Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

From a ride on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway to a leisurely cruise down Main Street, Spartanburg has many roads for motorcyclists to explore throughout the city and surrounding area. Riding a motorcycle is usually an exhilarating experience, but the enjoyment can quickly disappear when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash.

Motorcyclists do not have the same levels of protection that are afforded the occupants of automobiles. This means that the potential injuries resulting from these motorcycle crashes can often be catastrophic. Motorcycle accident injuries may result in not only overwhelming medical bills but also a significant reduction in income if you are unable to return to work.

If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in Spartanburg; you need to get help from an attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance of recovering all of the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact Stewart Law Offices to speak with an experienced attorney who handles motorcycle accident claims in the area. Do this before you speak to an insurance company.

Causes of Motorcycle Traffic Collisions in Spartanburg

Many serious motorcycle accidents involve other motor vehicles. The causes of these types of collisions are often driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of crashes include:

While other drivers cause many motorcycle accidents, some crashes involve only the motorcycle. These types of accidents are not always the fault of the rider. Mechanical issues are to blame for some crashes.

If a motorcycle part malfunctioned because it was defective, the manufacturer of that part could be liable. A motorcycle that was unsafe by design could also result in a product liability claim against the manufacturer. A maintenance company could also be responsible when a motorcycle accident is caused by an improperly repaired motorcycle.

Injuries from Spartanburg Motorcycle Accidents

Very few people who are involved in motorcycle accidents walk away unscathed. Many motorcycle crashes cause severe injuries, and some injuries can be fatal.

Even when a motorcyclist does survive their injuries, they can still face a lifetime of recovery and rehabilitation. Some of the injuries motorcycle riders and passengers may sustain include:

When a motorcyclist dies from their crash injuries, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.

Spartanburg  Motorcycle Laws

South Carolina state law requires all operators of motorcycles under 21 years of age to wear helmets, goggles, and face shields. The goggle and face shield requirements do not apply to bikes with windscreens meeting South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) specifications.

A person who has not previously held a driver’s license needs to obtain a motorcycle beginner’s permit before they can receive a Class M motorcycle driver’s license. If a person fails the Class M road test three times, they must complete and pass a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)-approved motorcycle safety course to receive a motorcycle license.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book from the SCDPS, there were 148 fatalities in 139 fatal collisions involving motorcycles in a single recent year. Motorcycles were involved in 1,786 injury collisions and 470 property damage-only (PDO) collisions, resulting in 2,077 people injured.

According to SCDPS, motorcyclists not wearing helmets accounted for 68% of all motorcycle fatalities and 59% of all other injuries.  The majority of those escaping injury altogether in an incident were those who wore helmets.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents in Spartanburg

Victims in motorcycle accident cases may be entitled to damages that cover all of the expenses they have incurred and will incur due to the crash. In most cases, the settlements that are negotiated with insurance companies are intended to provide for the full lifetime of care a victim will require.

When a settlement is not possible, a victim may file a lawsuit to pursue their case in court. If successful, they may be awarded compensatory damages, which are usually a combination of economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are the costs that can be readily calculated and proven, such as lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. Pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress are typical examples of the types of more subjective awards that constitute noneconomic damages.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

When you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Even if you do not think at first that you were hurt, still go to a hospital to make sure that you did not suffer an injury that might involve delayed symptoms. Many serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms.

If it is possible, you should try to take pictures of the crash scene. Get photographs of everything relating to the accident. Ask a friend or family member to do this for you if you are unable because of your need for medical care.

If people saw your accident, get their names and phone numbers. Make sure law enforcement is contacted, and a police report is completed.

How Our Firm Can Help After a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Stewart Law Offices aggressively represent people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents in Spartanburg. We also help the families of those who were killed in motorcycle collisions seek justice on behalf of their loved ones. We have an office location in Spartanburg and represent residents of, as well as visitors to, the city and other surrounding areas.

Our firm will fight for every last dollar you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. We are here to help you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team today by calling us or by reaching out to us online.