Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Helping Injured Motorcyclists Recover, One Client at a Time
The freedom of an open road and two wheels in incomparable for motorcycle
riders, but with that freedom comes danger. Motorcycle accidents and the
subsequent injuries are often more serious than
auto accidents. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you need legal representation
from a Charleston motorcycle accident attorney on the team at Kahn Law
Firm, LLP. Our lawyers are dedicated to getting riders the compensation
needed to recover and get back on your bikes.
Contact our team to discuss your accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Despite the reputation for being aggressive or reckless, motorcycle riders
are often the most observant and aware drivers on the road. Many accidents
are not caused by riders but by other drivers who are not paying attention
or are negligent on the road.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs without noticing the approaching motorcycle
- Failure to yield right-of-way to the motorcycle
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Driving while distracted
- Driving above the speed limit
After an accident, you will need to contact law enforcement, take a moment
to collect the following information, and contact our office:
- Statements and contact information from witnesses
- Evidence photos and information at the scene including anything in the
road that may have contributed to the accident
- Photos of skid marks and of the vehicle(s)
- Photos of your bike and the position it is on the road
If you are unsure of what to do or are not able to collect the information
yourself, you can have a friend or witness call our team to discuss what
to collect.
South Carolina Motorcycle Laws
The state of South Carolina only requires motorcycle riders under the age
of 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet, along with goggles or a face screen
if the motorcycle does not have a wind screen. Motorcycle drivers over
the age of 21 are
not required to wear a helmet. It is important to note, however, that if you
plan on riding across state lines, North Carolina and Georgia both require
motorcycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet approved by the Department
of Transportation.
Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet is Safest
Even if it's not legally required to wear a helmet, it is much safer
to wear a protective helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation.
There are numerous studies that prove that wearing a motorcycle helmet
can reduce your risk of head injury in an accident by 69%.
Common Medical Expenses After a Motorcycle Accident
It's become common knowledge that getting into an accident as a motorcycle
driver is far more dangerous than getting into an accident while driving
a car. You are nearly guaranteed to get injured in a motorcycle accident,
which could potentially lead to extensive medical expenses.
Medical costs can include:
- ambulance transportation
- emergency room treatment
- hospitalization
- surgery
- pain medication
- rehabilitation
- physical therapy
- home health care costs
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be able to seek compensation for a
wide range of damages, including:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and other income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Lost earning capacity
-
Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)
In some cases where there is clear and convincing evidence that the responsible
party acted in a reckless manner, additional punitive damages may also
be available. Unlike compensatory damages which are meant to make a victim
whole, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for egregious
conduct. In the context of motorcycle accidents, this may be applicable
in situations where the other driver was under the influence of alcohol
or drugs, if they were committing a felony at the time of the crash, or
if they intended to cause the plaintiff harm.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and you need medical care,
you deserve compensation. Our team understands how devastating a motorcycle
accident can be and how hard it is to get back on your feet after medical
bills pile up and income is compromised. You deserve compensation from
the party at fault and we are prepared to help you get it. Let our team
of knowledgeable and persistent Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys
help you get the settlement you deserve.
Request a free consultation at (843) 547-0240.