Whether you’re traveling down to Charleston or enjoying historic Summerville, motorcyclists should feel free to enjoy the open road. Unfortunately, drivers often fail to consider the rights and safety of riders in South Carolina. Our accident attorneys help injured motorcyclists pursue compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable for the serious injuries they cause on the road.
Serious Motorcycle Crash Injuries in the Tri-County Area
Riding is always a risk, especially during heavy traffic conditions and evening hours. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to high-impact injuries from both motor vehicles and the roadway. These include the following:
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Brain bleeding
- Comas
- Broken necks
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Friction burns and scarring
- Slipped and herniated discs
- Death
Only motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets. However, you can still recover damages for serious head and neck injuries even if you chose not to use recommended safety gear.
Leading Causes of Summerville Motorcycle Accidents
Although driver mistakes cause most motor vehicle collisions, certain negligent driver behaviors more often impact innocent riders. If you were injured in one of the following accidents on I-26, Route 17, or on Summerville’s residential roads, you may be entitled to personal injury damages.
Blind Spot/Failure to See
Many drivers aren’t looking for motorcyclists when they turn or change lanes. Smaller vehicles are often overlooked in drivers’ blind spots. This is especially true if you were traveling directly behind or next to a tractor-trailer. These clipping accidents are more common at night and during bad weather conditions, but this does not excuse the driver’s failure to see you.
Illegal Passing
South Carolina law (SC Code § 56‐5‐3640) gives motorcyclists the right to use the full lane of traffic. Drivers are not permitted to deprive riders of this right by passing or overtaking them in their lane. Unfortunately, many serious motorcycle accidents occur when aggressive drivers think they have the right of way and unlawfully speed past riders.
Failure to Keep a Safe Distance
Drivers must always avoid tailgating motorcyclists in Summerville to prevent potentially fatal rear-end collisions. The greater the speed limit, the greater the stopping distance needed if riders lose their balance or drivers encounter sudden traffic conditions. Even seemingly minor ‘fender-benders’ can result in catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries in Dorchester County.
Recovering Damages for Injured Motorcyclist in South Carolina
Injured riders may work with our dedicated personal injury team to demand financial damages from the liable driver’s auto insurance company or vehicle owner. In some cases, you can also demand damages from commercial insurers and rideshare (Uber and Lyft) companies. These damages may include demands for all compensation necessary to cover your past and future medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys may even help you seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of riding.
Experienced Motorcycle Wreck Attorneys in Summerville, SC
If you’ve lost the joy of riding after a negligent driver struck you, discuss your options for recovering needed financial compensation with the experienced Summerville motorcycle accident injury lawyers at Gil Gatch Law. It could cost you nothing out of pocket to retain our experienced riders’ rights team. Call (843) 800-2020 or connect with our Summerville personal injury law firm online for free.