Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer Getting Compensation for Clients in Columbia, South Carolina
Riding a motorcycle can be a convenient and fun way to travel, but it is also risky. Did you know that motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured than passengers and drivers of other types of vehicles? Motorcycle accidents are also typically more serious than when a driver is in a car because the person’s entire body is exposed. It goes without saying that a motorcycle crash can quickly become deadly if the driver is not wearing a helmet.
If you or a loved one has severe injuries from a wreck while driving a motorcycle or if you collided with a motorcycle while driving your vehicle, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. If the other driver was at fault, you could receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other forms of pain and suffering.
The first thing to do if you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Columbia, SC, is to be treated by a medical professional. Even if you don’t believe you have any serious injuries, you should still get checked out because the adrenaline from the crash can mask the pain of even catastrophic injuries. After you are safe, you should contact a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer like our lawyer at Lee Injury Law, LLC. We understand your feelings of frustration and pain after going through such a devastating event because of someone else’s neglectful or distracted driving. Please let us stand by your side throughout your motorcycle accident claim in order to get the positive results you are looking for. Call Lee Injury Law, LLC today at (803) 855-1012.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
When you’re in any kind of vehicle accident, including motorcycle accidents, your primary goal should be to find safety. Be sure you’re out of the flow of traffic and make sure you get the medical attention you need. Many SC motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries or death, and your life is too valuable to risk missing an internal injury that could go unnoticed if you’re not checked out by a doctor.
Once you have gotten the medical treatment you need, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer right away to talk about bringing a claim because of your motorcycle accident. It can be difficult to know who is at fault during motorcycle crashes, but a lawyer will know how to put together the details that reveal the truth about your accident. Skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will also be able to counsel you on how to interact with the other drivers involved. For example, you should avoid apologizing or accepting any blame when you talk with any other individuals, as this can be brought up against you later during any legal proceedings. Call Lee Injury Law, LLC today for a free consultation to see how we can help you.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina?
Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons, and these events can be very serious even if you are following all traffic laws. For one thing, motorcycles are more difficult to see than cars as they are smaller and only have one headlight. Despite nationwide attempts to make drivers more aware of motorcycles, some people simply do not pay enough attention while driving.
The following are some actions that commonly cause motorcycle crashes in South Carolina:
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots often enough
- Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely
- Aggressive driving, including speeding
- Not following traffic rules such as running stop signs and red lights
- Failing to signal when changing lanes or turning
- Driving while distracted by a cell phone or other media
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
Your lawyer is an excellent resource in discovering why an accident happened. Part of their job is to investigate the details of the accident to determine who was at fault. When you have a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you will know that you will not be unfairly blamed for the motorcycle crash.
What Types of Injuries Result From a Motorcycle Accident?
Injuries suffered from a motorcycle accident can be mild but are sometimes quite severe because the driver is exposed to the impact much more than if they were driving a car. Even though South Carolina law requires motorcycle drivers to wear a helmet, even this protection cannot prevent all injuries that could be sustained during a motorcycle crash.
The following are some common injuries that occur when motor vehicles collide with a motorcycle:
- Road rash – this injury can be mild or very severe, causing serious damage to the person’s skin
- Fractures – bone fractures are one of the most common injuries incurred during a motorcycle accident
- Head injuries – traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries can be difficult to diagnose but also leave a lasting impact on the victim, leading to reduced ability to work and even mental health issues
- Spinal cord injuries – these are extremely serious as they can lead to paralysis.
- Scars and disfigurement – this type of injury can be devastating and may require plastic surgery
Whatever damage you have sustained as a motorcycle rider who was involved in a crash, you deserve help for the pain and suffering you’ve gone through. Motorcycle accident victims can bring claims against the individuals whose irresponsible driving has cost them so much. Motorcycle accident lawyers can help by building a strong case that shows that you were not at fault. Contact us today to let us help with your legal needs so you can rest and recover.
How Much Money Can I Win from a Motorcycle Claim?
While the exact amount of money that you will recover depends on many factors, your winning case can result in compensatory damages for both economic and non-economic damages that you sustained from your motorcycle accident.
Economic damages are tangible costs that can be proven through receipts and other calculable records. They include:
- Payment for past and future medical bills
- Payment to cover past and future lost wages
- Payment to cover reduced wages
- Payment for property damage sustained in the crash
- Payment for special household modifications if necessary because of a disability caused by the crash
Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate and include:
- Emotional distress
- Past and future physical pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The compensation you win from your motorcycle accident claim also depends on how much of the blame you share in the incident. South Carolina law permits your payment to be reduced if you share any of the fault in the accident. The fault will be assigned to each driver by percentage, and your final compensation will be adjusted according to that percentage. So if you were found to have 20% of the fault in the accident, your final payment would be reduced by 20%. This is why it is so important to have an attorney on your side, making sure there isn’t any extra fault attributed to you. Even if the other driver seems cooperative following the accident, they could try to blame you later. Make the smart move and contact our trusted legal team today, so you get the full compensation you deserve.
Can Our Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer Help You?
Many motorcycle accidents end with serious injuries that affect the motorcycle driver and their family for years to come. Whether your accident was mild or whether you suffered catastrophic injuries from a motorcycle crash, don’t walk away carrying the financial and emotional burden unnecessarily. We believe that all motorcycle accident victims deserve justice and that you deserve compensation for the suffering you’re going through. Sometimes people think they shouldn’t sue for damages because they’re not “that type of person.” But bringing forward a claim isn’t about seeking revenge. It’s about getting help in covering costs that you didn’t ask for but that is placed in your lap because of another person’s poor decisions.
At Lee Injury Law, LLC, we will stand by your side to fight for justice in your motorcycle accident case. We want to ensure that you don’t face unnecessary blame for the wrongful actions of another individual. Our experience and proven record show that we have the know-how to get the results you need. We have helped thousands of clients recover compensation that helps cover the medical costs of their significant injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. Don’t rely on your insurance company, as many of these institutions simply push you to the side, hoping they can get away with paying you as little as possible. Hiring an attorney means you have a strong ally in your corner, preventing others from taking advantage of you. We offer a free consultation where we can talk about the details of your case. We will then investigate the incident, interview witnesses, and uncover any evidence necessary to show that you were not at fault during your motorcycle accident. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer has a deep understanding of South Carolina law and can give you the counsel you need so you get the results you are looking for. Call us today at (803) 855-1012.