Deadly Motorcycle Crash
A motorcyclist was killed on August 9th, 2019 after a collision with a car on U.S. 21 according to police. The motorcyclist died at the scene and has not yet been identified. It is unknown if the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
The crash happened around 7 p.m. on U.S. 21, also called North Anderson Road, at the intersection of Bird Street, said Lt. Michael Chavis of the Rock Hill Police Department. The accident occurred when the motorcyclist approached a green light at the intersection on Anderson road, while the other vehicle, a Kia, was traveling southbound in the left-hand turn lane. The Kia failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle while making its intended left turn. The motorcyclist struck the front passenger door and was ejected from the motorcycle. This is a common type of accident for motorcyclists and drivers.
The driver of the Kia was cited for failure to yield the right of way and for driving under suspension. No injuries are reported for the Kia driver.
The accident comes after a second fatal crash in the area on the preceding Thursday, which killed a Rock Hill football star and Abbeville school superintendent.
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s true when it comes to preventing motorcycle accidents as well. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, this type of accident involving a failure to yield is a common method for motorcyclists to become involved in accidents. Driving defensively and attempting to anticipate other vehicles’ potentially erratic movements can help motorcyclists avoid injury and even death. So too can wearing a helmet. In South Carolina, helmets are required for motorcycle riders under the age of 21, but they are a good idea and a good investment for all motorcyclists.
For drivers of cars, remembering to watch for and share the road with motorcyclists is imperative. There are several reasons drivers of cars and trucks may not even spot a motorcyclist, much less make way for them. Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don’t see them as easily, particularly in bad weather. Drivers also have trouble anticipating motorcyclists’ movements, especially if motorcyclists do not use turn signals to indicate changing lanes or making a turn. Sometimes, the driver’s view of the motorcyclist is obstructed by the vehicle’s blind spot. Always remember to avoid driving distracted or when you are fatigued, as these are major causes of accidents as well.
You Need a Good Attorney
If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, of course, these prevention tips are less useful. If that’s the case, you may have a claim to pursue. Many attorneys will hold themselves out as available to take a motorcycle accident case. However, the best attorney to handle your motorcycle accident claim is one with specific experience in handling motorcycle cases in the past. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Columbia personal injury attorneys at The Stanley Law Group today for help with your case.
Resources:
scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=helmet&category=CODEOFLAWS&conid=20844424&result_pos=0&keyval=13975&numrows=10
heraldonline.com/news/local/article233737222.html
https://www.thestanleylawgroup.com/medical-malpractice-how-to-find-malpractice-complaints/
