The Leading Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In South Carolina

Motorcycles are no more likely to be involved in collisions than other types of vehicles, but your chances of sustaining a serious injury if you get into a motorcycle accident are much higher than they would be if all the other circumstances of the accident were the same, except that you were in a car instead of on a motorcycle.  Most of us have been in fender benders in cars and walked away without a scratch, but the chances of getting an injury serious enough to require medical treatment are 96 percent for single-vehicle motorcycle collisions and 98 percent for collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle.  Most motorcycle accidents are preventable, which means that, in most cases, there are things that someone else could have done differently to prevent your injuries and the accompanying prohibitively expensive medical bills. A Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the money you need through an insurance claim or lawsuit if you have suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Lack of Caution by the Other Driver

The most common cause of collisions between a car and a motorcycle is lack of caution by the driver of the car.  Motorcyclists have the right to ride on almost any road where it is legal to drive a car.  All licensed drivers know this, because driver’s license tests routinely ask about it.  Most motorcycle accidents occur because the car did not slow down in time to avoid colliding with the motorcycle.  The reasons for the car driver’s negligence vary.  In some instances, the driver was distracted or simply not paying enough attention.  In other cases, the driver was speeding, so even if he or she slowed down when the motorcycle came into view, it was too late to avoid a collision.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Sometimes the root cause of a motorcycle accident is not a mistake by either of the drivers involved, but rather, dangerous conditions on the road.  Rain and snow can make it harder to slow down when you brake and easier to lose control of your vehicle, whether it is a motorcycle or some other kind of vehicle.  Failure by local and state authorities to repair potholes and uneven road surfaces can also contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol increases the likelihood of a collision, no matter what kind of vehicle you are driving.  If a drunk driver collides with you while you are riding a motorcycle, you could have a claim against the driver or their insurance company.  If applicable, you might also be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the bar that serves alcohol to the at-fault driver before he or she drove and caused the accident.  This kind of premises liability is called dram shop liability.

Let Us Help You Today

The personal injury lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you file a claim to recover damages for your medical expenses and lost income after a motorcycle accident.  Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.