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Riding motorcycles is a beloved pastime for many Charleston residents, but the hobby comes with significant risks. Because motorcycles offer riders little protection, a collision can lead to devastating injuries. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer from Geel & Gentry, LLC can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
Regardless of how skilled or cautious a biker is, they cannot always anticipate the reckless actions of another motorist. In fact, careless drivers severely injure or kill scores of bikers in South Carolina annually. When someone else’s actions have caused your crash, our dedicated legal team can meet with you free of charge to discuss what happened. If we determine someone else is to blame, we will take the lead in pursuing compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Exposure to the open air makes riding a motorcycle exhilarating. However, without protection, even a low-speed collision could cause catastrophic harm. Typical injuries include:
Severe abrasions and friction burns (road rash)
Burns from contact with the bike’s exhaust pipe
Soft tissue injuries to the neck, shoulder, and back
Fractures of the lower leg, ankle, and foot
Broken shoulder or clavicle
Facial injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
In many cases, these injuries do not heal completely. A rider could be permanently impaired physically, mentally, or emotionally. Our diligent Charleston attorneys assess the collision’s impact on your life to demand adequate compensation from the responsible parties.
Bikers must obey the same traffic laws that apply to all other motor vehicles. Anyone riding on public roads must have either a motorcycle learner’s permit or a Class M endorsement. However, a driver’s license holder can operate a three-wheeled motorcycle without the Class M endorsement.
Key regulations include:
Lane Usage: Motorcycles may occupy an entire lane or ride two abreast, but they may not “lane split” or overtake a vehicle in the same lane.
Passengers: A motorcycle may only carry a passenger if it has a separate seat and footrest.
Helmets: S.C. Code § 56-5-3660 requires all bikers under 21 to wear an approved helmet and eye protection. While riders over 21 are not legally required to wear them, our attorneys strongly recommend their use to reduce the risk of fatal head injuries.
In South Carolina, the at-fault driver is liable for the damages of anyone who suffers losses in an accident. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured person who is partially responsible can still collect damages, provided their fault does not exceed 50%.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to direct blame onto the biker to avoid paying claims. At Geel & Gentry, LLC, our attorneys are familiar with this strategy. Your Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer will work to produce evidence (such as witness statements and accident reconstruction) confirming the motorist bears the primary fault for the crash.
Motorcycle accident claims are complicated; an experienced legal advocate is essential. We are not intimidated by the strong-arm tactics of insurance companies and are comfortable taking cases to court when an insurer refuses to make a reasonable offer.
At Geel & Gentry, LLC, your initial consultation is free, and we only get paid if you do. Contact us today to discuss your case with an aggressive Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer.
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