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There are more than one-hundred motorcycle deaths every year in South Carolina. In fact, South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states to drive a motorcycle in the country Motorcycling is a popular recreational activity and mode of transportation for thousands of South Carolina residents. Motorcycle ownership has increased dramatically in the past few years. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were 1,984 people injured in motorcycle accidents, and the average hospital charge after a motorcycle accident was $78,825.
Wrecks are usually caused by another driver, not the cyclist. Because motorcycles are small, oftentimes other drivers have a hard time seeing them. That’s especially a problem where the vision of other motorists may be obscured. Motorcycle accidents typically occur during a car accident, when the two vehicles collide. Some important facts about motorcycle accidents include:
The end result of a collision between a motorcycle and a car can be devastating, and the motorcyclist usually suffers the most severe injuries and damage. A collision between a larger vehicle such as a truck or bus can be even worse due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
As mentioned above, motorcyclists tend to be the ones to suffer the most serious injuries when they are in a crash with another vehicle or even when they wreck on their own. Motorcycles do not have nearly as many safety protections as cars and trucks do, such as airbags or seat belts. There is no metal frame around a motorcycle to shield them from an impact with a vehicle or the ground. For this reason, motorcyclists often sustain severe impact injuries. Some of these injuries include the following:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A TBI can result from any type of trauma to the head and motorcyclists commonly hit their heads when they crash. Even a helmet only helps prevent brain injuries a percentage of the time and does not provide complete protection. A TBI can have lasting cognitive and physical effects and may cause permanent impairments.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) – Any damage to the spinal cord from an impact can be dangerous. Depending on where the injury was located on the spine, a victim may be completely and permanently paralyzed below that point. This includes the inability to walk, feel sensation, control the bladder or bowels, or even to breathe on their own.
Broken bones – While broken bones are common and can heal quickly, the bone fractures from a motorcycle accident are often more severe. Bones can shatter, can be crushed, or there can be compound fractures. These often require several surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and the injured may never have normal use of that limb again.
Facial or jaw fractures – Motorcyclists are often thrown forward off of their bikes, especially in a rear-end wreck. If they are not wearing a helmet with a full face shield, they can easily sustain damage to the bones in their face and jaw, which can require extensive reconstructive surgery and may cause disfigurement. Neck and back injuries – Even if the spinal cord is not damaged, collisions on a motorcycle can result in many types of injuries to the neck and/or back. These injuries can be debilitating, may require surgery, can be extremely painful, and often keep a victim from working for a long period of time. Burns – If a motorcyclist crashes at a higher speed, chances are they may be thrown from their bike and may skid across the pavement. This also may occur if the bike gets laid down and their leg is pinned underneath it as skids. Such intense friction with pavement can result in serious burns that may require months of treatment and may leave scarring.
Each of the above injuries also has many complications that must be addressed and treated. Treatment can include hospitalization, surgeries, home health care, medical equipment, rehabilitative therapy, and more, and can result in overwhelming medical bills, as well as lost income from missing work. Motorcyclists deserve to recover compensation for all of these losses and more from the party who caused the accident.
One of the first things the defendant in a motorcycle accident case will claim is that they couldn't see you coming. They may state that you were difficult to see because it was night time and you were wearing all black, or driving hazardously. The best defense is a good offense. The following tips will help to stay safe while riding:
The end result of a collision between a motorcycle and a car can be devastating, and the motorcyclist usually suffers the most severe injuries and damage. A collision between a larger vehicle such as a truck or bus can be even worse due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
There are more than one-hundred motorcycle deaths every year in South Carolina. In fact, South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states to drive a motorcycle in the country Motorcycling is a popular recreational activity and mode of transportation for thousands of South Carolina residents. Motorcycle ownership has increased dramatically in the past few years. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were 1,984 people injured in motorcycle accidents, and the average hospital charge after a motorcycle accident was $78,825.
Wrecks are usually caused by another driver, not the cyclist. Because motorcycles are small, oftentimes other drivers have a hard time seeing them. That’s especially a problem where the vision of other motorists may be obscured. Motorcycle accidents typically occur during a car accident, when the two vehicles collide. Some important facts about motorcycle accidents include:
The end result of a collision between a motorcycle and a car can be devastating, and the motorcyclist usually suffers the most severe injuries and damage. A collision between a larger vehicle such as a truck or bus can be even worse due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
Choose a motorcycle that "fits you" well
It should be common knowledge that motorcycles come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Motors, styles, decorations, and several add-ons give every rider the options to personalize their vehicle. But, before purchasing any bike, a rider should choose one that fits them. They should feel comfortable with the weight and handling of the vehicle. Another NSC statistic states that motorcycle accident deaths are four times more likely on a “supersport bike” than standard models.
It's common sense: Wear a helmet
One of the most common injuries in any bike wreck is severe head trauma. Wearing a Department of Transportation approved motorcycle helmet can mean the difference between staying alive, or becoming a fatal statistic.
Don't ride while intoxicated.
