Riding motorcycles is a beloved pastime of many Mount Pleasant residents. This hobby does not come without risks, though, since motorcycles offer their riders little protection and a collision could lead to devastating injuries.
Regardless of how skilled or cautious a biker is, they cannot always anticipate the negligent actions of another motorist. In fact, careless motorists kill or severely injure scores of bikers in South Carolina annually. When another person’s reckless actions have caused your motorcycle crash, consider speaking with a local personal injury attorney from our firm.
A dedicated Mount Pleasant motorcycle accident lawyer from Geel & Gentry, LLC could meet with you free of charge to discuss what happened. If our attorneys determine someone else’s negligence is to blame for your losses, they could take the lead in pursuing compensation for your medical expenses and lost income, as well as the pain and suffering the accident has caused.
Exposure to the open air makes riding a motorcycle exhilarating. However, without protection, even a low-speed collision could cause catastrophic injuries. Typical motorcycle accident injuries include:
Motorcycle accidents can also lead to psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In many cases, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents do not heal completely. A rider could be permanently impaired physically, mentally, or emotionally from the accident. Our diligent Mount Pleasant attorneys could assess the collision’s impact on your life and demand adequate compensation from those responsible.
Bikers must obey the same traffic laws that apply to all other motor vehicles. Anyone riding a motorcycle on public roads must have either a motorcycle learner’s permit or a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license. However, a driver’s license holder can operate a three-wheeled motorcycle without the Class M endorsement.
Motorcycles may occupy an entire lane, or they may ride two abreast. Motorcycles may not overtake a vehicle in the same lane or ride between lanes of traffic. A motorcycle may only carry a passenger if it has a separate seat or one seat adequate for two people, as well as a separate footrest for a passenger.
South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-3660 requires all bikers under 21 to wear an approved helmet. Bikers under 21 also must wear eye protection if their motorcycle does not have a windscreen. Riders over 21 need not wear either a helmet or eye protection. However, our attorneys recommend all bikers in Mount Pleasant wear helmets and eye protection, since this equipment will limit the severity of head and facial injuries and reduce the risk of death.
Negligent drivers often cause motorcycle accidents. For example, a driver might merge into a biker’s lane, turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, or rear-end a bike stopped at a signal or in snarled highway traffic. Additionally, motorists may struggle to see motorcycles, which leads to many motorcycle accidents.
In South Carolina, the at-fault driver is liable for the damages of anyone who suffers losses in an accident. The state also follows a modified comparative fault rule, where an injured person who is partially responsible for an accident can still collect damages, albeit reduced ones.
Unfortunately, in a ploy to avoid paying damages, insurance companies often try to direct blame for an accident onto a biker. At Geel & Gentry, LLC, our attorneys are familiar with this strategy and could work to produce evidence confirming the motorist bears more fault for your Mount Pleasant motorcycle accident than you do.
Motorcycle accident claims can be complicated to manage; an experienced legal advocate from our firm is here to help. We are not intimidated by the strong-arm tactics of insurance companies and are comfortable taking cases to court when an insurer will not make a reasonable offer.
At Geel & Gentry, LLC, your initial consultation is free—we only get paid if you do. Call us today to discuss your case with an aggressive Mount Pleasant motorcycle accident lawyer.
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