Rock Hill Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The personal injury attorneys of Stewart Law Offices represent bikers who are hurt by negligent motorists. We help injured motorcyclists in Rock Hill and across South Carolina seek justice and compensation.
We have seen a wide variety of motorcycle crash cases. We know all too well the catastrophic injuries that motorcycle riders and passengers can suffer if they are involved in a crash with a car, truck, or other motor vehicle.
While motorcycles have the same rights to the road as other vehicles under South Carolina law, other drivers do not always respect the rights of bikers to share the road with them, and they may fail to exercise due caution when driving near them.
When someone else’s reckless or negligent actions cause a York County motorcycle accident, riders and passengers may suffer severe or even fatal injuries. When this happens, the injured rider or the surviving family members of the deceased could be eligible to pursue legal action against the party responsible for the crash. With the help of an experienced motorcycle lawyer, the victim and their family members can pursue compensation for their losses.
Don’t let another driver’s reckless or careless actions cost you everything. Call the motorcycle accident lawyers of Stewart Law Offices to discuss your rights and legal options.
How a Rock Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a motorcycle accident, life can feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what steps to take. That’s where a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer comes in. At Stewart Law Offices, our experienced legal team understands the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face and is committed to guiding you through the legal process, fighting to pursue the compensation you deserve.
After a motorcycle accident, dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and proving liability can be daunting, especially when you’re focused on your recovery. A motorcycle accident lawyer can manage every aspect of your claim, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. Our team meticulously gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case on your behalf.
We can compassionately guide you through the legal process, explain your rights at each phase, offer legal advice tailored to your case, and advise you of your legal options. We will be there for you every step of the way.
Why Hire Stewart Law Offices?
At Stewart Law Offices, we believe in the power of results. Our team’s proven track record speaks volumes about our dedication and skill in handling complex accident cases. While every case is unique, we have successfully secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, including $1.6 million and $1.5 million in motorcycle accident cases.* Our results demonstrate our commitment to fighting aggressively for the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
Stewart Law Offices prioritizes our clients’ needs and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellent service. Here’s what you can expect when you work with our law firm:
- We answer calls and return messages promptly, ensuring you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.
- We are available 24/7, ready to assist whenever you need us most.
- Our attorneys can personally visit you at home or in the hospital, so you don’t have to worry about travel during your recovery.
- You will always meet with a qualified attorney, not just a staff member, to discuss your case.
- We maintain regular communication as your claim progresses, keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Our attorneys fight aggressively to maximize your compensation, seeking the best possible outcome for your situation.
- We treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve, recognizing the hardships you’ve endured.
- You won’t pay any fees unless we win money for you, meaning you can focus on your recovery without added financial stress.*
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. Let Stewart Law Offices guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Types of Financial Compensation in a Rock Hill Motorcycle Claim
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have worked extensively with people injured in motorcycle accidents. We know that the injuries they suffer are often severe and, in some cases, may cause permanent disabilities.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash and the extent of the injuries you’ve suffered, you could be eligible for compensation for the following:
- Costs of medical treatment – The medical costs associated with motorcycle accident injuries can be exorbitant. Your motorcycle accident claim can demand compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses.
- Loss of income – You may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages and any impact the accident had on your future earning ability.
- Property damage – This includes repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle, clothing, and other personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering – You can seek compensation for your physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If the accident leaves you unable to do things that you once enjoyed doing, like hobbies, sports, exercise, and other activities, you could be owed specific damages for those losses.
- Loss of consortium – If the accident impacts your relationship with your spouse, compensation could be awarded to them directly.
In very rare instances, a jury may decide to award the victim punitive damages. These are non-economic damages that are designed to punish the defendant for particularly egregious actions. Punitive damages are meant to send a message and serve as a deterrent to others.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Rock Hill
Accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Some common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to leave adequate distance between vehicles
- Failure to yield the right-of-way, particularly when making left-hand turns
- Driver fatigue
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failure to signal lane changes
- Distracted driving (texting, eating or drinking, using in-vehicle devices, daydreaming)
This is far from a comprehensive list of the causes of accidents that cause harm to riders and their passengers every day. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to keep a proper lookout for motorcycles or allow them the same right to the road. When a motorist’s negligence causes a serious crash, legal help is available to make things right.
