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 online or call us at (843) 920-5690 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.
Contact Our Firm Today for a Free Case Evaluation
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.
Contact us online or call us to request a free consultation at (843) 920-5690 or fill out the form below.
