Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Attorney Assisting Charleston Residents

Collisions involving motorcycles lead to the most serious injuries for victims. Such injuries require significant recovery time, surgery, and sometimes result in permanent impairment. When another motorist has caused a motorcycle accident, as is most often the case, they should be held legally liable. Charleston motorcycle accident attorney Lindsay Blanks is dedicated to helping victims of these crashes recover the compensation they need, and are entitled to, so that they can focus on healing. At E. Lindsay Blanks PA Law Firm we take the time to meet with our clients, listen to their story, and work diligently towards achieving the best possible outcome. We represent victims throughout South Carolina in personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of a motorcycle crash. If you have questions regarding your legal options following a motorcycle accident, contact our office to schedule a no-fee consultation today.

South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are usually due to another driver’s carelessness. In fact, it has been shown that in 75 percent crashes between cars and motorcycles, the driver of the car is to blame. Some common causes of these types of collisions include:

• Speeding
• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving
• Tailgating
• Dangerous road conditions

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Charleston, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your collision and find those responsible for your harm. Overwhelmingly, the factor that contributes most to motorcycle accidents is the failure of other motorists to yield the right of way to a motorcycle rider. Sixty-six percent of motorcycle crashes are due to another driver’s failure to lawfully share the road with a motorcyclist. A motorcyclist has the same rights to use the road as do drivers of other vehicles. When another driver does not respect those rights, leading to an accident, they should be held accountable.

Injuries Victims of Motorcycle Collisions Face

Given the lack of protections offered by a motorcycle, victims of these types of accidents suffer more severe injuries than those involving other motor vehicles. In South Carolina, only those under 21 years old are required to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are much more likely to sustain head and traumatic brain injuries in the event of a crash. Additionally, these accidents often leave victims with broken bones, road rash, and internal bleeding as well as other damage to internal organs. Unfortunately, a motorcyclist is also 35 times more likely to suffer a fatality than those driving cars.

Following a motorcycle accident, your first priority is to seek medical attention. Soon after, it is also important to consult a knowledgeable Charleston motorcycle accident attorney who can help make sure your legal rights are protected. In South Carolina, the party at-fault for an accident is liable for paying the costs of the injuries they cause. Many times, insurance companies will offer settlement amounts that are too low to cover the costs of a victim’s catastrophic injury. In cases where settlements are not adequate, litigation is necessary. In personal injury and wrongful death claims, it must be shown that a defendant acted negligently. Negligence occurs when a party breaches their duty of reasonable care to another, causing their injuries and resulting in damages. For example, a driver who fails to check for an oncoming motorcyclist when switching lanes or turning could be found to have acted unreasonably and thus negligent.

When liability is established, motorcycle accident victims can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some cases, where a defendant’s actions are especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. In wrongful death claims, families who have lost loved ones may also recover burial and funeral costs and compensation for loss of support.

Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Being injured in a motorcycle accident leaves many victims feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Charleston motorcycle accident attorney Lindsay Blanks is committed to taking on the legal burden for these victims so that their energy rightfully goes towards recovering. We represent clients throughout South Carolina, including Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Ladson, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, Mt. Pleasant, and Kingstree. If you need legal assistance in the aftermath of a motorcycle collision, call E. Lindsay Blanks PA Law Firm today at (843) 863-1800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and see how we can help.