Rural Motorcycle Accidents in Rock Hill, SC
While urban areas present their own set of dangers, rural roads around Rock Hill and York County can pose unique risks to motorcyclists. These winding country roads offer scenic rides but can also be the site of serious accidents. Some popular riding areas where accidents might occur include:
- The roads around Lake Wylie, particularly along SC-49 and Charlotte Highway
- The scenic routes through nearby York, such as SC-5 and SC-324
- The winding roads of the Catawba Indian Reservation area
- Rural stretches of US-21 north of Rock Hill towards Fort Mill
- The back roads around historic Brattonsville
These areas often feature sharp curves, limited visibility, and potentially hazardous road conditions, such as gravel or debris. Additionally, rural accidents can be more dangerous due to:
- Longer emergency response times
- Lack of street lighting
- Unexpected wildlife crossings
- Farm equipment on the road
- Less frequent road maintenance
Motorcyclists should exercise extra caution when riding in these areas and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected obstacles.
Common Injuries Motorcycle Accident Victims Suffer
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders compared to the protection drivers have in enclosed vehicles. Even minor accidents can lead to significant physical harm. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting memory, motor skills, and overall cognitive function.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering the victim’s life. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Motorcyclists frequently suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones in crashes due to the impact with the ground or other vehicles. Fractures can take weeks or months to heal and may require surgical intervention.
- Road Rash – When a rider slides across the pavement, severe skin abrasions, known as road rash, can occur. These injuries range from mild to severe, with deeper wounds causing nerve damage, infections, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries – The impact of a crash can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, which may not be immediately visible. These injuries are life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
- Amputations – In high-impact accidents, limbs may be severely damaged or crushed, sometimes resulting in the need for amputation. This life-altering injury often requires prosthetics and long-term rehabilitation.
- Facial Injuries – Motorcyclists can suffer facial fractures, dental injuries, and eye damage, especially if thrown from the bike. These injuries may lead to permanent disfigurement or vision problems.
Fatalities in Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, fatalities are a tragic reality in motorcycle accidents. The lack of protective barriers between the rider and the road or other vehicles significantly increases the risk of death. Riders who survive often endure severe, life-changing injuries.
According to recent statistics, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash.
If you lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, a fatal motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation. Contact a fatal motorcycle injury lawyer at Stewart Law Offices today to discuss your case.
Survival Odds in Motorcycle Crashes
While motorcycle accidents can be deadly, about 95 percent of riders survive crashes. Factors that can improve survival odds include:
- Wearing a DOT-approved helmet (which can reduce the risk of death by about 37%)
- Using proper protective gear (leather jackets, gloves, boots)
- Following traffic laws and practicing defensive driving
Even non-fatal crashes can result in severe, life-changing injuries. This underscores the critical importance of both prevention and having experienced legal representation in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle accident victims in Rock Hill, SC should seek immediate medical attention following a crash, even if injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
It is crucial that motorcyclists know what to do after a motorcycle accident in Rock Hill. All too often, crash victims tell us they regret not being better prepared for what to do at the crash scene – and in the hours, days, and weeks that follow.
Recommended steps to take after an accident:
- Remain at the scene.
- Contact the police and file a police report.
- Report all injuries and symptoms.
- Seek medical treatment.
- Never give statements to an insurance adjuster.
- Never sign anything without talking to a lawyer.
- Get a copy of the police report from the accident.
- Take photos of damaged property and of your physical injuries.
- Keep a record of your physical symptoms, medical visits, treatments, tests, and medications.
- Keep a record of days missed from work.
- Talk to an experienced attorney.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Claims
The statute of limitations for filing injury claims or wrongful death claims varies from state to state. South Carolina motorcycle laws state that injured individuals or representatives of the deceased must file injury actions or wrongful death actions within three years of the date of injury or death.
Get Started on Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, there is no time to lose. It is our mission to help injured bikers and their families pursue justice. We will aggressively seek compensation on your behalf and will be with you every step of the way. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Rock Hill personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and have us answer any questions you may have about the injury claims process.
Our office is available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us by phone, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live today.
*Disclaimer: Case results vary. Prior results are not guaranteed. After the recovery is made, attorney fees will be computed before the deduction of incurred expenses.