ClickCease

Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

group 34 (2)

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 a chance to explain what happened to police or emergency responders. That means motorcyclists are often blamed for crashes they didn’t cause, and the other driver’s insurance company may refuse to cover their injuries.

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle wreck, a Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer​ from Smith Jordan can step in, deal with the insurance company, and help you pursue 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 or Easley, SC, look no further than Smith Jordan. Our team of lawyers has deep roots in the Upstate and a strong reputation across South Carolina, and fights passionately on behalf of the state’s equally passionate motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists deserve to ride safely on South Carolina roads. When negligence gets in the way, we’ll help you fight back. Call us today.

What a former client says: “I was fortunate to have the assistance of Smith Jordan Law after an accident in which I was injured. From the very beginning, their team was extremely professional and attentive, guiding me through both the medical process and the handling of my insurance claim. They were always on top of my case, from the start to the final resolution, which gave me a lot of peace of mind throughout the process. I highly recommend their services 100%. I am very grateful for their support and dedication.”

  • Jorge G.

What damages can our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers help you recover?

The goal of a motorcycle accident claim is to recover compensation for your losses from various types of damages:

Economic damages 

Economic damages are measurable financial losses, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning ability

Non-economic damages 

These account for the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive damages 

Punitive damages may be awarded in rare motorcycle accident cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or harmful.

What is the cost of hiring a Greenville 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 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 deducted from the compensation amount, not from your pocket.

Motorcycle accident statistics in South Carolina

According to the 2023 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book:

  • 123 of South Carolina’s 1,030 traffic fatalities involved motorcycle collisions
  • 328 motorcycle crashes caused serious injuries
  • There were a total of 2,140 motorcycle collisions reported in the state
  • Helmets were not used in 57.2% of fatal motorcycle crashes

What are South Carolina motorcycle laws?

South Carolina law promotes motorcycle safety through key rules outlined in Section 56 of the South Carolina Code of Laws:

  • Permanent seat and riding position: Riders must sit astride a permanent and regular seat, facing forward. Passengers are allowed only if the bike is designed for two and has footrests provided (§ 56-5-3630 (A,B)).
  • Handlebar control: Riders may not carry items that prevent them from using both hands on the handlebars (§ 56‑5‑3630 (C)).
  • No attaching to other vehicles: Motorcycles cannot be attached to any other vehicle while on the road (§ 56‑5‑3630 (F)).
  • Lane use and passing: Motorcycles are entitled to full lane use, cannot share lanes, cannot lane-split, and may not pass in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken (§ 56‑5‑3640 (A–D).
  • Safety equipment: Bikes must have footrests for passengers and at least one working rearview mirror (§ 56‑5‑3650).
  • Helmet law: Operators and passengers under 21 must wear approved helmets (§ 56‑5‑3660) (helmets are optional for 21+).

These rules work alongside standard traffic laws (speed limits, DUI/BAC limits, signal use, etc), so bike riders are treated like drivers of other motor vehicles (§ 56‑5‑20) 

What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Other drivers cause most motorcycle accidents, but road conditions or faulty bike parts can also play a role. Common motorcycle crash factors include:

  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding or tailgating
  • Unsafe lane changes or failure to signal
  • Ignoring blind spots

Dangerous roads in Greenville:

Greenville’s dangerous roads pose significant threats to motorcyclists; these are the top 3 most hazardous:

  • Laurens Road: Between I-385 and Woodruff Road. High crash volume, ongoing construction, and pedestrian risk.
  • North Pleasantburg Drive: Between Lowndes Hill Rd/Wade Hampton Blvd and Cleveland/Laurens St. Multiple crash zones, heavy traffic, and pedestrian danger.
  • Woodruff Road: Between Laurens Road and I-385. Congestion, accident frequency, and limited infrastructure.

What injuries are common in motorcycle crashes?

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries, including:

  • Road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Burns
  • ACL or MCL tears
  • Spinal cord injuries

We can help you file your claim on time

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is three years from the date you knew or reasonably should have known about your injury, per S.C. Code § 15‑3‑530(5)

For minors, the clock doesn’t begin until they turn 18, so they have three years from their 18th birthday to file. Working with a Greenville, SC, motorcycle accident attorney early ensures all filing deadlines are met and your case is built properly.

Who may be liable for your motorcycle accident?

Before filing your claim, we work to identify every liable party. Depending on the crash, this might include:

  • Other driver(s)
  • Employers (in commercial vehicle cases)
  • Motorcycle or parts manufacturers
  • Local or state agencies are responsible for road maintenance

In many cases, more than one party may share fault. We investigate every possible source of compensation.

We fight the insurance company to get you maximum compensation

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists, even when the facts say otherwise. At Smith Jordan, we push back.

We pursue the full value of your case, not just what the insurer wants to offer. That includes damages for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Motorcycle resources for injured riders in Greenville

Medical care

Public services

Legal assistance

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

FAQs about motorcycle accidents in South Carolina

What is the #1 cause of motorcycle accidents? 

The most common cause is drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. This often happens at intersections or when cars turn left across traffic.

What is the most common injury in a motorcycle crash? 

Road rash is the most frequently reported injury. It occurs when a rider is thrown from the bike and skids across the pavement.

Are motorcycle accidents worse than car accidents? 

Yes, motorcycle accidents are often more severe. Riders have little protection, which makes injuries more likely and often more serious.

What is the most likely place for a motorcycle accident? 

Intersections are the most common location for motorcycle crashes, especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention or fail to yield.

Is South Carolina an at-fault state for car accidents? 

Yes, South Carolina follows an at-fault system. That means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.

Our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be facing a long recovery, expensive medical bills, and time off work.

Let a Greenville motorcycle accident injury lawyer​ at Smith Jordan help. Our law firm will walk you through the claims process, stand up to the insurance companies, and fight for what you need to move forward.

Call (864) 343-2222 or contact us online for a free consultation today.

group 34 (2)

Speak with Our Skilled Legal Team About Your Case

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Full Name(Required)

Featured attorney

RAYMOND T. WOOTEN

RAYMOND T. WOOTEN

Partner

Areas we serve

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 parties 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.