A motorcycle accident lawyer in Rock Hill, SC, can help you seek the compensation you deserve after you get injured in a crash caused by someone else. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and long-term injuries to riders and can lead to significant medical bills and lost wages. Contact Ted A Greve & Associates PA today for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and to learn more about how our firm can help you recover the compensation you need.
How a Rock Hill Motorcycle Lawyer Can Assist You
When you hire a Rock Hill motorcycle accident lawyer, they can assist you with every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident to identify all liable parties
- Collecting supporting evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement
Representing you in court if the insurance companies refuse to offer a settlement that covers your expenses
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Rock Hill
Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than car accidents for two main reasons. First, motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of a vehicle frame around them or safety features like airbags. And second, motorcycle riders often suffer secondary impact injuries from hitting the pavement.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Rock Hill
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcycle rider deaths have been steadily increasing over the past 25 years. Today, there are more than double the number of motorcycle fatalities as there were in 2000. In the most recent year for which the NSC has data, there were 170 motorcycle rider deaths in South Carolina.
Common Causes and Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various causes, leading to a broad range of rider injuries. Understanding the common causes and consequences of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid them in the future and can be useful for seeking compensation after a crash.
Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Rock Hill
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Rock Hill that involve another party’s negligence are:
- Aggressive drivers failing to share the road with motorcycle riders
- Poor road maintenance leading to severe potholes and cracking
- Distracted drivers, such as those looking at their phones or eating
Contributing factors that could reduce the value of your claim under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law include:
- Speeding or going too fast for the road conditions
- Negligently swerving between lanes
- Failing to wear proper safety equipment, such as a helmet and riding jacket
Typical Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders frequently suffer severe injuries in crashes, such as:
- Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, forearms, legs, and ribs
- Road rash, which is a severe abrasion caused by sliding across the pavement
- Spinal cord injuries from impacts with other vehicles and the road
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by blows to the head
- Soft tissue injuries, such as torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Impact of Motorcycle Accidents on Victims and Families
The impact of a motorcycle accident on victims and their families can be long-lasting, depending on the severity of the injuries suffered:
- Injured riders may receive significant medical bills for their treatments.
- If the rider’s injuries are long-term, they can also expect future medical bills for ongoing treatment.
- Severe injuries can prevent riders from returning to work while they recover or permanently.
- Injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents can affect a rider’s daily life and make it difficult for them to do things around the house.
Different Types of Compensation Victims Might Receive
The compensation you can receive through a personal injury lawsuit after a Rock Hill motorcycle accident may include money for:
- Past and future medical treatments
- Income you lost or will lose because of your injuries
- Physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced
- Impact your injuries have on your daily routine
- Impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse
- Repairing or replacing your damaged or lost property
Wrongful Death Claim for Loved Ones
If your loved one died as a result of a motorcycle accident, the administrator of their estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their spouse, children, parents, or other heirs. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, you can seek additional compensation for your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses, as well as for the loss of the deceased’s care, companionship, protection, experience, and financial support.
Navigate the Legal Process After a Motorcycle Accident
Understanding what to do in the short and long term after a motorcycle accident is vital for making the most of your compensation claim.
Immediate Steps to Take Following an Accident
Some of the most important steps to take immediately after an accident are:
- Report the accident to the police and request a copy of their accident report
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries
- Document the accident scene with photos and videos
- Avoid providing a recorded statement to insurance adjusters
How to Document a Motorcycle Accident for Claim Purposes
Key pieces of evidence you should collect from the accident scene to bolster your claim for compensation include:
- Eyewitness names and contact information
- Photos of the damaged vehicles
- Photos of your visible injuries
- Photos of relevant traffic signs
Understanding South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, injury victims have three years to file insurance claims or injury lawsuits. Failure to file your claim within this period will result in the courts preventing you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
Proving Fault: Key Considerations in South Carolina
Determining fault is a crucial part of any motorcycle accident case in South Carolina, as the at-fault party or their insurer is responsible for your losses. Some of the key considerations when determining fault are:
- Which vehicle had the right-of-way
- Whether either vehicle was speeding
- Whether the driver of the other vehicle was distracted
Sometimes, insurance companies assume that the motorcyclist was riding dangerously and was at fault for the accident. For this reason, it’s important to collect evidence and work with a skilled attorney who will fight for your rights.
Rock Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Begin Your Claim Today
If you suffered a motorcycle accident injury in Rock Hill, South Carolina, contact Ted A Greve & Associates PA for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your case and explain your options for seeking the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.
