843-636-TREY
A motorcycle wreck on I-85 or one of the winding roads around Greenville can change your life in seconds. You’re suddenly facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance adjuster who’s already looking for a reason to blame you. Trey Harrell helps injured riders across Greenville get back on their feet, and he isn’t afraid to take an insurance company all the way to trial. Call 843-636-8739 today for a free consultation at Trey’s Greenville office. Remember, Trey helps.
Why Choose Trey Harrell For Your Greenville Motorcycle Accident Case?
Trey Harrell brings courtroom confidence and genuine, personal attention to every motorcycle accident case in Greenville. As a former federal prosecutor, Trey has faced juries, and he isn’t intimidated when an insurance company refuses to treat an injured rider fairly. Just as important, Trey treats clients like individuals, not file numbers.
Patient, personal service from start to finish
Trey takes the time to explain your options in plain English, answer your questions, and walk you through each step so you always know what’s happening. While you focus on healing, Trey handles the investigation, the paperwork, and the back-and-forth with the insurance company.
Ready to take your case to trial
Insurance companies pay close attention to lawyers who are willing to go the distance. When an insurer won’t offer fair compensation, Trey is prepared to take your case all the way to a jury trial, and that willingness often leads to stronger offers at the negotiating table. Call 843-636-8739 for a free case review.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents In Greenville So Serious?
Motorcycle accidents are so serious because riders have almost no structural protection. In a car, you’re surrounded by steel, airbags, and a seatbelt. On a motorcycle, your body absorbs the full force of a crash, so even a low-speed collision can cause broken bones, head trauma, or worse.
Visibility is another problem. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, so drivers pull out, merge, and turn left across a rider’s path without ever seeing the bike. On busy stretches, such as I-85 and I-385, and on the scenic routes riders love in the Blue Ridge foothills, one careless driver can cause a devastating crash.
The bias motorcyclists face from insurers and juries
Many riders face an unfair bias after a crash. Insurance adjusters, and sometimes even jurors, assume motorcyclists are reckless risk-takers who brought the accident on themselves. That bias can show up as a lowball settlement offer or an attempt to pin most of the fault on you. Trey knows these tactics, and he builds each case with police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence that show what really happened.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, not by the riders. Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving all play a role, and the most common patterns Trey sees in Greenville cases include:
– Left-turn collisions: A driver turns left across your lane at an intersection and cuts you off.
– Unsafe lane changes: A driver merges without checking blind spots and clips the bike.
– Following too closely: A tailgating driver cannot stop in time and rear-ends a rider in slowing traffic.
– Road hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, and debris that barely faze a car but can throw a motorcycle.
When a negligent driver or a poorly maintained road causes your crash, you may have a claim for the harm you suffered.
What Injuries Do Motorcycle Riders Usually Suffer?
Motorcycle riders tend to suffer far more severe injuries than individuals in enclosed vehicles. The injuries Trey sees most often in these cases include:
– Road rash: Deep skin abrasions that can require cleaning, skin grafts, and leave permanent scarring.
– Fractures: Broken arms, legs, wrists, and ribs from the impact and the fall.
– Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): From concussions to lasting brain damage, even when a helmet is worn.
– Spinal cord injuries: Damage that can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
These injuries often mean long recoveries, time away from work, and expensive medical care, which is exactly why fair compensation matters so much.
How Does South Carolina Law Affect Your Greenville Motorcycle Accident Claim?
South Carolina law shapes your claim in several important ways, from helmet rules to how fault is divided. Here’s what riders need to know.
South Carolina’s motorcycle helmet law
South Carolina requires a helmet only for riders and passengers under the age of 21. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3660, anyone under 21 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Public Safety, while riders 21 and older can legally ride without one.
So what happens if you weren’t wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury? You can still bring a claim, but the insurance company may argue that going without a helmet made your injuries worse. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rule, that argument could reduce your compensation, which is one more reason to have Trey on your side.
Is lane splitting legal in South Carolina?
No, lane splitting is not legal in South Carolina. State law gives motorcycles the right to full use of a lane, but S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3640 prohibits riding between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles. If you were lane splitting when your crash happened, expect the insurer to use it against you. That doesn’t automatically end your claim, but it makes a strong representation even more important.
How fault and filing deadlines affect your recovery
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover as long as you weren’t more at fault than the other driver. If you’re found partly responsible, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if your share reaches 51% or more, you can be barred from recovering at all. Because insurers work hard to shift blame onto riders, every percentage point matters.
You also have a deadline. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years of the accident. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover, and evidence fades fast, so it’s smart to call Trey early. Call 843-636-8739 to find out how these rules apply to your crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover After A Motorcycle Accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for both the financial and the personal losses caused by your crash. In a South Carolina motorcycle accident claim, this can include:
– Medical bills: From emergency treatment to future care and rehabilitation.
– Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Compensation when your injuries keep you from working.
– Pain and suffering: For the physical and mental toll of the crash.
– Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on your specific injuries and circumstances. Want to know what your case could be worth? Call 843-636-8739 for a free evaluation of your Greenville motorcycle accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents In Greenville
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Talking to Trey costs you nothing up front. Your first consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation to hire him. That way, you can receive honest answers about your case, learn how Trey handles fees, and decide what’s right for you without worrying about the cost of a conversation.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in South Carolina?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. Some situations, such as claims involving a government vehicle or a minor, can have different deadlines. The sooner you call, the more time Trey has to protect the evidence and build your case.
Do I still have a case if I weren’t wearing a helmet?
Often, yes. South Carolina only requires helmets for riders under 21, so riding without one at 21 or older is legal. The insurance company may argue that not wearing a helmet added to your injuries, but that doesn’t automatically bar your claim. Trey can explain how the comparative negligence rule might apply to your situation.
What if the insurance company says the crash was partly my fault?
You can still recover as long as you weren’t more at fault than the other driver, though your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame. Insurers frequently exaggerate a rider’s fault to pay less. Trey builds cases specifically to push back against those arguments.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Greenville?
If you’re able, call 911, get medical attention right away, and take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. Get the other driver’s information and the names of any witnesses. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company until you’ve talked with Trey, and call him as soon as you can.
Do you handle motorcycle accident cases in Greenville?
Yes. Trey Harrell’s Greenville office is located at 812 Laurens Rd, Suite B, Greenville, SC 29607, and serves injured riders throughout Greenville County. The office sees clients by appointment, so call ahead, and Trey will set up a time convenient for you.
Talk To A Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
A motorcycle crash can leave you hurting, worried, and unsure where to turn, but you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Trey Harrell will listen to your story, explain your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Remember, Trey helps. Call 843-636-8739 today for a free consultation at Trey’s Greenville office.
