Riding a motorcycle along the scenic coast of Georgetown, SC, offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure that few other experiences can match. The thrill of riding a motorcycle on the open road, the salty sea breeze, and the beautiful landscapes make it a fun and exhilarating way to travel. However, motorcycles can also be incredibly dangerous, and this is proven in South Carolina’s Traffic Collision Fact Book. In 2022 alone, there were 151 motorcycle accident fatalities reported, as well as 342 serious injury crashes and 1,131 other injury collisions reported in South Carolina. While exhilarating, motorcycles offer little protection in the event of a crash, making riders more vulnerable to severe injuries or fatalities compared to other vehicles on the road.
As avid motorcycle enthusiasts and experienced Georgetown motorcycle accident injury attorneys near you, we understand the devastating consequences that can result from motorcycle accidents in our community. Our passion for motorcycles and commitment to justice drives us to advocate for those who have suffered injuries in these unfortunate events. If you have sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Georgetown, SC, due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim, and we are here to handle the legal process while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Georgetown, SC
At The Lovely Law Firm, we represent the victims of a wide variety of motorcycle wrecks and accidents, giving us firsthand insight into how these tragic accidents occur. With our deep understanding of how motorcycles operate, as well as the risks motorcyclists face, our Georgetown motorcycle wreck lawyers near you are committed to advocating for injured riders and supporting the local community. As part of our dedication, we want to provide valuable information on the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the area, helping to raise awareness and promote safer riding practices to prevent motorcycle accidents and the tragic consequences that accompany them.
- Left-Hand Turn Accidents – Left-hand turn accidents are among the most frequent types of collisions involving motorcycles. Drivers making left turns at intersections or onto highways often fail to see oncoming motorcycles, which can lead to dangerous crashes. A Georgetown motorcycle crash lawyer from our team can help you navigate the complexities of such cases.
- Head-On Accidents – Often fatal, these accidents occur when vehicles cross the center line on two-way highways and collide with unsuspecting motorcycles. These collisions can lead to severe injuries and, more often, result in fatalities. This is especially true if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have been injured in a head-on motorcycle accident caused by another vehicle, consulting with a Georgetown motorcycle wreck lawyer can be crucial.
- Lane Change Accidents – These types of accidents happen when drivers change lanes without checking their mirrors or turning to look for motorcycles in their blind spots. They can also occur when a motorist suddenly switches lanes without signaling or giving another vehicle a chance to see them changing lanes, which leaves motorcyclists with little to no time to react.
- Dooring Accidents – Common inside town limits with on-street parking, dooring accidents occur when drivers open their car doors into traffic without checking for oncoming motorcycles. This can lead to serious collisions and tragic injuries.
- Rear-End Accidents – These types of accidents often happen when vehicles tailgate motorcycles or fail to notice that traffic has slowed. Rear-end motorcycle collisions can result in motorcyclists being thrown from their bikes, leading to significant injuries.
Understanding these common causes is essential for promoting safer riding practices and preventing accidents in Georgetown.
Drivers Have A Responsibility To Uphold A Duty Of Care When Driving Around Motorcyclists
In Georgetown and throughout the rest of South Carolina, both passenger and commercial vehicle drivers have to uphold their duty of care when sharing the road with motorcyclists. This responsibility essentially means they must ensure the safety of everyone on the road, particularly the more vulnerable motorcycle riders. When drivers neglect this duty, they can cause tragic accidents that have catastrophic consequences. Motorcyclists are especially at risk due to several common forms of driver negligence when their duty of care is not upheld, including in situations where they are:
- Impaired – Drunk driving is an act that directly violates a driver’s duty of care. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, making it more difficult for drivers to see and respond to motorcyclists, which has caused deadly accidents in the past.
- Distracted – Motorcyclists are often harder to spot, and when drivers are distracted by their phones or other activities, they are significantly less likely to notice them, increasing the risk of accidents. Driving while paying attention to distractions is a negligent act, as it violates the driver’s responsibility to uphold the duty of care while driving.
