handlebars with both hands.
  • Riders or motorcycles should never be attached to other vehicles.

Additionally, South Carolina motorcyclists are expected to abide by other road rules, such as speed limits and rules regarding blood alcohol content.

greenville motorcycle accident attorney

What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?

In many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. Examples include:

  • Failure to yield to the right-of-way
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Failing to signal lane changes or turns
  • Failing to check blind spots

Road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Faulty bike parts or inadequate maintenance can also lead to accidents in some instances.

There are also particularly dangerous places in Greenville for accidents, which include:

  • Lawrence Road: This stretch has a high volume of traffic, frequent stops, and dense commercial areas.
  • W Pleasantburg Drive: There’s not only heavy traffic, but complex intersections and lots of pedestrian traffic.

What are common motorcycle accident injuries?

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Severity depends greatly on the other vehicles involved in the accident, plus circumstances such as speed or road conditions. The following injuries are especially common:

  • Abrasions also known as road rash
  • Broken bones, including arms and legs
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Burns from fires or exposure to chemicals
  • ACL or MCL tears
  • Spinal cord injuries

Our Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can make sure you file a claim on time

If you’ve suffered any of the above injuries in a motorcycle accident, you have limited time to file a claim for compensation. Most personal injury claims in South Carolina are subject to a strict three-year deadline, known as the statute of limitations.

In most cases, the clock starts ticking on the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you may be unable to seek compensation for your injuries. By consulting a Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash, you can ensure that you have plenty of time to build a strong case.

What parties may be liable for your injury?

Before our team can start pursuing compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries, we must identify the liable parties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, parties may include:

  • The driver(s) of one or more other vehicles
  • Employers, in certain cases involving commercial vehicles
  • The motorcycle or parts manufacturers
  • Government entities responsible for road maintenance

In some cases, multiple parties may be liable. Our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers will explore every potential avenue of compensation on your behalf to maximize your odds of obtaining fair compensation.

How our Greenville attorneys prove negligence

After we’ve determined who may be liable for your accident, our attorneys must prove that they acted negligently. This requires us to show that the liable parties owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty, and that their actions were responsible for your injuries.

To do this, we’ll review and compile a variety of evidence. This may include police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and more.

“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

Our personal injury lawyers in Greenville, SC will be responsible for communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, the insurer may still attempt to contact you directly. If this happens, be sure to keep the following guidance in mind.

Do:

  • Stay calm and respectful.
  • Refer all questions and requests to your attorney.
  • Keep a record of all correspondence with the insurance company.

Don’t:

  • Sign any documents or accept a settlement offer without consulting your attorney.
  • Agree to give a recorded statement to the insurance company.
  • Speculate about what happened or admit fault for the accident.

When in doubt about the insurance company’s motives, contact your lawyer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

We fight the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation

Insurance companies are often quick to blame motorcyclists for their accidents, even when the motorcyclist wasn’t at fault. Our attorneys don’t let insurance companies get away with this behavior.

At Smith Jordan, we don’t just seek adequate compensation for motorcycle accident victims — we strive for maximum compensation. This means a comprehensive settlement or award that accounts for the full extent of the damages you suffered.

Motorcycle resources for those injured in Greenville

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  • Smith Jordan P.A.
    • 21 Orchard Park Dr Suite E2, Greenville, SC 29615
    • Phone – (864) 387-8657

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Our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to help

If you’ve suffered any of the injuries described above as a result of a motorcycle accident, you face a long recovery process — and alarming medical bills. Relief may be within reach if you work with a Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer.

Your attorney can guide you through the complications of local insurance claims. Additionally, your lawyer will act as a strong advocate as you seek to hold negligent drivers accountable.

With targeted representation and a proactive approach, it may be possible to obtain compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Lawyers also fight to ensure that motorcycle accident victims secure damages for pain and suffering. Contact us today at (864) 343-2222 to get started.