It may seem cool to leave the bar with your “MC” after a few drinks and go for a ride. However, numbers show that more than 40 percent of motorcycle riders who die in single-vehicle crashes are alcohol-impaired.
Know the rules of the road.
It should make sense that knowing the laws about riding a motorcycle is good practice. But, there’s more than just legal rules when it comes to riding a bike. Learn about the best practices for riding safely, driving defensively, and being considerate of other motorists. It should make sense that knowing the laws about riding a motorcycle is good practice. But, there’s more than just legal rules when it comes to riding a bike. Learn about the best practices for riding safely, driving defensively, and being considerate of other motorists. Watch out for hazards.
One report about South Carolina motorcycle accidents states that bikers blame poor road conditions for many of the collisions. A car may be able to go over a pothole and maintain course. But, when a bike in motion hits one, it’s difficult to stay in control. Learn to scan the road ahead for any potential safety conditions. This can include potholes, puddles, oil slicks, and other similar issues. If You're In a Motorcycle Accident, Contact a Charleston Accident Injury Attorney The costs of any injury can be devastating. If you were injured while riding your bike because of the actions of someone else, you need to get legal representation as soon as possible. Your attorney will tell you what you should and shouldn’t say to the insurance adjuster. He will also discuss your strategy for getting the settlement you deserve.
Another important way for motorcyclists to stay safe is to be aware of all of the South Carolina laws that apply to owning or riding a motorcycle and ensure you are always in compliance with them. The following are brief descriptions of some laws regarding SC motorcyclists:
The end result of a collision between a motorcycle and a car can be devastating, and the motorcyclist usually suffers the most severe injuries and damage. A collision between a larger vehicle such as a truck or bus can be even worse due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
In many cases, drivers are at fault for causing a motorcycle collision. However, motorcyclists can be involved in a wreck that does not involve any other vehicles. These may be caused by dangerous roadways or malfunctioning motorcycle parts. Therefore, liability in an accident is not always clear just because there was another driver involved. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston SC will know how to evaluate your case and determine whether someone was negligent and caused your accident so that you can file a claim against that party. Some examples of negligence that can lead to motorcycle crashes include:
Proving negligence is necessary to recover from an insurance company or in a personal injury claim in civil court. A skilled attorney will have the resources needed to investigate the circumstances of your motorcycle crash to collect evidence that someone else was at fault.
If you can prove negligence, you can seek compensation for any damages that you can prove, which can include both tangible and intangible losses. Contacting an attorney, like our motorcycle accident lawyer near you in Charleston SC, can help you navigate what losses can be proven, but some damages commonly recovered in a motorcycle wreck case include:
It’s important to know what steps to take should a motorcycle accident occur. Those include notifying your insurance company and contacting an attorney knowledgeable about motorcycle laws. Insurance companies are especially cautious with motorcycle-related claims, and the insurance difficulties that normally face automobile drivers are magnified for bikers. The Hartman Law Firm, LLC knows insurance company defense tactics. We also know how to present your case to maximize your recovery for your injuries.
The motorcycle accident law firm of Hartman Law Firm, LLC has extensive experience in helping motorcyclists and their families with legal claims. Please call 843-300-7600, so our motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston SC can help you if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident because someone else broke the law.
Motorcycling is a popular recreational activity and mode of transportation for thousands of South Carolina residents. Motorcycle ownership has increased dramatically in the past few years. In 2010, there were 3,047 non-fatal injuries involving motorcycles. There were 85 fatalities associated with motorcycles in 2010. It is a fun, but dangerous, activity.
Wrecks are usually caused by another driver, not the cyclist. Because motorcycles are small, oftentimes other drivers have a hard time seeing them. That’s especially a problem where the vision of other motorists may be obscured. Motorcycle accidents typically occur during a car accident, when the two vehicles collide. Some important facts about motorcycle accidents include:
About 70 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, where bikers may be less visible than cars. Other accidents occur where a motorist’s line of sight is partially blocked by buildings, parked vehicles, trees or undergrowth. Motorists who do not keep a proper lookout for motorcycles may turn or pull out in front of them, causing a catastrophic collision. In some instances, motorcyclists are hit from behind because they’re able to brake much more quickly than heavier vehicles. The end result of a collision between a motorcycle and a car can be devastating, and the motorcyclist usually suffers the most severe injuries and damage. A collision between a larger vehicle such as a truck or bus can be even worse due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. It’s important to know what steps to take should a motorcycle accident occur. Those include notifying your insurance company and contacting an attorney knowledgeable about motorcycle laws. Insurance companies are especially cautious with motorcycle-related claims, and the insurance difficulties that normally face automobile drivers are magnified for bikers. Hartman Law Firm, L.L.C. knows insurance company defense tactics. We also know how to present your case to maximize your recovery for your injuries.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, Hartman Law Firm, L.L.C. has the experience and the compassion to help you. To learn more about our impressive credentials as a motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact our motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston SC for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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