- Exhausted – Drowsy drivers face challenges similar to those of impaired drivers, posing a significant threat to motorcyclists and other road users. To uphold their duty of care, they should refrain from driving when they are overly tired; however, when they do, they are negligent.
- Driving At Excess Speeds – Driving at higher speeds is not only against the law and increases the likelihood of causing an accident but also elevates the chances of severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists involved in a crash. Exceeding the speed limit is violating the duty of care a driver owes to others on the road, including motorcyclists.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, consulting a Georgetown motorcycle accident injury lawyer from our team can provide the guidance and support you need to pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Get After Being Injured In A Motorcycle Accident In Georgetown?
Our team of Georgetown motorcycle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you pursue compensation for the wide array of damages you may incur as a result of being injured in a motorcycle accident. This includes handling insurance companies that are primarily focused on maximizing their profits, often resorting to tactics aimed at minimizing or denying liability in motorcycle accident cases. Our attorneys are well versed in the strategies employed by these companies and are skilled at constructing iron-clad claims that effectively counter any arguments the defense may present. When insurance companies still refuse to settle our clients’ claims fairly, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights at jury trials, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Some of the most common types of compensation our Georgetown motorcycle crash lawyers have obtained for our clients include:
- Past Medical Expenses – This includes the costs of any medical treatment you have received as a result of the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Future Expected Medical Expenses – Compensation for ongoing medical care and treatment that may be required in the future due to your injuries.
- Past Income Losses – Recovery of wages you have lost while unable to work due to your injuries caused by the accident.
- Future Anticipated Income Losses – This is compensation for projected earnings you may lose in the future as a result of your injuries and reduced ability to work, especially if you develop a disability.
- Funeral and Burial Costs – In wrongful death claims, this compensation covers the expenses associated with the funeral and burial of the deceased that the family would otherwise have to cover.
- Loss of Income for the Deceased – In wrongful death claims, this includes compensation for the income that the deceased would have earned throughout their life if they had not been wrongfully killed in the accident.
- Property Losses – This includes compensation for damages to your motorcycle and any custom parts that may have been lost or damaged in the accident, as well as the cost of total replacement if the motorcycle is totaled.
- Lost Inheritance Rights – In wrongful death claims, this type of compensation addresses the loss of potential inheritance that survivors would have received had the deceased lived.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you have experienced due to your injuries, especially if they are long-lasting or you never fully recover.
- Mental Distress – Financial recovery for the emotional and psychological impact the accident and your injuries have had on your life and will have in the future.
- Reduction in Your Ability to Enjoy Life – Compensation for the loss of enjoyment in activities and hobbies you once participated in before the accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Financial recovery for any permanent scars or disfigurement resulting from the accident that affects your appearance.
- Disability – Compensation for the loss of physical abilities that impede your day-to-day functioning due to your injuries, including your ability to work or take care of your family.
- Loss of Consortium/Guidance – This type of compensation is awarded to spouses or children for the loss of companionship, affection, or guidance resulting from the injuries or death sustained in the accident.
- Punitive Damages – Although rarely awarded, these are monetary penalties that may be imposed on defendants who exhibit particularly outrageous behavior that caused the accident. They are intended to punish wrongdoers and warn the community rather than compensate victims for their losses.
Each type of compensation plays a crucial role in helping accident victims recover from their injuries and regain their quality of life.
Need A Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Near You In Georgetown?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to contact a Georgetown motorcycle accident lawyer at The Lovely Law Firm for help when pursuing compensation. Our approach sets us apart from other attorneys and law firms in Georgetown and throughout South Carolina. From the moment you retain our legal services, we begin working on your case immediately. We understand the critical importance of conducting thorough investigations into your motorcycle accident.
Unfortunately, there are often biases against motorcyclists that can affect public perception and jury decisions, leading to unfair assumptions that motorcyclists are solely responsible for their accidents. Insurance companies exploit these biases by offering unreasonably low settlements or disputing their client’s liability altogether. Recognizing these challenges, we prioritize in-depth investigations and case-building for every claim, striving to build the strongest possible case to demonstrate liability. This allows us to effectively advocate for fair settlements and protect your rights against the tactics of insurance companies. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for the legal support you need in your recovery journey.
