Although motorcycles can be fun to ride, they can also be quite dangerous. A motorcycle rider is extremely vulnerable in the event of an accident, because he or she is not protected by a metal cage of an ordinary car. Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial repercussions for you and your loved ones.
Motorcycle accident injuries are often critical, and in some cases, can even cause death. If you or someone you love were injured in a motorcycle collision, you may have legal options available to you.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The high speeds, heavy vehicles, and lack of protection in motorcycle accidents can lead to debilitating injuries, including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and brain bleeding
- Broken bones throughout the body
- Skin abrasions caused by severe friction
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Back injuries, including slipped disks
- Internal bleeding
- Open wounds
- Ligament damage
- Severed limbs
These are only some of the physical injuries that a motorcycle driver could endure. Many of these injuries may not be apparent at the time of the crash, as adrenaline can hide the symptoms of injuries for days or weeks. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident even if you feel fine.
In addition to the physical damage, emotional damage in the wake of a crash might cause depression, mood swings, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Any of these injuries can be devastating on their own, and the resulting medical bills can lead to staggering debt for years to come.
In 2014, 4,295 motorcyclists died as a result of an accident in the United States. That year, South Carolina lost 121 riders.
Wearing a DOT approved helmet can reduce the severity of motorcycle accident injuries and the chances of death, but cannot erase them. You could still be injured in a motorcycle crash even if you take every precaution. If you are hurt, speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine your legal options.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many things that can cause a motorcycle accident, and many more things that can make a motorcycle accident worse. This includes but is not limited to:
- Alcohol or drug intoxication, either by the motorcycle rider or the driver of another vehicle
- Hazardous road conditions, including poorly maintained roads and adverse weather conditions
- Inattentive drivers who fail to respect a motorcyclist’s equal right to the road
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving tactics
- Failure to obey the rules of the road
- Driver fatigue
- Poor visibility
- Mechanical failures, for either the motorcycle or other vehicles
An accident can occur by any combination of these factors and others. Depending on the circumstances, many different people or entities might be liable for the accident, including other drivers, employers, manufacturers, and mechanics.
When to Contact a
South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a family member have incurred damages as the result of a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the victim has received adequate medical care.
An attorney can help you determine the cause of the accident, as well as if there were any exacerbating factors, and can advise you of the legal options you may have available to you. If the negligence or carelessness of another person or entity is found to have caused or contributed to the accident, you may be able to bring forward a claim for financial compensation.
Full medical expenses incurred as a result of your injury are only a part of a potential compensation claim. Regardless of health insurance payments, fair settlements can also include:
- The future cost of treatment to the extent known;
- Loss of wages;
- The loss of future wages;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Future loss of enjoyment of life;
- Pain and suffering;
- Future pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement;Loss of consortium injury suffered by your spouse; and
- Punitive damages, in rare cases of gross negligence.
You don’t have to face those costs alone. The seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys of Guest & Brady can stand by you in seeking the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries. A settlement can help ease the burden of the financial damages, and it can provide justice to you and your family.
Obtaining the Full and
Fair Financial Restitution You Deserve
Life changes drastically for a motorcycle accident victim and their family after a collision. In some cases, the victim may be temporarily or permanently disabled, and may require extensive medical care. The costs of a motorcycle accident are high, and can easily put a family in financial distress.
By working with a veteran lawyer who understands how South Carolina laws apply to motorcycle accidents, you can give your case the legal edge it needs to prevail. Your attorney will aggressively advocate for you to receive the maximum settlement possible in order to ensure that the damages you’ve incurred are covered. They can help you negotiate with liable parties and insurance companies, set up arbitration, and represent your interests at trial if need be.
Visit our Motorcycle Accident Resource Pages for More Information: Why a Motorcycle Accident Attorney is Critical to Your Legal Claim and How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Helps Prove Another Driver’s Negligence
Contact Guest & Brady
Today for a Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact Guest & Brady today, at 864.233.7200, for a free consultation. Our caring and zealous lawyers are available now to go over the details of your case and are committed to providing you with the comprehensive service you need to get through this difficult time. Don’t face the legal system alone. Get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.