Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers fail to see riders or yield the right of way. When these mistakes lead to a collision, motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries due to their limited protection. While driver inattention is a common factor, motorcycle crashes can happen for many different reasons.
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Charleston, SC, help riders and their families seek financial recovery after a serious collision. In this article, we’ll look at the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and the steps to take if you’ve been hurt.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
One of the most common motorcycle crash scenarios involves a driver making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider. Under South Carolina law, drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. A driver who claims they didn’t see the motorcycle is not excused from that responsibility.
Motorcycle accidents also happen when drivers change lanes without checking for nearby riders or pull into traffic without enough time to safely clear an approaching motorcycle. In many cases, these crashes occur because a driver was distracted or simply failed to pay attention to surrounding traffic.
Speeding is another factor that contributes to motorcycle accidents. Drivers who travel too fast have less time to react to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of a collision.
How a Motorcycle Accident Can Affect Your Life
A motorcycle collision can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. In addition to dealing with physical injuries, many people face unexpected expenses and disruptions to their daily routine.
Some of the most common consequences include:
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Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
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Ongoing rehabilitation and follow-up care
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Lost income while recovering from their injuries
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Reduced earning capacity if they are unable to return to work
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Property damage to their motorcycle and other personal belongings
For some people, recovery takes months and may require adjustments to activities that were once part of their normal routine.
Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
In many motorcycle accident cases, the person who caused the crash may also be responsible for the injuries and losses that follow. While another driver is often liable, responsibility can extend to other parties depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties may include:
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A driver who was distracted, speeding, impaired, or failed to yield the right of way
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An employer whose employee caused the crash while working
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A vehicle or motorcycle manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the accident
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A government entity responsible for a dangerous road condition
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured motorcyclist may still recover compensation if they were partially at fault, provided they are no more than 50% responsible for the crash. Any recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Determining liability often requires a careful review of the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other information related to the crash.
Speak With a Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Knowing what caused a crash is an important step in understanding your legal options. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait too long to take action, as South Carolina law limits the amount of time you have to pursue a personal injury claim.
If you have questions about your rights, our motorcycle accident attorneys at Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC are here to help. Contact us to discuss your situation or call 843-795-9500.