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Hitting the road on a motorcycle is a thrilling experience and the gorgeous weather in Charleston allows bikers to enjoy that thrill throughout most of the year. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face many risks when they are on the road. Bikers know what these are and they take many safety precautions to avoid them. When other motorists act negligently, unfortunately, this is not always possible.
If you have been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the full and fair settlement you are rightfully entitled to.
Motorcycle Laws in Charleston
There are many motorcycle laws in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. These are as follows:
- Motorcyclists have the same rights: Motorcyclists have the same right as other motorists to use a full lane of the road. Likewise, bikers must also follow the same responsibilities as other motorists.
- Motorcycle operation: Bikers, and their passengers, must use motorcycles in a specific manner. Only the permanent seat attached to a motorcycle can be used to sit on, and all riders must have one leg on each side of the bike. Motorcycle operators must also not carry anything that prevents them from using the handlebars with both hands.
- Passengers: Passengers are only allowed on motorcycles if there is a permanent seat and footrests for them, and if they do not interfere with the control, operation, or view of the operator.
- Helmets: In Charleston, and throughout the state, any motorcycle rider under the age of 21 years old is required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Bikers over the age of 21 years old are not required to wear a helmet, although head protection is always recommended.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston can advise you of the laws and how they apply to your case.
How are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
It is natural to assume that motorcycle accidents are similar to other car crashes on the road.
Unfortunately, that is not true. Motorcycle accidents are different from other auto accidents in a number of ways, including:
- Severity of injuries: Bikers have very little protection when they are out on the roads. Due to this, they suffer some of the most severe injuries when they are involved in a crash.
- Biases: Many people have an unconscious bias towards motorcyclists, viewing them as dangerous risk-takers. This bias can influence insurance companies, juries, and judges. A motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston can help you overcome these biases so you obtain the fair settlement you deserve.
- Helmet laws: Due to the fact that only certain individuals are required to wear helmets, those who legally choose not to wear one can still obtain damages for their injuries. If someone under the age of 21 does not wear a helmet, it can negatively impact the amount of compensation they receive.
- Specialized knowledge: To determine how much compensation a biker is entitled to, a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer must often educate juries, judges, and insurance adjusters about the mechanics of a bike. These include the effect of road hazards on a biker, the instability of a bike, and other specific vulnerabilities.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Charleston, SC?
Any negligent, or careless, act can result in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common of these include:
- Distracted driving, including texting and driving, eating, drinking, and loud music
- Failing to yield to bikers
- Impaired driving
- Following too closely
- Left turns in the path of a biker
- Improper lane changes
- Improper road conditions, such as debris or potholes
- Speeding
- Defective motorcycle or vehicle parts
- Failing to observe and comply with traffic signs and signals
During a motorcycle accident, you can suffer some of the most serious injuries. You may not know right away what caused your crash, or who is liable for paying damages for your injuries. Our Charleston car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused your crash so you can hold the appropriate party liable.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Charleston, SC
After a motorcycle accident, you will likely feel a great deal of stress, anxiety, and confusion. It is not always easy to know what to do next. It is critical to take the right steps after any motorcycle accident in Charleston, SC, so you can protect your rights and your safety and well-being.
The first thing to do after any motorcycle accident is to seek any necessary medical treatment.
Injuries from these accidents can be very serious so it’s important you get evaluated as soon as possible. If paramedics arrive on the scene, allow them to examine you and follow through with all recommendations. If paramedics did not arrive at the scene, visit an emergency room as soon as you leave the accident scene, even if you do not think you have been hurt. Many injuries do not present symptoms right away and a doctor will identify all of your injuries. Seeing a doctor will also document your injuries, which will help you prove the nature and severity of them in the future.
The next step is to report it to law enforcement. You are required to report any auto accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage in South Carolina. Reporting the crash will also help document it, as law enforcement may write and file a report. They may also indicate negligence within that report, which can help strengthen your case.
While at the scene, you should also collect as much evidence as possible. Take photos of all vehicles involved, your injuries, and the accident scene as a whole. Also, locate anyone who saw the accident and ask them for their name and contact information. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston will likely contact them in the future. Additionally, exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with all other motorists involved in the crash, as well. Your accident attorney will need this information when filing your claim.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Charleston Today
One of the first things you should do after being hurt on your bike is to contact a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer. At Trey Harrell, our experienced attorney can advise after any motorcycle accident and help you through the process so you obtain the fair settlement you justly deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
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