The unexpected death of a loved one is traumatic and overwhelming, and it can feel worse when they die in an accident someone else has caused. When a loved one passes away due to injuries sustained in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, families not only have to struggle with the emotional toll of their loss but the financial toll, as well.
You may be wondering how you’re going to afford your loved one’s funeral and burial costs, pay their final medical expenses, and cope with the loss of their income. The fatal motorcycle accident lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm want to help you seek compensation for the loss of your loved one through a wrongful death claim.
Contact us now to arrange a free consultation with an experienced fatal motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina
Fatal motorcycle accidents are too common on South Carolina roads. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 161 fatal motorcycle accidents happened in the state in a single recent year, marking an increase over previous years.
Under South Carolina’s statute of limitations for wrongful death, you have three years to file your lawsuit. However, wrongful death claims can be complex, as they involve various state laws and require that you prove the at-fault party was negligent. For these reasons, consulting an experienced attorney is critical.
Reasons to Choose Our SC Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
When selecting a motorcycle accident lawyer in SC to handle your wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal crash, you need one with compassion and experience. That’s precisely what The Melonakos Law Firm offers our clients. When you work with us, you get access to our:
- Compassionate legal support – We understand how devastating wrongful deaths are for families and seek to provide compassionate legal support that focuses on your and your family’s best interests.
- Extensive trial experience – Our attorneys have secured hundreds of favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients. While most lawsuits end in settlements, we treat every case as if it’s going to trial from the outset so we can provide our clients with the best possible legal support.
- Direct access – When you work with our law firm, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case and continuous support from our legal team.
- Record of client satisfaction – We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients and maintain a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and recognition from Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers.
See what our past clients have to say about our firm. For example:
“My experience with the Melonakos law firm was nothing less than a warm and professional experience. The attorney JP and the staff member Marissa were very attentive to my questions and responded to me in a very timely manner.” — Bruce
Causes and Types of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
There are many causes and types of fatal motorcycle accidents. However, one of the most common factors is driver negligence. Car and truck drivers often don’t give motorcycle riders the space, respect, and right to the road they deserve, which can lead to preventable fatalities.
Some of the most common types of fatal motorcycle crashes include:
- Left-turn accidents – Drivers making left turns at intersections sometimes fail to yield the right-of-way to oncoming motorcycle riders, resulting in T-bone accidents that throw motorcyclists from their bikes.
- Lane change accidents – While many drivers check for cars and trucks in their mirrors before changing lanes on the highway, they don’t always check for motorcyclists.
- Rear-end collisions – Motorcycles require shorter distances to stop than cars and trucks, which can lead to rear-end collisions if other drivers tailgate riders.
- Head-on collisions – When drivers cross the center line and strike a motorcyclist head-on, it nearly always results in life-changing or fatal injuries for the motorcyclist.
Who Can File a Claim for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
The only person who can file a wrongful death claim for a fatal accident involving a motorcycle in South Carolina is the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate. They bring the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased’s family, with the order of priority being:
- The deceased’s spouse and children
- The deceased’s parents
- The deceased’s heirs
Types of Compensation Available in a Deadly Motorcycle Crash Case
You can seek various types of compensation through a wrongful death claim after a fatal motorcycle accident, including:
- Medical expenses – Compensation for the medical bills incurred by your loved one before their passing
- Lost wages – Compensation for the loss of expected income your loved one would have contributed to your family
- Loss of future benefits – Compensation for the loss of benefits you received through your loved one, such as health insurance or retirement fund contributions
- Burial and funeral costs – Compensation for your loved one’s burial and funeral
- Loss of care and compassion – Compensation for the loss of guidance, care, nurturing, love, companionship, and consortium provided by your loved one
- Loss of services – Compensation for hiring someone else to perform household services your loved one performed, such as yard work or childcare
Proving Liability for Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina
Proving liability in a fatal motorcycle accident can be challenging without the assistance of an attorney. Some of the evidence we use to prove liability includes:
- Traffic camera footage – Traffic cameras may have caught the accident or the events leading up to or directly after it.
- Eyewitness testimony – Eyewitnesses may be able to provide their recollection of how the accident occurred.
- Expert witness testimony – Medical professionals, financial experts, and crash reconstruction specialists could provide insight into the technical aspects of the accident and its impact on your family.
- Accident scene evidence – Accident scene photographs showing the damaged vehicles, skid marks on the road, and relevant traffic signs or signals can be crucial evidence.
- Medical records – Your loved one’s medical records detailing their injuries are essential for calculating their medical expenses and may help determine how the accident occurred.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claim
Our experienced fatal motorcycle accident lawyers in South Carolina can provide a wide variety of benefits to your case. Some of the things our attorneys can assist you with are:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and identifying the at-fault driver and other liable parties
- Gathering supporting evidence to prove liability
- Calculating your losses
- Filing your claim within the three-year time limit
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Representing you and your family at trial and seeking the maximum compensation for your loss
Contact The Melonakos Law Firm for a free consultation about your wrongful death claim with one of our experienced fatal motorcycle accident attorneys. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the claims process.
