Summerville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents in and around Summerville, South Carolina can result in life-threatening and deadly injuries. Unlike motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists do not have much protection when they are involved in a collision with an automobile, and even a low-speed collision can lead to traumatic amputation injuries, bone fractures, and other serious harm. When any motorcycle injury occurs, it is critical to seek legal help in order to identify the liable party or parties and to file a claim for financial compensation. Contact our experienced Summerville motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Common Causes of Summerville Motorcycle Accidents
Given the vulnerability of motorcyclists compared to motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists tend to sustain road accident injuries at a higher rate than other motorists on the road. Indeed, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), “although motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles and 0.6 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, 17 percent of all occupant fatalities, and 3 percent of all occupant injuries in 2021.” What causes these devastating accidents? Consider the following, which are commonly report causes of motorcycle crashes:
- Speeding (either the motorcycle or another vehicle);
- Following too closely (either the motorcycle or another vehicle);
- Lane splitting by the motorcyclist;
- Dooring (when a driver opens a car door into an oncoming motorcyclist);
- Alcohol impairment (either the motorcyclist or another motor vehicle driver);
- Hazardous road conditions, such as debris or slick roads;
- Inclement weather;
- Defective motorcycle or automobile part;
- Drowsy or fatigued driving (either the motorcyclist or another driver); and
- Distracted driving (either the motorcyclist or another driver).
There are additional reasons that motorcycle accidents happen, and it is usually essential to determine causation if you are injured in a crash so that you can also determine liability and file a claim for compensation.
Liability for Motorcycle Accidents in Summerville
Liability for your motorcycle accident requires you to determine causation. Once you know the cause of the accident, you can typically work with an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer in Summerville to identify the party or parties who may be responsible for paying compensation. Every motorcycle accident has its own set of facts, so liability will depend on the details of your case. In general, however, the following parties often are liable in motorcycle accident cases:
- Negligent car or truck driver;
- Negligent mechanic;
- Designer or manufacturer of a defective vehicle part;
- Employer of a negligent motorist (who is driving for their job at the time of the collision);
- Negligent property owner (if accident resulted from dangerous road conditions);
- Negligent pedestrian or bicyclist.
Sometimes a motorcyclist’s own liability can result in their damages award being reduced by their percentage of fault, or in the motorcyclist being barred from recovery if they are 51 percent or more at fault. A lawyer can help you if you have any questions about how South Carolina’s modified comparative fault law is likely to apply to your case.
Contact The Stanley Law Group Today
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe and life-threatening harm. If you were injured in a motorcycle collision and believe another party is responsible, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact our experienced Summerville car accident lawyer for assistance with your case.
