Motorcycle accidents in South Carolina have a high likelihood of resulting in severe injuries or even death. Because riders have so little protection, they may survive an accident with brain or spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or severe road rash and face rapidly mounting medical expenses. The financial and emotional strain on top of the physical injuries can be an immense burden.
When you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash someone else caused, you deserve to seek financial recovery from the responsible parties. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm for a free initial case review with a South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss how we can help you seek maximum compensation.
Why You Need Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
At-fault drivers and their insurance providers can make it challenging for injured motorcycle riders to obtain the financial compensation they need to put their lives back together after a devastating crash. Hiring the right personal injury attorney can give you the best chance to secure the financial resources and justice you deserve.
For years, injured motorcyclists in South Carolina have trusted the team at The Melonakos Law Firm for dedicated legal advice and advocacy because:
- We provide compassionate counsel for injured people. Firm founder Mike Melonakos and his team care about every client our firm represents. Mike handpicked and trained every staff member to ensure everyone shares the same values of genuineness, approachability, and compassion.
- We provide personalized attention throughout your case so you never feel like just another number. You will speak directly with the attorney handling your case while receiving support from our other staff members. We limit our caseload to give each client the one-on-one attention they deserve.
- Mike Melonakos has a proven record of success stretching back over a decade. In that time, he’s secured hundreds of favorable verdicts and settlements, making him one of the few attorneys in the area who has represented clients in over 20 jury trials and 40 bench trials. He also has prior experience as an insurance defense lawyer, which gives him the insight needed to develop a tailored case strategy to take on powerful insurance companies and win.
Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in SC
Motorcycle riders can get into various types of crashes, including single-vehicle crashes (wipeouts), rear-end collisions, sideswipe collisions, side-impact collisions, and head-on collisions.
Many motorcycle accidents occur due to negligent or reckless driving by other motorists.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions in South Carolina include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Reckless driving, including excessive speeding or swerving between lanes of traffic
- Failing to signal or check mirrors before turning or changing lanes
- Failing to yield the right-of-way, especially other drivers turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Passing a motorcycle without moving over to an adjacent lane
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Common Injuries in SC Motorcycle Accident Cases
A rider’s exposed position on a motorcycle can put them at significant risk of suffering catastrophic injuries that are potentially life-threatening. Common examples of serious injuries that motorcyclists can suffer include:
- Severe lacerations
- Abrasions (road rash)
- Burns
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle and tendon strains and tears
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Herniated spinal disc injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation or limb loss
- Death
Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle wreck in South Carolina, you may have the right to recover compensation for losses or expenses incurred due to your injuries, missed time at work, and property damage. Your financial recovery can include compensation for your:
- Medical bills for treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of income when you miss time from work or need to transfer to a lower-paying role due to medical restrictions
- Reduced future earning potential and job benefits if you become permanently disabled
- Physical pain and anguish
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life because of your injuries
- Costs of repairs to your motorcycle or reimbursement for your bike’s value if totaled in the crash
Motorcycle Accidents and Insurance Companies
Unfortunately, pursuing compensation from insurance companies after a South Carolina motorcycle crash can be challenging. Some of the circumstances that can make a motorcycle accident case more complicated include:
- Unfair biases against motorcycle riders – Some insurers may use unfair stereotypes about motorcycle riders in an attempt to shift the blame away from their insureds.
- At-fault drivers shifting blame for the accident – Similarly, the at-fault driver may try to claim that a motorcycle sped, lane-split, or engaged in some other careless or reckless behaviors to avoid liability for the crash.
- Insurers delaying or denying claims or pressuring riders to accept lower settlements – Insurance companies may slow-walk an injured rider’s claim to put financial pressure on the rider to accept whatever settlement the insurer offers. Riders need dedicated legal representation who will fight back to hold the insurance company accountable.
How Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
After a motorcycle wreck, you may need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Hiring a South Carolina motorcycle collision attorney from The Melonakos Law Firm can help you recover from your injuries by providing you with legal representation that allows you to focus on healing.
Let our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer handle the details of preparing and pursuing your motorcycle accident claim, including:
- Investigating the crash to recover evidence proving the causes of the accident
- Identifying liable parties and options for pursuing compensation, including all available insurance coverage
- Documenting your motorcycle accident injuries and related losses
- Filing your motorcycle accident claim and dealing with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers on your behalf
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your claims
- Vigorously pursuing maximum compensation for you, whether through a settlement or by taking your case to court and trial, if necessary
After suffering life-altering injuries in a motorcycle crash in South Carolina, get the legal help you need to seek compensation and accountability for your losses. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina. We’ll discuss your legal options for pursuing the resources you need and the justice you deserve.
