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Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving motorcycles are all too common. Other drivers will pull out in front of the motorcycle, or change lanes into them.  The at fault driver usually walks away without a scratch, but the motorcyclist often suffers terrible injuries. 

Motorcyclists are more than five times as likely to be injured and about 28 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash. While the motorcyclist is being taken to the hospital, the other driver will often tell their side of the story to the investigating officer.  Investigations into motorcycle wrecks are often done without the motorcyclist ever getting the opportunity to explain what really happened. 

This means that 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 attorney who can deal with the insurance companies and make sure that you get everything you’re entitled to under the law.        

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 2019, motorcycle accidents accounted for 125 of 927 total traffic collision fatalities in South Carolina.
  • In addition to these fatalities, 451 South Carolina motorcycle collisions in 2019 involved serious injuries.
  • A total of 2,041 motorcycle collisions occurred in South Carolina in 2019.
  • In over half of South Carolina motorcycle collisions, helmets are not used. This makes serious injuries or fatalities far more likely.
  • In 62 percent of multi-vehicle accidents, South Carolina motorcyclists are not responsible for the collision.

Motorcycle Laws in SC

South Carolina promotes motorcycle safety through detailed legislation targeted at both 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 any items or packages that prevent the use of handlebars with both hands.
  • Riders or motorcycles should never be attached to other vehicles.

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

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 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

How a Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can 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.

Why Smith Jordan?

As you seek a motorcycle accident lawyer in Greenville 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.

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