Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
South Carolina may be one of the most beautiful states in which to ride a motorcycle, especially when the weather is nice. But while riding a motorcycle can be fun and functional, getting you from point A to B quickly and fuel-efficiently, riding a motorcycle is also dangerous. Indeed, per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash than are drivers of passenger cars. And to make matters worse, South Carolina is one of the nation’s most dangerous for motorcyclists.
At The Stanley Law Group, our Lexington motorcycle accident lawyers can offer you legal support if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident. Please call our law firm today to learn how we can help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A large proportion of motorcycle accidents occur in our state because drivers simply do not see the motorcyclists in the seconds before they hit them. This is because:
- Drivers often fail to look before changing lanes or turning;
- Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them more difficult to see;
- Motorcyclists may be riding in drivers’ blind spots; and
- Drivers are distracted by passengers, technology, and more.
While failing to see a motorcyclist is a common cause of motorcycle crashes, it is not the only one. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Driving while drunk or impaired;
- Speeding;
- Tailgating;
- Driving aggressively; and
- Failing to yield the right of way.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Lexington, there are some important things that you need to know about filing a motorcycle accident claim. These include:
- Liability insurance. In South Carolina, drivers who cause accidents are responsible for paying for them. Typically, this is through an at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may file a claim with your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you carry this insurance type).
- Comparative negligence. Another important thing to know about filing a motorcycle accident claim in South Carolina is that the state recognizes the rule of comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident or your injuries, your claim can be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you will be completely barred from recovery.
- Statute of limitations. You only have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you can be barred from recovery.
Call Our Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you deserve to be compensated. At the office of The Stanley Law Group, our lawyers can help. Please reach out to us directly for a free consultation to learn more. You can contact us online or by phone at your convenience.