Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC
When you think of motorcycles, you think of the open road, the wind blowing through your hair, and a lifestyle free from worries. You do not picture severe accidents, debilitating injuries, or long recovery periods. Yet freedom and risk are two sides of the same coin. Motorcyclists enjoy a greater sense of freedom than other motorists, but they are also at greater risk of being harmed on the road. Mount Pleasant motorcyclists are not immune to this reality. An inattentive or careless driver can unexpectedly cause a crash that leaves you with serious injuries. When this happens, your motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowcountry Law, LLC, stand ready to assist.
Our attorney, Matthew Breen, has been recognized as a SuperLawyer for the past three years. We will use our knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle wreck injuries.
Common Factors Leading to Motorcycle Crashes
In a 2019 published report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified some of the common factors and circumstances that contribute to serious and fatal motorcycle collisions. Some of these factors include:
Age of Motorcyclist
Motorcyclists between the ages of 21 and 59 are at the greatest risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. The 29 to 34-year-old age group and the 65+-year-old age group experienced the greatest number of fatalities in 2019. The former group suffered 674 fatalities, and the latter group experienced 510 deaths in motorcycle wrecks.
Alcohol Usage by Motorcyclists
Of the 4,733 motorcyclists killed in wrecks during 2019, approximately 30 percent had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%. According to the NHTSA, motorcycle riders had the highest level of alcohol impairment of any type of motor vehicle operator killed in wrecks.
Location of Crash
NHTSA statistics reveal that motorcyclists were twice as likely to be killed while riding in urban areas than in rural areas. Additionally, about twice as many fatal crashes happened at areas other than intersections than happened at intersections.
State Where Crash Occurred
According to the NHTSA’s 2019 statistics, 140 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle crashes. Some of the states with the highest number of motorcycle fatalities include Florida (559), California (451), and Texas (400).
Although NHTSA’s statistics looked only at fatal motorcycle wrecks, these same factors also increase the likelihood of non-fatal motorcycle collisions.
Our years of experience representing injured Mount Pleasant motorcyclists means we know how to investigate your crash. We will identify what led to your crash and help you seek compensation from those responsible for causing the wreck.
Am I Entitled to Compensation?
You may wonder if you even have a case with which a motorcycle accident lawyer can help. This is why we offer prospective clients a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Generally, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses and injuries if each of the four following circumstances is present in your case. They include:
Negligence by Another
If another motorist acted carelessly or recklessly, compensation might be available. What constitutes negligent or reckless behavior varies from case to case. However, common examples of negligent conduct behind the wheel include:
- Not looking for motorcyclists while driving
- Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Not using turn signals or working brake lights
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications
To put it another way, a driver is careless if another reasonable driver in their situation would have acted differently. Reckless conduct by a motorist signifies actions taken in disregard of a risk to others’ safety or property.
Causation
Next, the evidence from your wreck must show that the other motorist’s negligent or reckless conduct is what led to the crash. If the crash would have happened regardless of the motorist’s conduct, then causation may not be present.
Oftentimes, there are several factors that precipitate a wreck, such as negligent conduct, weather, and visibility conditions. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Mount Pleasant will need to look at the evidence of your case, including crash reports and photographs of the scene, to evaluate whether causation is present.
Compensable Injuries Resulted to You
Finally, you must prove that you suffered some compensable harm as a result of the crash. Since motorcyclists are at a greater risk for injury in a crash than other motorists, this is typically not a great issue to overcome. Nonetheless, there must be bills, records, invoices, or other evidence to suggest you incurred:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost wages from missing work
- Ongoing rehabilitation costs
- Damage to your personal property, like your motorcycle
A knowledgeable Mount Pleasant motorcycle accident attorney can assist you in identifying the past and ongoing expenses you may face because of your injuries.
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we are committed to helping you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. Contact our team and enlist the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been hurt in a motorcycle crash.
Injuries Frequently Encountered by our Mount Pleasant Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Any motorcycle crash has the potential to cause fatal injuries to the motorcyclist. Even if you survive your wreck, the injuries and harm you sustain can be significant. Some of the more common injuries seen in motorcycle wrecks include:
Injuries to the Lower Extremities
This includes injuries to the hips, knees, and feet. Broken leg bones are also a common injury in motorcycle wrecks. Any injury to the lower extremities can require weeks or months to heal. Some lower joints, like your knees and hips, may even require reconstructive surgery in order to heal properly.
In addition, injuries to your lower extremities can impact your mobility. You may need to be away from work for a prolonged period. Even if you are able to return to work quickly, your doctor may place you on restrictions until your injuries fully heal.
Injuries to the Upper Extremities
The upper extremities include your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. Broken bones in the upper extremities can affect your ability to work, drive, and assist with household chores and obligations. These injuries can require some time in order to heal properly.
Injuries to the Head and Spinal Cord
If you hit your head or land on your back in a crash, you may suffer a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Your spinal cord may be damaged, resulting in paralysis or pain. These are complicated injuries that often require specialized medical intervention to address.
Speak to a Dedicated Mount Pleasant Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Lowcountry Law, LLC, has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as a Platinum Client Champion because we put the needs of our clients first. We understand that you need compensation quickly when you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer is committed to taking on the detailed work of your case so that you can focus on healing.
With our motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, you can confidently navigate the court system and settlement process. We will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your legal rights.
See the difference having a compassionate, knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can make for you and your recovery. Call and schedule your free initial case consultation today.