Some of the things that make riding a motorcycle so attractive are also what makes it very dangerous. Many enthusiasts love the freedom of riding a motorcycle – the wind in your hair, nothing between you and the road – as well as the power and agility.
By their very nature, though, motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes with other vehicles because they are less visible to other drivers and less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. They also lack structural protection when accidents happen. That’s part of the reason why motorcyclists are about 37 more times likely than other motorists to die in an accident, and nine times more likely to be injured, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics.
Motorcyclists are sometimes branded as being rebels who speed and ride recklessly. Insurance companies often use that stereotype to assume that the motorcyclist was at fault. At Joye Law Firm, we know that most motorcycle riders are safe and cautious – often more so than other drivers. Our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys are on your side, and we fight for the rights of our clients.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
The proven South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you through the confusion and strain that follow a serious motorcycle accident. Respect and compassion are what you will get from our lawyers and staff. Since 1968 we have helped injured people like you recover not just the money and benefits they deserve, but also their lives.
Let us help you too. Just Call Joye. You can reach us at (877) 537-1920 or fill out an online form for a free case review.
Joye Law Firm has offices in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, but our highly qualified motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to handle your case anywhere in South Carolina. We’ve successfully represented clients all over our state, including Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, Horry County (including Conway and North Myrtle Beach), North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.
Experience Counts
The proven personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm are committed to our clients. With more than 110 years of combined litigation experience, the South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm have received an AV rating from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell, and several have been recognized as Super Lawyers.
Our personal injury lawyers have a track record of getting results for our clients, including a $5.9 million settlement for a client who suffered brain injuries in an auto wreck, a $1.15 million settlement for the family of a man killed in a car accident and a $500,000 verdict for a man whose back was injured in a collision.
While every case is different, and past results are in no way intended to guarantee that a similar result can be obtained in another case, past results obtained by a law firm are an indication of the firm’s experience when it comes to serious injury and wrongful death cases. For more details about the results obtained for previous Joye Law Firm clients, please click on the Results tab on our home page.
South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents Are Increasing
Nationwide and here in South Carolina, the number of motorcyclists injured or killed in accidents generally has been on the rise for the past decade or so. During a time when auto fatalities have trended downward, motorcycle deaths have increased.
In 2009, 108 motorcyclists lost their lives on South Carolina’s highways and streets. That figure was down from a peak of 138 in 2007, possibly due to high gas prices and a weak economy temporarily keeping riders off the road. Overall, though, the trend is upward, considering that the state saw fewer than 100 motorcycle deaths per year in the 1990s.
Part of the explanation for the rising number of motorcycle accidents is that there are more motorcycles and riders on the road. In 1998, there were 3.9 million motorcycles registered in the United States. That number had jumped to 7.1 million a decade later, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures. South Carolina has roughly 153,000 licensed riders and just over 100,000 registered motorcycles, according to the Motor Cycle Safety Foundation.
At the same time, the rate of motorcycle fatalities and injuries per mile driven also increased – a statistic that has no direct connection to the number of motorcycles on the road. The fatality rate for motorcycles is roughly six times as much as it is for passenger cars. In 2008, motorcycles made up 3 percent of all vehicles in the U.S., but accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities, according to NHTSA.
Common Issues With Motorcycle Accidents In South Carolina
With more than 110 years of combined litigation experience, the motorcycle crash attorneys at Joye Law Firm have handled enough cases to identify some frequent concerns. We also know that each case is unique – including yours. That’s why it’s important to talk to us directly.
To help answer some questions you might have, we have compiled information on some issues that we often deal with, including:
- Common Motorcycle Accident Causes – After colliding with a motorcycle, the other driver will frequently say, “I never even saw him.” Statistics show that many motorcycle accidents are caused when drivers of other vehicles fail to keep a proper lookout for motorcycles.
- SC Motorcycle Safety Laws – Most motorcycle enthusiasts know that South Carolina is one of 30 states that allow some riders to go without a helmet. But the state also has some other unique laws when it comes to safe riding.
- Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle – Defensive driving is important for all motorists, but especially for those on motorcycles. Some veteran riders say you should ride as if you were invisible to traffic. Find out some other tips for avoiding a wreck in the first place.
- Motorcycle Licensing – South Carolina has particular rules regarding how to get a license to ride, depending on your age, the status of license you have and the type of motorcycle you want to operate.
What Should I Do If I’m In An SC Motorcycle Wreck?
Your first priority after an accident is to make sure you and others involved get medical treatment for any injuries. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should still see your doctor and describe what happened. Sometimes injuries are not immediately evident.
As soon as possible, you should report the accident to your insurance company. A delayed report could hurt your claim. When talking to the insurance company, you should not give a recorded or written statement about the accident until you have consulted with a qualified South Carolina personal injury attorney.
You should keep track of all receipts and documents related to the accident and your treatment. It is also a good idea to keep a simple journal about your recovery and how your injuries have affected your life. Details could be hard to recall later.
An insurance adjustor might approach you in hopes of settling your claim. Don’t sign any documents without first talking to an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney like those at Joye Law Firm. You could sign away your rights to the full compensation you deserve.
Just Call Joye! Let the proven Charleston motorcycle wreck attorneys at Joye Law Firm handle the insurance adjustors for you. Call us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online consultation form.
Contact Our Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, you can trust our dedicated attorneys to get you the money and benefits you are entitled to.
Just Call Joye at (877) 537-1920 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
