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South Carolina is one of the top states for motorcycle enthusiasts. At the same time, motorcyclists face inherent risk. A crash can lead to serious injuries. Motorcycle accident claims are different from other automobile accident claims for several reasons. Attorney Trey Harrell has the experience that injured motorcyclists can benefit from. Here, our Summerville motorcycle accident attorney explains how these cases differ from car crashes in South Carolina.
Motorcycle Accidents vs Car Accidents: Know the Differences
1. Motorcycle Accidents are More Likely to Cause Severe Injuries
Perhaps the most notable difference between motorcycle accidents and automobile accidents is the injury risk. Motorcycle accidents are dramatically more likely to result in devastating or even catastrophic injuries. In fact, motorcyclists are far more likely to be hurt in an accident if a crash occurs. The reality is that spiders have no structural protection, no airbags, and limited stability at impact. Even moderate-speed collisions often result in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, complex fractures, or extensive soft-tissue loss. Further, there is a high risk of direct roadway contact. That can cause deep abrasions that lead to infection, scarring, or the need for grafting. From a legal standpoint, severity affects every aspect of the claim.
Personal Injury Tip: As motorcycle accidents are more likely to lead to serious injuries, riders are more likely to have significant damage. For motorcycle accident victims, the documentation of damages is essential. You may be able to recover financial compensation for motorcycle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
2. Motorcyclists Sometimes Face Unfair Stereotypes From Police and Insurers
Another notable difference between motorcycle accidents and car accidents is that motorcyclists sometimes face unfair stereotypes from police officers and insurance companies. Motorcyclists often encounter implicit bias during crash investigations and claims handling. Police reports may emphasize speed or rider behavior without reliable and comprehensive supporting evidence. It is an unfortunate challenge that motorcyclists sometimes face. Along the same lines, insurers frequently assume recklessness, lane-splitting, or aggressive riding, even when the motorcyclist has the right of way. These assumptions feed directly into comparative negligence arguments under South Carolina law. Once embedded, they become difficult to unwind. A top-rated Summerville, SC motorcycle accident attorney can help.
3. Motorcycle Collisions Often Have Different Causes
The causes of motorcycle collisions differ in meaningful ways from standard car accidents. Many motorcycle crashes in Summerville and elsewhere in South Carolina involve situation-specific risks, such as left-turn violations, lane-change errors, or drivers failing to yield at intersections. Visibility failures play a central role. For obvious reasons, motorcyclists are more challenging to see. Drivers often state they did not see the motorcycle, despite clear conditions.
Roadway hazards also matter more. Uneven pavement, debris, and poor maintenance can destabilize a motorcycle while posing minimal risk to cars. These factors complicate liability analysis. Motorcycle cases often require examination of road design, driver lookout duties, and environmental conditions. Treating them as routine auto collisions risks overlooking the true cause of the crash. Your collisions should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Summerville, SC motorcycle accident attorney.
4. Motorcycle Riders May Be Protected By Different Insurance Policies
Finally, insurance coverage can also be a big issue. Motorcycle insurance coverage differs from passenger vehicle coverage in both structure and limits. Riders often carry lower liability and underinsured motorist limits, which can constrain recovery after serious injury. In some cases, coverage may exist under multiple policies, including household auto policies or umbrella coverage. These layers are frequently overlooked. Unlike standard car accident claims, identifying all applicable insurance is often a threshold issue in motorcycle cases. You need a Summerville, SC motorcycle accident attorney who knows how to hold the big insurance companies accountable.
Motorcycle vs Car Accident Statistics (Injuries)
Motorcycle accidents result in far higher rates of injury and death than car crashes. National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a collision compared to occupants of passenger cars, and they are roughly five times more likely to be injured in a crash. Motorcyclists are nearly 20 times more likely to suffer a “serious” injury that requires extended hospitalization.
The disparity reflects the inherent vulnerability of riders, exposure without protective shells, and the lack of airbags or seat belts on motorcycles. Motorcycles also represent a small fraction of registered vehicles. Still, they account for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths and serious injuries on our roadways. It is a very serious concern. These trends hold true both nationally and in South Carolina, where motorcyclists face some of the highest fatality rates in the country and a significantly elevated risk of severe injury in collisions with cars.
We Fight for Justice for Motorcycle Crash Victims: Remember Trey Helps!
Motorcycle accident injury cases are complicated. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, it is imperative that you have a reliable legal advocate on your side. Our founder and lead attorney, Trey Harrell, has the professional knowledge and experience that riders can trust when it matters most. Do not go up against a negligent driver, other negligent defendant, or a large insurance company alone. Your initial consultation with our Summerville motorcycle accident attorney is free and confidential. We invest the time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case that is required to help injured motorcycle accident victims secure the maximum financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Summerville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Attorney Trey Harrell is a Summerville motorcycle accident lawyer who puts injured victims first. Hurt in a motorcycle crash? We are here to help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call us now at 843-636-8739 or connect with us online for a free, no-obligation case review. It is our mission to get clients results. We handle motorcycle accident claims in Summerville, Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and Charleston County, including in the zip codes of 29483, 29484, 29485, and 29486.